What You’ll Need
To cook delicious BBQ chicken on an electric grill, you’ll need the following ingredients and equipment:
- Chicken pieces – breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or a whole cut-up chicken
- BBQ sauce or rub – your favorite brand and flavor
- Cooking oil – vegetable, canola, etc.
- Electric grill – must have a lid and be able to reach temperatures of at least 400°F
- Tongs – for turning the chicken
- Knives and cutting board – for prepping the chicken
- Aluminum foil – if using bone-in chicken
- Meat thermometer – to check internal temperature
- Seasonings – salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, etc.
Make sure your chicken is thawed completely before grilling. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels to help get crispy skin.
Prep the Chicken
Cut whole chickens or large pieces into smaller, more manageable sizes for grilling. Breasts can be halved or quartered, while thighs and drumsticks may be left whole.
Season the chicken liberally on all sides with salt, pepper, and any other spices you want. You can also coat the chicken with olive oil or other cooking oil to help prevent it from drying out on the grill.
If using bone-in chicken pieces, cover the exposed bone ends completely with aluminum foil. This prevents them from burning in the hot grill.
Make the BBQ Sauce or Rub
You have a couple options for flavoring your BBQ chicken:
BBQ Sauce:
Whisk together your favorite store-bought sauce or make one from scratch. Good staple ingredients include ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, garlic, and smoked paprika. Bring the sauce to a simmer on the stovetop then let it cool before using.
Dry Rub:
Combine dried spices like brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can make a large batch of rub and store leftovers in an airtight container.
Once your chicken is prepped, generously coat all sides with the BBQ sauce or rub. Let it marinate while you preheat your grill.
Preheat the Grill
Always preheat your electric grill for at least 10-15 minutes on high heat before cooking. This allows the grill grate to get piping hot.
Aim for a temperature between 400-450°F. Refer to your grill’s instruction manual if needed to learn how to adjust the temperature.
While the grill preheats, set up your cooking area. Place a large tray or pan nearby to hold the cooked chicken. Have your tongs, meat thermometer, and sauces easily accessible.
Cook the Chicken
Carefully place the chicken on the preheated grill and close the lid. Avoid overcrowding by leaving some space between each piece.
Cook the chicken on high heat for about 5-8 minutes per side. This helps the outside get nice and crisp. Flip each piece over with tongs halfway through.
If flames start flaring up, move the chicken temporarily to a cooler spot and close the lid to reduce oxygen. Avoid burning.
Baste frequently with additional BBQ sauce or oil to keep the exterior moist. Roast bone-side down first if using bone-in chicken.
Check Temperature
Here are the safe internal temperatures to cook chicken to:
| Breasts | 165°F |
| Thighs | 165°F |
| Drumsticks | 165°F |
| Wings | 165°F |
| Ground Chicken | 165°F |
| Whole Chicken | 165°F |
Insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of each piece, avoiding bone if possible. Don’t let the probe touch the grill grate.
Once the chicken reaches the correct temperature, use tongs to move it to a clean platter or pan. Tent loosely with foil and let rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
Add Sauce and Serve
To prevent drying, brush the cooked chicken with additional BBQ sauce right when it comes off the grill.
You can also offer extra sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped parsley, scallions, or shredded cheese if desired.
Let the chicken rest briefly before chopping or slicing to allow juices to redistribute. Avoid cutting into it right away.
Serve the juicy BBQ chicken straight from the grill alongside classic sides like cornbread, coleslaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, or potato salad.
Cleanup
Once the chicken is removed, give the grill grate a quick brushing with a stiff wire grill brush. Make sure to brush off any burnt bits of food.
It’s easiest to clean the grill while it’s still hot. Flip the heat to high for 5 minutes, then use tongs to wipe the grates with paper towels or a soft cloth.
When finished grilling, turn the electric grill off and unplug it. Allow it to fully cool before attempting to move it back indoors or cover it up. Never put a cover on a hot grill.
Use hot, soapy water and a scrub brush or sponge to clean the grill trays and any utensils you used. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Tips and Variations
– Soak wood chips or chunks in water for 30 minutes then scatter on the hot grill for smoky flavor.
– Grill lemon halves alongside the chicken for a delicious, charred garnish. Squeeze over chicken before serving.
– Use a dry seasoning blend instead of a wet BBQ sauce. Jerk or lemon pepper flavors work great.
– Stuff herbs like rosemary or sage under the chicken skin along with butter or olive oil.
– Infuse flavor by marinating the chicken overnight in a mixture of oil, seasoning, and acidic ingredients like vinegar or citrus juice.
– Adjust grill heat as needed. Cook chicken over indirect heat (off to the side) first for tender meat, then move over direct heat to crisp and char.
– Chicken thighs and drumsticks take longer to cook than breasts and wings. Adjust cook times accordingly.
– Take extra safety precautions if grilling bone-in chicken. Use foil to protect bones and thoroughly cook meat near the bones.
Common Questions
What type of electric grill is best for cooking chicken?
Look for an electric grill that can reach high temperatures between 400-450°F. Grills with adjustable heat and a lid are ideal to allow cooking over both indirect and direct heat. The grate surface should be nonstick.
How long does it take to grill chicken on an electric grill?
Cooking time can vary based on the thickness of the chicken and whether it’s bone-in or boneless. As a general guideline, expect bone-in chicken pieces to take 45-60 minutes on an electric grill, flipping halfway. Boneless pieces cook faster in 30-40 minutes.
Is it safe to grill chicken on an electric grill?
Yes, you can safely cook chicken on an electric grill as long as you take precautions. Use a food thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Prevent cross-contamination by keeping raw chicken separate from cooked food. Clean the grill thoroughly after each use.
Should the grill be oiled or greased before cooking chicken?
It’s not necessary to grease or oil the grill grates first if your electric grill has a nonstick coating. However, you can brush or rub a thin layer of oil on the hot grates just prior to grilling to help prevent sticking.
Conclusion
Grilling juicy BBQ chicken at home is easy with the right electric grill and a few simple tips. Allow time to properly preheat the grill before cooking. Keep a close eye on the temperature and baste the chicken frequently with sauce or oil. Use a thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. Resting before eating and cleaning the grill afterward makes for the perfect grilled chicken dinner. Enjoy your delicious BBQ meal straight from your own backyard.