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Chicken on the grill

Back to advice from my Butcher

BBQ Chicken is an outdoor cooking classic! Here are some tips and suggestions on how to make it juicy and tender.

Ideal cuts

If chicken kebabs, marinated chicken breasts and chicken burgers are your usual go-to’s, thighs and drumsticks work for the BBQ, too. Here’s a tip: Marinate the chicken or coat it with butter and fine herbs.

Grilling methods

Grill covered on medium heat, turning only once while cooking. For best results, always double wrap the chicken in oiled aluminum foil before placing it on the grill. Use tongs to gently handle the meat.

Internal temperatures for cooked chicken

Whole chicken: 180 °F (82 °C)
Cuts: 170 °F (77 °C)
Ground chicken: 165 °F (74 °C)

Cook each cut in its own unique way!

1Chicken breasts

Grilling method: Brush the cold grill with vegetable oil. Preheat on high heat for about 5 minutes then reduce to medium-high. Cook uncovered over indirect heat for 20 minutes on each side.

Helpful tip: Ensure the grill is well-oiled and cook on indirect heat or in aluminum foil. Turn it only once while cooking.

Good side dishes: Serve chicken breasts with a side of bean sprouts, Swiss chard or grilled zucchini slices with parmesan and garlic. Want to change it up? Make aluminum packets filled with potatoes and corn or even grilled sweet potato, pear and pineapple kebabs. Irresistible!

2Chicken Legs

Grilling method: Preheat the BBQ on high heat for about 5 minutes, then reduce to medium heat. Grill for about 15 minutes on each side for a small leg (170 gr) and 20 minutes on each side for a big one (220 gr).The internal temperature must reach 77 C (170 F).

Helpful tip: Ensure the grill is well-oiled before starting the BBQ.

Good side dishes: Why not accompany your chicken legs with a salad already prepared in store or vegetables ready to grill. Discover all the side dishes at the Fresh to go counter in store.

3Chicken thighs

Grilling method: Preheat the BBQ on high heat for about 5 minutes, then reduce to medium heat. Grill for about 10 minutes on a sheet of oiled aluminum foil, then finish cooking on low heat for about 25 minutes.

Helpful tip: Make sure things are laid flat for even cooking. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly done. Remove from the grill about 5 degrees before the desired temperature is reached. The meat will continue cooking while it sits.

Good side dishes: Savoury Basmati rice, grilled eggplant with a mustard vinaigrette, or a pear and walnut salad. Your guests will be asking for the recipe!

4Chicken rosettes

Grilling method: Over medium-high heat, grill uncovered on a sheet of oiled aluminum foil for 9 minutes on each side.

Helpful tip: In a frying pan, sear the rosettes on high heat on each side then finish cooking on the BBQ. The cheese caramelizes in the pan, gets sealed in and won’t melt on the grill.

Good side dishes: Cold fusilli pasta with summer veggies, or a creamy broccoli salad with red grapes and onions both pair well with grilled rosettes.