Grilling chicken this summer is definitely a staple, but getting it right can sometimes be a little bit tricky: too dry, too bland, or unevenly cooked, and it’s a disaster.
We’ve all been there! However, the good news is that a few simple techniques and the right marinades can help you to grill your chicken and turn it from average chicken to restaurant quality.
Start With the Right Cut
Chicken breasts are lean and cook fast; however, they can dry out extremely easily. Thighs are the juiciest, and they can be a little bit more forgiving when you are cooking. Drumsticks and wings are fun for casual cookouts; however, whatever cut you choose, you should pound chicken breasts lightly so that you can get them to cook more evenly, and they will also stay more tender this way. Once you learn how to cook chicken there are many recipes you can try.
Marinades Matter
Marinades are where flavor starts. A good one has three parts: an acid, such as lemon juice or vinegar; a fat, such as yogurt or olive oil; and then seasoning like herbs, spices, or aromatics. Some common combinations include:
– Lemon herb with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and rosemary
– Greek style with yogurt, lemon, garlic, oregano, and black pepper
– Soy ginger with soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, and brown sugar
– Spicy chipotle with lime juice, honey, and cumin
You should allow the chicken to sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes; however, if you want a better flavor, go for 4-6 hours. Try not to marinate for too long if you are using acidic marinades, as the meat can just get a little bit mushy, and it changes the taste.
Don’t Skip the Dry Rubs
If you are short on time, then dry rubs are a brilliant way for you to add flavor to a chicken dish. Mix up a blend of spices and coat the chicken before you grill them.
Garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper are all great ways to do this. Add brown sugar if you want to add a little bit of sweetness.
If you want more ideas, have a look at these easy-to-use seasonings for chicken breasts so that you don’t need to make your own blends.
Grill with Confidence
Always make sure that you are preheating your grill when you are cooking chicken. Medium heat works great for chicken; too hot on the outside will burn before the inside cooks, which leads to you having dried-out chicken. Oil the grate so that you can stop it from sticking.
Place the chicken on the grill and try not to move it around too much. Let it sear and develop a nice grill mark, and then flip it over. Chicken breasts usually take six to eight minutes per side, depending on how thick they are. If you are cooking thighs and drumsticks, they may take a little bit longer.
One of the best tools for cooking chicken is a meat thermometer. The thickest part should be aimed at around 165 degrees Fahrenheit; this guarantees that the chicken is juicy and safe to eat every single time.
Grilling Chicken Doesn’t Need to Be Complicated
Some people worry about cooking chicken; however, when it is prepared right and you have a good marinade, as well as pay attention to how you cook it, you can serve it up tender and full of flavor every single time. All you need to do is master the basics, and then you can start experimenting with flavors and making your chicken your own.
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