How to BBQ chicken to perfection

At Big Sky chicken is often on our menu. A chicken cooked well on a BBQ is a beautiful way to eat it. However, BBQing chicken can be tricky and it's easy to end up with dry, overcooked meat if you are not careful.

Here are some of my top tips to help you BBQ your chicken to perfection.

Marinate the chicken: Marinating the chicken before grilling it can add flavour and help keep it moist. You can use a store-bought marinade or make your own by mixing olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and your favourite herbs and spices. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavour.

 Use the right cut of chicken: Chicken breasts are a popular choice for grilling, but they can dry out easily. Instead, try using chicken thighs or drum sticks, which have more fat and are less likely to dry out.

Preheat the BBQ: Before you start cooking, be sure to preheat the grill to a medium-high heat. This will help the chicken cook evenly and keep it from sticking to the grill.

Keep an eye on the temperature: I always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of any meat I am cooking.  The safe temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F or 73°C. Cooking the chicken for too long or at too high of a temperature will dry it out.

 Let it rest: Once the chicken is done cooking, take it off the BBQ and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring that your chicken is juicy and flavourful.

Serve with sides: Serve the BBQ chicken with your favourite sides such as coleslaw, potato salad or roasted vegetables.  My favourite is my home-made Arkansas Slaw and I will post that recipe another time.

By following these tips, you'll be able to BBQ chicken to perfection.