Nothing says summer quite like the aroma of juicy grilled chicken sizzling on the BBQ. Whether you're hosting family, entertaining friends, or preparing a quick weeknight dinner, perfectly grilled chicken is always a crowd-pleaser. Yet, many home cooks struggle with dry, overcooked chicken that lacks flavour.
The good news? Achieving tender, juicy grilled chicken isn't difficult. With a few simple techniques, you'll enjoy restaurant-quality results every time. Here's the secret to making perfectly juicy grilled chicken all summer long.
Start with High-Quality Chicken
The foundation of a great BBQ begins with quality ingredients. Premium chicken that's carefully raised and properly prepared offers better texture, flavour, and consistency.
Whether you prefer boneless skinless chicken breasts, juicy chicken thighs, drumsticks, or wings, choosing quality meat makes a noticeable difference before the grill is even fired up.
Don't Skip the Marinade
One of the easiest ways to keep chicken moist is by marinating it before grilling.
A good marinade not only adds incredible flavour but also helps the meat retain moisture during cooking.
Try combining:
- Olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice
- Garlic
- Dijon mustard
- Honey
- Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
Allow your chicken to marinate for at least two hours. For even better flavour, refrigerate it overnight.
If you're short on time, even a quick 30-minute marinade can improve tenderness.
Bring Chicken to Room Temperature
Avoid placing ice-cold chicken directly onto a hot grill.
Instead, remove it from the refrigerator about 20 to 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the meat to cook more evenly and helps prevent the outside from drying out while the centre catches up.
Preheat the Grill Properly
A common mistake is placing chicken on a grill that isn't fully heated.
Aim for a medium heat between 175°C and 205°C (350°F to 400°F). This temperature allows the chicken to cook thoroughly without burning the outside.
Before adding the chicken:
- Clean the grill grates
- Lightly oil the grates
- Close the lid and allow the BBQ to fully preheat
These small steps help prevent sticking and create beautiful grill marks.
Resist the Urge to Flip Constantly
One of the biggest BBQ mistakes is turning the chicken every minute.
Instead, let the meat cook undisturbed for several minutes before flipping.
Chicken naturally releases from the grill once it has developed a proper sear. Constant flipping interrupts this process and prevents even cooking.
Generally, one flip is all that's needed for most chicken breasts or thighs.
Use a Meat Thermometer
The real secret to juicy grilled chicken is not guessing when it's done.
A digital meat thermometer removes all uncertainty.
Chicken is safely cooked when the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
Remove the chicken from the grill as soon as it reaches this temperature. Overcooking—even by a few minutes—can quickly dry out lean cuts like chicken breasts.
Let It Rest
This is the step many people skip.
After grilling, place the chicken on a clean plate and loosely cover it with foil.
Allow it to rest for five to ten minutes before slicing.
During this resting period, the juices redistribute throughout the meat instead of running onto the cutting board. The result is noticeably juicier chicken with every bite.
Choose the Right Cut
Different cuts require slightly different cooking techniques.
Chicken Breasts
Lean and versatile, chicken breasts cook quickly but can dry out if overcooked. A marinade and meat thermometer are especially important.
Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs contain slightly more fat, making them naturally forgiving on the grill. They're ideal for beginners and stay juicy even during longer cooking times.
Drumsticks and Wings
Perfect for summer gatherings, these cuts develop crispy skin while remaining tender inside. Cook them over indirect heat first before finishing over direct heat for a delicious char.
Add Sauce at the End
Many BBQ sauces contain sugar, which can burn quickly over high heat.
Instead of brushing sauce on at the beginning, grill the chicken until it's nearly cooked through.
During the final few minutes, brush on your favourite BBQ sauce and allow it to caramelize without burning.
This creates a sticky, flavourful glaze that looks as good as it tastes.
Pair with Fresh Summer Sides
Juicy grilled chicken pairs beautifully with seasonal favourites like:
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Garden salads
- Roasted baby potatoes
- Pasta salad
- Watermelon and feta salad
- Grilled vegetables
- Fresh buns and garlic butter
These simple sides create an easy summer meal that's perfect for backyard entertaining.
Enjoy Better BBQs All Summer
The secret to juicy grilled chicken isn't complicated—it's all about preparation, temperature control, and patience. Start with premium chicken, use a flavourful marinade, cook to the correct internal temperature, and always allow the meat to rest before serving.
By following these simple tips, you'll enjoy tender, flavourful chicken that's guaranteed to impress family and friends at every summer BBQ.
Whether you're grilling for two or feeding a crowd, quality chicken and a few expert techniques will help you serve perfectly juicy grilled chicken every single time. Happy grilling!
