grill chicken on charcoal Grilling chicken over charcoal gives it a smoky, juicy, and delicious flavor. Here’s a step-by-step guide to perfectly grilled chicken on a charcoal grill.

ingredients grill chicken on charcoal:

For the Chicken:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, drumsticks, or breasts (or whole chicken cut into pieces)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Marinade/Rub:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar

For Basting (Optional):

• ½ cup barbecue sauce (for BBQ-style chicken)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter with minced garlic (for a rich, buttery finish)

Instructions grill chicken on charcoal:

1. Prepare the Charcoal Grill

• Light the charcoal and let it burn until the coals turn white and ashy (15-20 minutes).
• Arrange the coals to one side of the grill for two-zone cooking:
  • One hot side (direct heat) for searing
  • One cooler side (indirect heat) for slow cooking

2. Marinate or Season the Chicken

• Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel.
• Rub with olive oil and sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken.
• Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).

3. Start Grilling (Indirect Cooking First)

• Place the chicken on the cooler side of the grill (not directly over the flames).
• Cover the grill and cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• The goal is to slowly cook the chicken until it reaches 160°F (71°C) internal temperature.
• Learn how to roast chicken in the oven

4. Sear Over Direct Heat

• Move the chicken to the hot side of the grill.
• Sear each side for 3-5 minutes until crispy and lightly charred.
• If using BBQ sauce, brush it on during the last 5 minutes of cooking to avoid burning.

5. Rest & Serve

• Remove the chicken when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy.
• Serve with grilled vegetables, rice, or cornbread.

Tips for Perfect Charcoal-Grilled Chicken:

✅ Avoid flare-ups: If the flames get too high, move the chicken to the cooler side.
✅ Use a meat thermometer: This ensures perfectly cooked chicken.
✅ Experiment with flavors: Try Cajun, lemon-pepper, or a honey-garlic marinade.