How to Make Crispy Grilled Chicken That’s Juicy and Flavorful
How to Make Crispy Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken is a summertime staple, but it can be tricky to get it just right. If you want your chicken to be juicy and flavorful, with a perfectly crispy skin, you need to know a few tricks. In this article, we’ll show you how to make crispy grilled chicken that will wow your guests.
We’ll start by explaining how to choose the right chicken and prepare it for grilling. Then, we’ll give you step-by-step instructions on how to grill your chicken so that it comes out perfectly cooked every time. We’ll also share some tips for making your chicken even more flavorful.
So whether you’re a grilling novice or a seasoned pro, read on for all the information you need to know about making crispy grilled chicken.
| Ingredients | Instructions | Tips |
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1. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce, honey, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. 2. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and turn to coat. 3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. 4. Preheat your grill to medium heat. 5. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through. 6. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. |
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Choosing the Right Chicken
The type of chicken you use will make a big difference in the final result. For grilled chicken, you want to use a boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a good option for a quick and easy meal, while chicken thighs are more flavorful and juicy.
When choosing chicken, look for pieces that are:
- Fresh and not frozen.
- Pale pink in color with white or yellow fat.
- Firm and not slimy.
- Free of bones, gristle, and feathers.
If you can, buy your chicken from a local farmer or butcher. This will ensure that you are getting fresh, high-quality chicken.
How to Prepare the Chicken
Before grilling, you need to prepare the chicken by:
- Patting it dry with paper towels.
- Removing any visible fat.
- Cutting it into desired size pieces.
If you are marinating the chicken, do so for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 24 hours. Marinating the chicken will help to flavor it and make it more tender.
Marinating the Chicken
There are many different ways to marinate chicken, but some of the most popular marinades include:
- A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- A teriyaki marinade made with soy sauce, mirin, garlic, ginger, and honey.
- A cajun marinade made with Cajun seasoning, olive oil, and lemon juice.
Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 24 hours. Marinating the chicken will help to flavor it and make it more tender.
Grilling the Chicken
To grill the chicken, you will need:
- A grill or grill pan.
- A meat thermometer.
- Cooking spray or oil.
Preheat your grill to medium heat. If you are using a grill pan, heat it over medium heat on the stovetop.
Lightly spray or oil the grill grates to prevent the chicken from sticking.
Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
To check if the chicken is done, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. The meat should be cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
How to Prevent the Chicken from Sticking
There are a few things you can do to prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill grates:
- Lightly oil the grill grates before grilling the chicken.
- Grill the chicken over indirect heat.
- Turn the chicken frequently while grilling.
How to Check if the Chicken is Done
The best way to check if the chicken is done is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. The meat should be cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
You can also check if the chicken is done by cutting into it with a knife. The meat should be white and opaque throughout.
Grilled chicken is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal. By following these tips, you can make perfectly grilled chicken every time.
Here are some additional tips for grilling chicken:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to the proper temperature.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 24 hours.
- Grill the chicken over indirect heat.
- Turn the chicken frequently while grilling.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
With a little practice, you’ll be able to make perfectly grilled chicken every time.
3. Crisping the Chicken
Once the chicken is marinated, it’s time to crisp it up. There are a few different ways to do this, but the most common methods are brushing the chicken with oil, applying a dry rub, or baking the chicken.
Brushing the chicken with oil
This is the simplest method and it’s also the quickest. Simply brush the chicken with oil and then place it on the grill. The oil will help to prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill and it will also help to create a crispy crust.
Applying a dry rub
A dry rub is a mixture of spices, herbs, and other seasonings that is applied to the chicken before grilling. The dry rub will help to flavor the chicken and it will also help to create a crispy crust.
To make a dry rub, simply combine your favorite spices and herbs in a bowl. You can use any spices or herbs that you like, but some popular choices include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Once you have your dry rub mixed together, apply it to the chicken and then place it on the grill.
Baking the chicken
Baking the chicken is another way to crisp it up. This method is a bit more time-consuming than brushing the chicken with oil or applying a dry rub, but it will also produce a more evenly cooked chicken.
To bake the chicken, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake it for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Which method is best?
Ultimately, the best way to crisp grilled chicken is the method that you prefer. If you’re looking for a quick and easy method, brushing the chicken with oil is a good option. If you want to add more flavor to the chicken, applying a dry rub is a good choice. And if you want to ensure that the chicken is cooked evenly, baking it is a good option.
4. Serving the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to serve it. There are a few different ways to serve grilled chicken, but some popular choices include:
- Pairing the chicken with sides. Grilled chicken is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides. Some popular choices include grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, and salad.
- Storing leftover chicken. If you have leftover chicken, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat the chicken, simply place it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Grilled chicken is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a few simple steps, you can easily make crispy, flavorful grilled chicken that will be the star of your next cookout.
How do I make crispy grilled chicken?
To make crispy grilled chicken, you will need:
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and toss to coat.
4. Grill the chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Let the chicken breasts rest for 5 minutes before serving.
What is the best way to grill chicken?
The best way to grill chicken depends on the type of chicken you are grilling. For boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you will want to grill them over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through. For bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, you will want to grill them over medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes per side, or until the skin is crispy and the meat is cooked through.
What are some tips for grilling chicken?
Here are a few tips for grilling chicken:
- Marinate your chicken in a flavorful marinade for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This will help to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat before grilling your chicken. This will help to prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill.
- Grill the chicken over indirect heat for the first few minutes of cooking. This will help to prevent the chicken from burning.
- Baste the chicken with your marinade or a little bit of olive oil while it is grilling. This will help to keep the chicken moist.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices to redistribute and the chicken to be more tender.
What are some common mistakes people make when grilling chicken?
Here are a few common mistakes people make when grilling chicken:
- Not marinating the chicken. Marinating the chicken helps to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Grilling the chicken over high heat. Grilling the chicken over high heat can cause it to burn.
- Not letting the chicken rest. Letting the chicken rest helps the juices to redistribute and the chicken to be more tender.
- Overcooking the chicken. Overcooking the chicken can make it dry and tough.
How can I make sure my grilled chicken is cooked through?
There are a few ways to make sure your grilled chicken is cooked through:
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken is done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cut into the chicken to check if it is cooked through. The chicken should be white throughout and the juices should run clear.
- Pull the chicken off the grill when it is slightly pink in the center. The chicken will continue to cook as it rests.
What are some side dishes that go well with grilled chicken?
Here are a few side dishes that go well with grilled chicken:
- Grilled vegetables
- Potato salad
- Corn on the cob
- Salad
- Baked beans
- Rice
- Fruit salad
In this blog post, we have discussed how to make crispy grilled chicken. We have covered the different methods for grilling chicken, as well as the ingredients and techniques you need to achieve the perfect result. We hope that you have found this information helpful and that you will enjoy making crispy grilled chicken at home.
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