🥩 Mastering the Grill
There’s nothing quite like the smoky aroma of grilled chicken—it’s a staple at family dinners, weekend gatherings, and catered events alike. But getting chicken just right takes more than fire and luck. At Scott’s Catering & Grill, we’ve grilled thousands of chicken plates, and we’re sharing our top tips to help you grill like a pro.
🍗 1. Choose the Right Chicken Cuts for Grilling
Different cuts cook differently. Chicken breasts are lean and quick, while thighs and drumsticks are more forgiving and flavorful.
BBQ Pro Tip: Use bone-in, skin-on pieces for maximum juiciness and taste.
🧂 2. Marinate or Brine Before You Grill
Soaking your chicken in a marinade or brine adds flavor and keeps it from drying out.
Simple Chicken Marinade Recipe:
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).
🔥 3. Use Two-Zone Heat for Better Control
Set up your grill with one hot side and one cooler side. Sear the chicken over high heat, then move it to indirect heat to finish cooking.
Charcoal Grill Tip: Stack your coals on one side.
Gas Grill Tip: Turn one burner high and leave the other low or off.
🌡️ 4. Cook Chicken to the Right Internal Temperature
Always use a digital meat thermometer to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
Chicken breasts: 165°F
Thighs and drumsticks: 170–175°F
Check the thickest part of the meat for an accurate reading.
⏲️ 5. Let It Rest After Grilling
Rest your grilled chicken for 5–10 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices settle and keeps the meat moist and tender.
🌳 6. Add Smoky Flavor with Wood Chips
Enhance your BBQ chicken with natural smoke flavor. Soak wood chips (like hickory, applewood, or mesquite) for 30 minutes, then place them on the grill for extra depth.
🍽️ Final Thoughts
Grilling chicken isn’t just a skill—it’s an art. With the right techniques and a little practice, you can serve up juicy, perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Want to skip the prep and enjoy expertly grilled chicken without the hassle?
👉 Contact Scott’s Catering & Grill for full-service BBQ catering in Northern Utah, serving Layton, West Point, Ogden, Syracuse, and beyond.
