Barbecuing chicken on a Weber grill can lead to incredibly delicious results when done right, But it can also quickly go wrong and dry out or burn the chicken if you’re not careful,
As both a longtime Weber grill owner and avid grilling enthusiast, I’ve learned a lot over the years about how to properly prep, cook, and grill chicken so it turns out mouthwateringly juicy, tender, and flavorful every time.
In this guide, I’ll share all my top tips and techniques for how to perfectly BBQ chicken on a Weber gas, charcoal, or other Weber grill models
Choosing the Right Weber Grill for BBQ Chicken
The first step is selecting the best Weber grill for barbecuing chicken based on your needs and preferences. Here are some of the top options:
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Gas grills – Weber’s Spirit, Genesis, and Summit gas grills are excellent choices for BBQ chicken. They heat up quickly and allow you to precisely control the temperature.
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Charcoal grills – For that true barbecue flavor, charcoal models like the Weber Kettle or Ranch offer great smoky flavor. They take a bit more effort but are worth it.
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Electric grills – Compact electric grills like the Weber Q are convenient for small spaces. They simplify the heating process.
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Portable grills – Tailgating or camping? Weber’s portable grills like the Weber Go-Anywhere let you enjoy BBQ chicken anywhere.
Consider factors like convenience, flavor, and budget to select the right grill for you.
Prepping the Chicken for the Grill
Proper prep is key to juicy, well-cooked chicken. Here are some tips:
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Choose bone-in cuts – Opt for bone-in chicken pieces like breasts, thighs, or drumsticks. The bones help keep meat moist.
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Leave the skin on – Chicken skin protects the meat and keeps it from drying out. Crisp up the skin for added flavor.
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Marinate the chicken – Soak chicken in a marinade for added juiciness. Try herb, lemon, or yogurt-based marinades.
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Pat chicken dry – Dry off excess marinade from chicken. This helps get an initial sear to lock in juices.
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Use a rub or seasoning – Coat chicken in a savory spice rub. Try smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Let it rest – Let chicken sit at room temperature 30 minutes before grilling. This helps it cook evenly.
Setting Up the Grill for BBQ Chicken
Proper grill setup and temperature control are imperative for barbecue chicken. Follow these steps:
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Preheat thoroughly – Heat your Weber grill for 15-20 minutes on medium-high until it reaches 450-500°F.
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Create dual heat zones – Set up direct and indirect heat areas. Use direct high heat for searing and indirect low heat for cooking through.
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Clean and oil grates – Clean grates with a grill brush and coat with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
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Use a meat thermometer – Insert a digital thermometer in the thickest part of chicken breasts and thighs to monitor doneness.
Grilling the Chicken on the Weber Grill
Once your grill is preheated and set up, it’s time to start grilling:
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Sear the chicken – Place chicken skin-side down over direct high heat. Sear for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
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Move to indirect heat – Shift chicken to indirect low heat, close lid, and grill approximately 15-25 minutes until 165°F internal temperature.
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Flip halfway – Flip chicken halfway through grill time to cook evenly on both sides.
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Baste with sauce – During last 5 minutes, baste chicken with your favorite barbecue sauce for added flavor.
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Let rest before serving – Remove chicken from grill and let rest 5-10 minutes so juices redistribute.
Helpful Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid
Keep these tips in mind for the best barbecue chicken:
Tips:
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Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken every time
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Baste chicken during the last few minutes only to avoid burning
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Allow chicken to rest before slicing for juicier meat
Mistakes to Avoid:
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Putting cold chicken straight onto a hot grill
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Grilling with too much direct heat the entire time
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Cutting into chicken immediately instead of allowing it to rest
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Grilling too many pieces at once overcrowding the grill
Follow these guidelines and you’ll be rewarded with incredibly moist, flavorful barbecued chicken off your Weber grill that your family and friends will love. Happy grilling!
When Is It Done?
The USDA recommends cooking poultry until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Keep in mind that in whole birds the internal temperature will rise 5 to 10 degrees during resting. Check the thigh meat by inserting the probe of a thermometer into the thickest part (but not touching the bone). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the center of the meat. The juices should run clear and the meat should no longer be pink at the bone. We recommend using the iGrill app-connected thermometer.
Recipe from Webers Time to Grill™ by Jamie Purviance
Easy Rosemary Roasted Chicken
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 whole chicken, about 4 pounds, neck, giblets, and excess fat removed
- 01 In a small bowl whisk the marinade ingredients.
- 02 Cut the chicken into six pieces: two breast halves, two whole legs (thigh and drumstick), and two wings (remove and discard the wing tips). Brush each chicken piece on both sides with the marinade. If you have time, marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for as long as 4 hours. If not, you can roast the chicken right away.
- 03 Prepare the grill for indirect cooking over medium heat (350° to 450°F).
- 04 Brush the cooking grates clean. Grill the chicken pieces, skin side down first, over indirect medium heat, with the lid closed, until fully cooked, turning once or twice. The breasts and wing pieces will take 30 to 40 minutes and the whole legs will take 40 to 50 minutes. During the last 5 minutes of grilling time, move the chicken over direct heat and cook until well browned all over, turning once or twice. Remove from the grill and let rest for 3 to 5 minutes. Serve warm.
How to Grill Chicken on Weber Kettle for Beginners | SJ Cooks
FAQ
What’s the best way to grill chicken on a Weber grill?
Grill the chicken pieces, skin side down first, over indirect medium heat, with the lid closed, until fully cooked, turning once or twice. The breasts and wing pieces will take 30 to 40 minutes and the whole legs will take 40 to 50 minutes.
Is it better to grill chicken at 350 or 400 on a gas grill?
Looks like you’re seeing a trend. Chicken is best cooked at 350 or higher, definitely not low and slow like beef or pork. Sometimes I’ll throw chicken on at 225 while I wait for the family to get home, then crank it up to 400 or finish on my gas grill. The high heat tends to seal the moister inside the chicken.