How Long to Cook Chicken on a Gas Grill for Juicy, Flavorful Results

Cooking chicken on a gas grill can seem daunting if you’re not sure how long to grill it. The cooking time can vary widely depending on the cut, thickness, bone-in or boneless, and even the temperature of the meat. Undercooking risks unsafe consumption, while overcooking yields dry, rubbery chicken.

With the right techniques and timing, though, you can master grilled chicken and enjoy perfectly cooked results bursting with juice and flavor every time This guide provides tips on factors impacting cooking times, proper preparation methods, direct vs indirect heat, recommended grill times for different cuts, and techniques for flawless chicken off your gas grill

Key Factors That Influence Chicken Grill Times

Many elements impact just how long you need to cook chicken on a gas grill Being aware of these factors allows you to better estimate times and grill chicken correctly

Temperature of the Grill

• The temperature of the grill significantly affects cooking time. Setting your gas grill to medium-high heat between 375°F-450°F allows chicken to cook through without burning or drying out.

• Higher heat shortens the time needed, while lower temperatures increase the cooking duration. Monitor the temperature and adjust as needed.

Thickness of the Chicken

• Thinner boneless chicken breasts and thighs cook faster than thick, bone-in cuts.

• Pieces of uniform thickness will cook more evenly. With varying thicknesses, monitor each piece closely and remove thinner pieces sooner.

Bone-In or Boneless

• Boneless cuts cook more quickly since heat can penetrate evenly. Bone-in chicken takes longer since the bones partially shield the meat.

• Boneless breasts may take 6-8 minutes per side while bone-in needs 10-14 minutes or more. Allow extra time for bone-in pieces.

Marinade

• An acidic marinade with lemon juice, vinegar, yogurt or buttermilk helps tenderize chicken. This pre-grill marinating can reduce cooking time.

• Take note if using a marinade – acids partly cook and tenderize the meat, so the grill time may be 1-2 minutes less per side.

Starting Temperature

• Thinner cuts like breasts and thighs grill best when closer to room temp, not straight from the fridge. Take them out 30 mins before grilling.

• Colder chicken takes longer to cook through, so consider its starting temperature when estimating grill times.

Proper Preparation for Grilling Chicken

To achieve perfect results, preparing the chicken properly before it hits the grill is key. Follow these tips:

• Marinate for Flavor and Tenderness: Marinating chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, enhances juiciness and taste. Try yogurt, oil and spices, or acidic ingredients like vinegar and citrus.

• Use Ideal Temperatures: Take chicken out of the fridge 30 minutes pre-grilling for more even cooking. Grill between 375°F and 450°F, monitoring thickness.

• Know Proper Internal Temp: Chicken needs to reach 165°F internally for safety. Use a meat thermometer to check, especially with thick cuts.

• Allow the Grill to Preheat: Give your gas grill 10-15 minutes to preheat before cooking for better searing and moisture retention.

How to Grill Chicken on a Gas Grill

Using direct or indirect heat are two key methods for grilling chicken based on the size and cut. Follow these guidelines:

Direct Heat

• Best for quicker-cooking thinner cuts like boneless breasts, thighs and wings.

• Cook directly over the flames for a good sear, turning halfway through. Boneless breasts take about 6-8 minutes per side.

• Watch closely to prevent burning or drying out. Direct heat grilling gives great flavor.

Indirect Heat

• Ideal for larger, thicker cuts and whole chickens which require more time.

• Position the chicken away from the direct flames on the grill’s cooler side and cook with the lid down.

• Use indirect heat for bone-in breasts, whole chickens or chicken quarters. This allows even slow cooking.

• A whole chicken may take up to 1.5-2 hours cooked indirectly at a stable 350°F temperature.

Recommended Grill Times for Chicken Cuts

Knowing approximate grilling times for different chicken cuts helps ensure proper cooking.

• Whole Chicken: 1.5-2 hours
• Boneless Breasts: 6-8 minutes per side
• Bone-In Breasts: 10-14 minutes per side
• Boneless Thighs: 5-7 minutes per side
• Bone-In Thighs: 7-10 minutes per side
• Wings: 8-10 minutes per side
• Drumsticks: 10-12 minutes per side

Always check internal temperature using a meat thermometer to confirm doneness. Rest chicken for 5-10 minutes before slicing for maximum moisture.

Tips for Perfectly Grilled Chicken Every Time

With the right techniques, your grilled chicken will be irresistibly juicy and full of flavor. Follow these top tips:

• Allow grill to preheat thoroughly before cooking. This creates a good sear.

• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F.

• Marinate chicken at least 30 minutes for enhanced moisture and taste.

• For whole chickens or bone-in pieces, use indirect heat on a lower grill temperature.

• Let chicken rest 5-10 minutes after grilling before slicing to retain juices.

• Grill similarly-sized pieces together for consistent, even cooking.

• Brush chicken with sauce only during the last 2-3 minutes to prevent burning.

• For easier grilling, coat the hot grill grates with oil using tongs and a paper towel pre-grilling.

Get Perfectly Cooked Chicken Off Your Gas Grill Every Time

Cooking chicken on a gas grill becomes much simpler when you understand what affects cooking times. Factors like temperature, thickness, marinade and prep impact how long chicken needs to grill. Use direct heat for thinner cuts like boneless breasts and thighs. Indirect heat works best for whole birds and bone-in pieces.

Check internal temperature and allow the chicken to rest post-grilling. In no time, you’ll be serving up restaurant-worthy chicken bursting with moisture and flavor using your gas grill. With the right timing, preparation and techniques, you can master cooking chicken on the grill. Fire it up and enjoy juicy, tender backyard chicken anytime.

Grilling chicken on a gas grill typically takes between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on the cut and whether it has bones and skin. Boneless, skinless breasts might take 12-16 minutes total (6-8 minutes per side).

For grilling chicken, it’s generally better to use a medium-high heat, which translates to a temperature range of 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 204°C). This range allows for a good sear on the outside while ensuring the chicken cooks through to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

To grill chicken at 400°F, the cooking time varies depending on the cut. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts typically require 5-6 minutes per side, while bone-in thighs may need 10-12 minutes per side.