How to Grill BBQ Chicken Quarters for Crispy Skin and Juicy Meat Every Time

Ever tried grilling chicken quarters only to end up with dry meat or, worse, undercooked chicken? Trust me, you’re not alone. As someone who’s spent countless weekends perfecting my grilling technique, I’ve had my fair share of BBQ disasters. But after years of trial and error, I’ve finally cracked the code to achieving that perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy meat when grilling chicken quarters.

In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know about grilling BBQ chicken quarters that’ll have your friends and family begging for seconds. Let’s fire up those grills and get cooking!

What You’ll Learn in This Guide

• How to select the best chicken quarters for grilling
• Essential marination and seasoning techniques
• Step-by-step grilling instructions for perfect results
• How to check for doneness (no more guessing!)
• Delicious serving suggestions and sides
• Common problems and how to solve them

Choosing the Right Chicken Quarters

Before you even light up your grill, you need to start with good quality chicken. The chicken you select will significantly impact your final result.

Fresh vs. Frozen

Fresh chicken quarters typically provide the best flavor and texture for grilling. When buying fresh, look for:

• Plump pieces with a pinkish color
• No strong odor
• Firm to the touch

If you’re using frozen chicken quarters (which can be more convenient), make sure to thaw them properly in the refrigerator for about 24 hours before grilling. Never thaw chicken at room temperature as this can lead to bacterial growth.

Organic vs. Conventional

While both work fine for grilling organic chicken quarters often contain fewer additives and may yield a slightly richer flavor. They’re typically raised without antibiotics and synthetic hormones. Conventional chicken is more affordable but might not have the same depth of flavor. Either choice works well for grilling – it really depends on your budget and preferences.

Preparing the Chicken Quarters

Proper preparation is key to achieving those perfectly grilled BBQ chicken quarters.

Marinating Options

Marinating your chicken not only adds flavor but also helps keep the meat moist during grilling. Here are some popular marinades you can try:

Classic Buttermilk Marinade:

• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary
• Marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight

Spicy BBQ Marinade:

• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Marinate for 1-3 hours

Honey Mustard Marinade:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Marinate for 2-4 hours

Basic Preparation Steps

1. Trim excess fat if necessary, but leave the skin on for that crispy texture.
2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before adding seasonings or marinades.
3. Season generously with your preferred spices and herbs.
4. Let the chicken come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before grilling for more even cooking.

Simple Seasoning Mix

If you’re not using a marinade, a simple but effective seasoning mix includes:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika

Coat your chicken quarters evenly with this mix and let them sit for at least 30 minutes before grilling.

Grilling Techniques for Perfect BBQ Chicken Quarters

Now let’s get to the heart of the matter – actually grilling those chicken quarters to perfection!

Setting Up Your Grill

Whether you’re using a gas or charcoal grill, you’ll want to create two heat zones:

• Direct heat zone (higher temperature) for searing and crisping the skin
• Indirect heat zone (lower temperature) for cooking the chicken through without burning

For a gas grill, set one side to medium-high heat (about 400°F) and the other side to low heat.

For a charcoal grill, pile most of the hot coals on one side of the grill, leaving the other side with few or no coals.

Step-by-Step Grilling Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to a temperature of 375°F to 400°F.
2. Oil the grates to prevent sticking.
3. Start with skin side down over direct heat for 15-20 minutes to get that crispy skin.
4. Move to indirect heat and continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes.
5. During the last 5-10 minutes, brush on your favorite BBQ sauce to create a caramelized, flavorful coating.
6. Check for doneness using a meat thermometer (more on this below).
7. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Temperature Control Tips

• Keep the grill lid closed as much as possible to maintain consistent temperature.
• If flare-ups occur, move the chicken temporarily to the indirect heat zone.
• Adjust vents on charcoal grills to control temperature – open for higher heat, partially closed for lower heat.

Checking for Doneness

Nobody wants undercooked chicken or dried-out overcooked meat. Here’s how to get it just right.

Using a Meat Thermometer

This is the most reliable method. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat (avoiding the bone):

• Chicken quarters should reach an internal temperature of 170°F-175°F for optimal juiciness.
• The minimum safe temperature is 165°F according to food safety guidelines.

Visual Indicators

No thermometer? Look for these signs:

• Clear juices: When you pierce the meat, the juices should run clear, not pink.
• Skin color: The skin should be golden brown and crispy.
• Texture: The meat should feel firm when pressed with tongs, not spongy.

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem: Chicken Burns on Outside But Raw Inside

Solution: Your heat is too high. Start with skin-side down on direct heat for just 2-4 minutes per side to get a nice sear, then move to indirect heat to finish cooking slowly.

Problem: Skin Isn’t Crispy

Solution: Make sure to pat the chicken dry before grilling and start with skin-side down over direct heat. Don’t flip too early – give it time to crisp up.

Problem: Chicken Sticks to Grill

Solution: Make sure your grates are clean and well-oiled before placing the chicken. Also, don’t try to flip the chicken too soon – it will naturally release when it’s ready to be flipped.

Serving Suggestions

Your perfectly grilled BBQ chicken quarters deserve great accompaniments! Here are some ideas:

Classic Side Dishes

• Coleslaw: The cool, crunchy texture complements the warm, smoky chicken.
• Corn on the cob: Brush with butter and sprinkle with salt for a simple summer side.
• Baked beans: The sweet and savory flavors pair perfectly with BBQ chicken.
• Potato salad: A creamy or vinegar-based potato salad adds substance to the meal.
• Grilled vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus tossed in olive oil and grilled until tender.

Sauce Options

Have a variety of sauces available for dipping:

• Additional BBQ sauce (try different flavors like spicy, sweet, or tangy)
• Ranch dressing
• Blue cheese dressing
• Hot sauce for heat lovers

My Favorite BBQ Chicken Quarters Recipe

Here’s my go-to recipe that never fails to impress:

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken quarters
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 teaspoons Grilled Chicken Seasoning (or make your own with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs)
• 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill for both direct and indirect cooking, aiming for about 400-425°F in the direct heat area.
2. Season chicken quarters generously with the seasoning.
3. Place chicken skin-side down over direct heat and sear for 2-4 minutes per side until you get a nice char.
4. Move chicken to indirect heat, close the lid, and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 30 minutes.
5. During the last 5 minutes, brush with BBQ sauce.
6. Remove from grill and let rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Tips for Next-Level BBQ Chicken Quarters

Want to take your grilling game even further? Try these pro tips:

1. Brine your chicken before marinating for extra juiciness (1/4 cup salt dissolved in 4 cups water for 2-4 hours).
2. Add wood chips to your grill for a smoky flavor (soaked hickory or applewood works great with chicken).
3. Spatchcock the quarters for more even cooking (ask your butcher to do this or use kitchen shears).
4. Try different rubs and sauces each time you grill to discover new flavor combinations.

Grilling BBQ chicken quarters isn’t rocket science, but it does require some attention to detail. By selecting quality chicken, preparing it properly, and mastering the right grilling technique, you’ll be serving up juicy, flavorful BBQ chicken with perfectly crispy skin in no time.

Remember, practice makes perfect! Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect. Each time you grill, you’ll get better at gauging temperatures and timing. Before long, you’ll be the BBQ chicken master of your neighborhood!

So fire up that grill, invite some friends over, and show off your new grilling skills. Your perfectly grilled BBQ chicken quarters are sure to be the star of any summer gathering!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate chicken quarters?
At least 30 minutes, but overnight in the refrigerator yields the best results.

Can I use boneless chicken instead?
Yes, but cooking times will be shorter and you won’t get the same depth of flavor that comes from cooking bone-in meat.

What’s the best way to prevent flare-ups?
Trim excess fat, avoid oil-heavy marinades, and always have an indirect heat zone ready as a safe area to move the chicken if flare-ups occur.

Should I close the grill lid when cooking chicken quarters?
Yes, keeping the lid closed helps maintain consistent temperature and creates an oven-like environment for even cooking.

Can I grill frozen chicken quarters?
It’s not recommended as they won’t cook evenly. Always thaw completely before grilling for best results.

Now, get out there and start grilling some amazing BBQ chicken quarters! I’d love to hear how your grilling adventures turn out.