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Grilled Chicken

Recipe by holidaykitchen on YouTubeAdded 11 November 2026.

15 minutes to prep, 30 to cook. A simple yet flavorful grilled chicken recipe that delivers smoky, juicy meat with a caramelized barbecue glaze. Perfect for picnics or family cookouts, this method works on both gas and charcoal grills and guides you through precise searing and timing for different cuts.

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Method

  1. Preheat a gas grill on high for 10 minutes or, for charcoal, build a two‑zone fire with direct and indirect heat.

  2. Ignite charcoal briquettes with a match.

  3. Arrange hot coals around a grill grate, creating a central cooler zone.

  4. Oil the grill grate to prevent sticking.

  5. Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry.

  6. Place the chicken pieces skin‑side down on the grill, spacing them evenly and avoiding crowding.

  7. Grill chicken pieces over direct heat, searing for about 5 minutes, then rotate each piece and sear for another couple of minutes to create grill marks.

  8. Grill heat set to medium.

  9. Reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking, flipping each piece only once using tongs.

  10. Cook drumsticks and thighs for a total of 20–30 minutes (10–15 minutes per side), bone‑in breasts for 10–15 minutes per side, and boneless breasts for 6–8 minutes per side.

  11. During the last 5 minutes, brush the chicken with red barbecue sauce on one side only.

  12. Check doneness by cutting a small slit to see clear juices or by measuring an internal temperature of 160–170°F.

Tips while you cook

Pat chicken dry before grilling
Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry before placing it on the grill.
Brush sauce only at the end
During the last 5 minutes, brush the chicken with red barbecue sauce on one side only.
Flip each piece only once
Reduce heat to medium and flip each piece only once using tongs.
Use a two‑zone fire for charcoal
Build a two‑zone fire with direct and indirect heat to manage searing and slower cooking.

Notes from ReelsMeals, based on this recipe's ingredients, times and method. They are not the creator's instructions.

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The recipe comes from holidaykitchen’s YouTube video. ReelsMeals wrote it down from the caption and the voiceover. Check the original if something looks off, and for anything about allergens.

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