There’s nothing quite like juicy, flavorful grilled chicken hot off the barbecue. Whether you’re grilling up chicken breasts, thighs, or a whole chicken, here are a few tips to make sure your chicken turns out perfect every time.
1. Pick the Right Cut
The cut you choose affects how your chicken grills. At Gartner’s, we offer classic boneless, skinless chicken breasts, boneless thighs, chicken halves, and whole cut-up fryers. Each option brings its own flavor and texture, and our team is always happy to help you choose what’s best for what you’re looking for.
2. Marinate or Season Well
Chicken benefits from bold flavor, so be generous with the seasoning. A marinade with oil and herbs can tenderize and infuse the meat with flavor, especially if you let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Try our homemade marinade that pairs great with any chicken dish! If you prefer a dry rub, experiment with garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and your other favorite spices.
3. Start at Room Temperature
Before grilling, let your chicken sit out for 15-20 minutes. Cold meat straight from the fridge can cook unevenly, leaving you with dry spots or raw centers.
4. Grill with Two-Zone Heat
Set your grill with one side hotter (direct heat) and the other cooler (indirect heat). This allows you to sear the chicken to get that crispy, charred exterior, then move it to the cooler side to finish cooking slowly without burning.
5. Watch the Temperature
Use a meat thermometer to make sure your chicken is cooked through but not overdone. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F. Boneless thighs typically stay juicy, but chicken halves and fryer pieces may take longer — be patient and check each piece individually.
6. Rest Before Serving
Let your chicken rest for 5–10 minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute so you don’t lose moisture when slicing.
Ready to Grill the Perfect Chicken?
Let our team help you find the best cuts, seasonings and marinades for perfectly grilled chicken! Give us a call today, or place your order online to get started. Happy grilling!