Homemade Sweet Chili Grilled Chicken - The Recipe Rebel (2024)

FAQs

How to grill chicken without foil? ›

When using an outdoor gas or charcoal grill I cook the chicken filets over direct heat for 3–5 minutes each side without foil. I cook whole chickens using indirect heat to an internal temperature of 165 F, without foil.

Brine Before Grilling to Prevent Dry, Rubbery Chicken

Brining is simply submerging the chicken in a salt-water solution before grilling. This prevents the chicken from overcooking on the grill and also helps it get great grill marks, as the increased surface moisture and sugars brown quickly.

Place chicken, skin side up, on raised grate. For best results, chicken should be at least 12” above charcoal or fire. If you are using a gas grill, consider cooking on the warming shelf above. Keep lid closed and maintain 275-300°F.

Once the chicken is beginning to cook, you can remove the aluminum foil and place the chicken directly on the grill grate to get the perfect sear marks and char up the skin. A quick wipe-down with high smoking point oil will ensure that you don't have any sticking and your chicken will have the perfect grill marks.

Don't line the grill grates with foil either. It restricts the airflow in the grill which can be a fire hazard. Lining your grill grates with aluminum foil doesn't allow the juices and fat to drain naturally.

Brines and marinades help tenderize the meat by bringing more moisture in the protein. With that extra moisture, you lose less when you cook.

The ideal temperature to cook your chicken should be around 275 °F – 320 °F (135 °C – 160 °C). As you start to decrease temperature beyond this threshold, the skin will become rubbery. The chicken fat needs to be cooked into the meat, and that cannot happen when your temperature is very low.

Bring the chicken to room temperature before grilling. Take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before your grill is ready. Oil the grill grates before cooking. Start chicken on the low heat side of two-zone grill with the skin side up.

The ideal grill temperature range for chicken is between 350 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This range is narrowed down by whether you're grilling chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks.

Poke the Meat

This method applies to chicken specifically. For properly cooked chicken, if you cut into it and the juices run clear, then the chicken is fully cooked. If the juices are red or have a pinkish color, your chicken may need to be cooked a bit longer.

Can you cook chicken without foil? ›

You never have to worry about covering chicken while baking, as it's OK to bake it uncovered. Once your chicken is in the oven, it's hands-free until you need to check the temperature. Then, you can whip up a no-cook appetizer, vegetable or potato side dish, or dessert if you're feeling ambitious.

Use oven-safe stainless steel or cast iron cookware. Use the same cookware you use in your oven on the grill, making sure the grill doesn't exceed the safe temperature for the cookware. If you have an oven-safe pan with a lid, you can use it for cooking or steaming any foods you'd steam in foil.

Covered baking typically requires a longer cooking time due to the slower heat transfer. This slower cooking method can be beneficial when working with larger cuts of chicken or tougher pieces, as it allows the meat to become tender and fully cooked without drying out.