Required fields are marked *. The best way to know if the chicken is done is by checking the internal temperature. This will help to ensure that the skin becomes crispy as it cooks. When cooking chicken thighs, one common question that arises is whether to cook them face up or face down. The nutrition information shown is an estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. Remember that the skin creates a barrier that protects the meat, adds flavor, and keeps the chicken juicy. Bake at 350F(175C)for 15-20 minutes, or until heated all the way through. Juiciness: The skin traps in moisture, making the meat tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Regardless of the cooking method, it is essential to cook the thighs to the proper internal temperature to ensure that they are safe to consume. If youre going to add some wood for a smoky flavor, this is the time to do that. Copyright 2023 Lauren Nagel. To store: Your leftover grilled chicken leg quarters should be kept refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. There are a few factors to consider when deciding whether to grill your chicken skin side up or down. Ryan Morgan is the founder of BarbeMastery and an avid barbecuer. If you like your smoked chicken with more heat, increase the chipotle by 1/2 tsp while reducing the brown sugar by 1/2 tsp. Whether to cook chicken thighs face up or face down depends on the cooking method and recipe you are using. Trim excess fat and skin 2. As you can see I could only fit three chicken legs on my grill so that they are on indirect heat. Grilling chicken leg quarters seems like an easy task, but should you cook your chicken leg quarters with the skin side up or down? When youre dealing with large cuts of meat, its not a good idea to cook from frozen anyway. This post, Read More How to Tell When Grilled Swordfish Is DoneContinue, Grilling is one of the most popular cooking methods, and for good reason. Then, place the grilled chicken leg quarters skin side down over medium high direct heat. This will help ensure that the skin gets crispy. Cut off any hanging pieces of fat and skin from the chicken legs and pat them dry. Grill bone-in chicken leg quarters until they reach an internal temperature of 175-180F(79-82C). So, which method is right for you? Get the crispiest chicken skin on these delicious grilled chicken quarters by following this easy recipe and how to, below. Using a smoking temperature of 250 (121) gives the quarters time to develop layers of flavor while keeping the chicken juicy and delicious. But, instead of being rubbery like drumsticks get when served at 165F, theyre pull apart tender. This dry rub is very simple, but you dont really need anything more in my opinion. It should be at least 165 Fahrenheit (or 74 Celcius) in the middle of the thickest part. Remember that the meat will continue to cook as it rests. If youre interested in other delicious ideas for the smoker, check out The Best Meats to Smoke & How to Make them Taste Delicious. Rub the chicken with oil and evenly sprinkle the seasonings on both sides of each leg quarter. But how can you tell when it is done? You want to keep all the juices inside of the chicken to ensure that it stays moist and flavorful. You can check the internal temperature of the biggest piece of chicken before taking them off from the grill. After 10 minutes, flip the chicken leg quarters over and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165F. Its fast, its easy, and it produces delicious results. Stay in touch with me through social media@Pinterest,Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! It's also incredibly easy to scale this recipe up if you need to feed a crowd on a budget! Whichever method you choose, know that smoking chicken is a great way to make delicious and healthy meals that satisfy your appetite. One of the things we like about smoking chicken quarters, compared to thighs or drumsticks on their own, is that you get the best of both worlds. Smoke them using a pressure cooker. It might seem straightforward enough, but there are certainly steps you can take to further your chances of success. Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. Simply jump to the recipe below and begin. More on the correct internal temperature later; but spoiler alert dont just assume that since the USDA says dark meat chicken is safe at 165 F that its best served at that temperature. This higher temperature using indirect heat helps render the fat and is what creates crispy skin. Wait for the charcoal to get properly hot. One of the things that we like about smoking quarters is that theyre simple to prep, easy to smoke, and not very expensive, making them ideal for big parties and for people just getting started using a smoker. The exterior might char before the insides have had a chance to cook through. Its better to grill chicken with the skin side facing downat least during the first stage of the cooking process. Do you love a recipe you tried? The brine helps to infuse the chicken with flavor, keeps the meat moist, and crisps the skin when you grill it. To get started, place the chicken leg quarters on the grill, skin side down. For this recipe, were using my homemade bbq sauce (feel free to use your favorite of course) so flipping isnt done as much. The advantage quarters have over other cuts is theyre relatively inexpensive, develop great flavor when cooked low and slow, and come with a handle that makes them easy for people to eat at picnics and barbecues. But if you use the method described in this guide you can easily avoid this. Grill the chicken leg quarters on indirect heat, lid closed, for about 20 minutes then flip them over and grill for another 20 minutes. Oftentimes the meat around the bone and/or juices may be tinged pink and that is okay. The most commonly recommended temperatures for smoking chicken range from 225 (107) to 275 (135). I like to season the chicken with my own spice blends (like this Cajun BBQ dry rub) and combine it with the baking powder too. Instead, you need to spread the charcoal around so that you get even heat across the whole grilling surface. Just be careful not to use too much liquid, as this can cause the skin to become soggy. There are a few different ways to tell when grilled lobster is done and well go over all of them in this blog post. Chicken Skin Side Up or Down It's better to grill chicken with the skin side facing downat least during the first stage of the cooking process. There's nothing to complicated about this recipe. This means its time for direct heat searing! While these can be useful guidelines, they wont guarantee food safety. Top it off with some caramelized BBQ sauce if you'd like, or enjoy your grilled chicken quarters with the sauce on the side! After your chicken has sat for the appropriate amount of time to let the baking powder absorb into the skin. So, be mindful when youre making grilled chicken quarters, or any skin on chicken. This involves placing the chicken and any desired seasonings in a foil packet and grilling it until cooked through. Try dusting the skin with some baking powder and letting them sit uncovered in the refrigerator for an hour or so, before putting them on the grill. You can use a few strategies to keep the chicken moist on the grill.u003cbru003eGrilling chicken skin side up can help keep the chicken moist since the skin functions as a natural moisture barrier.u003cbru003eA marinade or sauce can also be used to keep the chicken moist.u003cbru003eThe use of a foil pan to catch the drippings can also aid in keeping the chicken moist and tasty.u003cbru003eJust keep an eye on the chicken to avoid overcooking. For planning purposes, we set aside a couple of hours of cooking time when were smoking the quarters at 250 (121). You can use any dry rub, herbs, or spices that you like. FREE SHIPPING How to Grill Perfect Chicken Halves and Quarters Serves: 5 Ingredients Directions: Chicken is one of the most popular foods to grill, yet it causes more trouble than any other grilled fare. I used my Weber-Go Anywhere charcoal grill for cooking the chicken quarters but I will also explain how to cook them with a gas grill. Flavor: The skin adds a layer of flavor to the chicken that cannot be replicated without it. Commonly cooked low and slow to get that fall off the bone tenderness. Warm the sauce up before brushing it onto the chicken. These grilled chicken quarters can be cooked to juicy perfection right on your grill in just a few minutes! Be sure to periodically check for doneness once the chicken skin is crispy and golden in color. Preheat the grill 4. Its important to note that flipping the chicken leg quarters more than once can cause the meat to dry out and lose its flavor. Check out these 10 healthy chicken recipes I know you will love! A small bowl and spoon can be used to mix the dry rub ingredients. Grill Smoke Love is supported by readers. The best way to reheat quarters is on a medium grill. You can learn more about smoking in A Complete Guide to Smoking Food. It takes more time than it would if the meat were defrosted, but as long as it cooks to a safe temperature, this method doesnt do any harm. The exact time depends on the size of the chicken legs and how hot your grill is. Let the chicken rest before serving it. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes and serve with your favorite side dishes. Hi there, I'm Angela! Chicken is considered done when it hits an internal temp of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. My love of great barbecue inspired me to curate this site as a resource for all my like-minded fellow pitmasters out there. In the end, when grilling any kind of chicken with the skin on, you want to grill it by placing the skin side down on the grill to start. Grill the chicken legs under a lid for about 20 minutes. Smoke them using a smoker box. The Sauce: The homemade BBQ sauce is optional here. I cant wait to see your results! His passion for grilling began when he was a young boy growing up in the Midwest, and he has since become an expert at creating delicious grilled meals. Your email address will not be published. You can find additional information in our Privacy Policy, 2014 - 2023, Umami Publications, All Rights Reserved. Preheat the grill to a medium heat (about 450 F.) Make sure the grates are clean and oiled. Do you grill your chicken skin side up or down? Baking Powder (used to make the outside skin extra crispy). Grill the chicken leg quarters on indirect heat, lid closed, for about 20 minutes then flip them over and grill for another 20 minutes. Its worth noting that many places sell legs that are almost identical to quarters but only include the thigh and drumstick. Brush on and allow it to become tacky and shiny. Love chicken recipes? Apply the dry rub all over the chicken legs. If you cook the skin side up then you are going to end up with rubbery skin which is not going to be so pleasant. Theres only one way to be sure whether the chicken is done cooking, and thats by testing it with a meat thermometer. The longer you allow your chicken to brine the better it will taste and the crispier it will get. Adding salt and pepper to the cooked chicken wont have the same effect. Preheat smoker to 275F at the grate level. Flip every minute to allow the chicken to get lightly crispy on all sides. How Long Can Thawed Chicken Stay In The Fridge? The total cooking time ranges between 40-55 minutes, depending on the size of the quarters and the heat of your grill. Step 1: Light your grill and set it up for two zone heating, leaving the lid open for now on a charcoal grill, close the lid on a gas grill. To ensure that the chicken is cooked to the appropriate temperature, use a meat thermometer. Avoid moving the chicken around too much in the first few minutes of cooking this will help ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and doesnt stick to the grill. But when grilling chicken breast or other lean meats, you may find that they stick to the grill. Lets take a look at the pros and cons of each method to help you decide. The Great Grilling Debate: Chicken Skin Side Up or Down? Dark meat is harder to overcook than white meat due to the higher content of fat, and therefore is great for cooking at a higher heat to get that crispy skin! May 12, 2023 Perfect smoked chicken leg quarters with crispy skin. The process can be beneficial even if you only have a couple of hours to spare. To that end, Ill say it takes roughly 45 55 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken quarters. And we love delicious! How to Cook a Tomahawk Steak on a Gas Grill? Grill for 7-10 minutes, then flip and grill for 4-5 minutes on the opposite side (bone-side-up). After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love! One question that often comes up when grilling chicken is whether to grill the skin side up or down. Flip the chicken to skin side up, brush with more avocado oil and season the skin. Its not necessary to brush oil on chicken before grilling because the fat in the skin and the marinade or dry rub will keep it moist and tasty as it cooks.u003cbru003eIf you like, spray the chicken with a small quantity of oil before grilling to assist keep it from adhering to the grill grates. Melt-off-the-bone goodness in the form of a tender and moist cut of chicken. To crisp the skin up, place the quarters skin side down on a medium-high grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side. While I love the seasoning and sauce included here, use your favorites, or go Memphis style no sauce! Its affordable and can easily feed the whole family. This smoked chicken quarter recipe includes a versatile dry rub and everything you need to know to get the chicken tender and juicy on the inside with crispy golden brown skin on the outside. Let it sit for 20 minutes to come to temperature. We provide valuable insights on a wide range of kitchen tools, helping home cooks and chefs make informed decisions about their kitchen equipment. I prefer to grill the chicken quarters on medium-high heat (425 F), then they will take roughly 20 to 25 minutes to cook. This is typically around 165F for chicken. Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters FAQ 1. The Grill Set Up: Youll want to set up for two zone cooking. Rotate the pieces around as needed (I place large pieces closer to direct heat for even cooking). Our mission is to help people explore the world and expand their taste throughdelicious recipesandinteresting stories. This depends a great deal on what style of chicken youre making. Turn the chicken every two minutes, for a total of 10 minutes. I enjoy a mild hint of smoke on my chicken, if you dont you can forgo the wood chunks. Dark meat is juicy and holds up well when using direct heat (from the grill). Season your chicken leg quarters to your preference. Spread the rub on the chicken, taking the time to get it under the skin, around the legs, and into all of the nooks and crannies. My goal is to cook tasty barbecue food, enjoy it with family & friends, and help others do the same! You can brush the sauce straight onto the chicken after it has cooked a little bit. How do you keep chicken moist on the grill? One of the most important safety considerations when grilling chicken is to ensure that it is cooked to the proper internal temperature. Cook for about 50 minutes total or until internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F. Baste both sides of the chicken with BBQ sauce and coook for about 5 more minutes or until skin gets a bit crispy. Adding salt to your chicken is going to enhance the crispness of your skin as well. Get tips on how to grill chicken skin side up or down to achieve crispy or moist meat. How Many People Does a Whole Chicken Feed On Average? When youre preheating the grill, grease the grates before putting any food down. Step 2: While the grill is preheating, pour bbq rub into a shaker bottle and set aside. This recipe is very simple so you dont need any pricey equipment or ingredients to cook it. The answer to this question has been the same for decades, but many still wonder if it matters. Chicken is a popular lean protein thats often available in most stores. You can also brine the chicken in a saltwater solution. Serve with a side of BBQ sauce, if desired. It is important to note that when cooking chicken thighs, it is crucial to ensure that they are cooked to the proper internal temperature of 165F (74C) to ensure that they are safe to eat. I really love grilled chicken leg quarters! Try not to disturb the meat until its time to turn it over. Required fields are marked *. Chicken, skin side down means grilling the chicken with the skin down on the grates. The important thing is that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (or 74 Celcius). In a mixing bowl, combine the baking powder and the dry rub together. A chicken quarter is the full leg of the chicken which includes the leg and the thigh. There are a few different ways to tell, and the best way depends on your preferences. You can also just use regular paprika powder instead of the smoked one and add other ingredients like garlic or chili powder. This is because the skin on the bottom of the thigh will help to protect the meat from the high heat of the pan, allowing it to cook evenly and preventing it from sticking to the pan. The reason I started Umami is because Im someone who is deeply interested in the world of food from what we eat, to how its grown, to why we eat it and I love working with creative, curious people who have a sense of adventure. This method can produce moist and flavorful chicken, and its a great way to achieve even cooking. Required fields are marked *. Grilling Chicken Skin Side Up or Down: Which Method is Right for You? Grill: You can cook the chicken on a charcoal or gas grill. In general, the answer to this question depends on your preferred cooking method and the recipe you are following. If you decide to grill your chicken skin side up, there are a few techniques you can use to help ensure moist and flavorful chicken. You get the most flavorful part of the bird with the thigh along with an easy-to-use handle in the drumstick. This recipe is extremely versatile! One of the most straightforward cuts of meat to smoke, quarters are ideal for backyard barbecues, big parties, summer picnics, and family dinners. Preheat one side of grill on high. But if any of that skin gets left behind on the grill, it wont matter how crispy it is. Pour dry rub into a shaker bottle and set aside. To crisp the skin up on a grill, wait until the quarters have finished cooking, then place them skin side down on a medium-high grill for 2 to 3 minutes or until the skin has reached the desired level of crispness. This allows for more even cooking and can speed up the grilling process. Follow this guide and I guarantee you will get your chicken quarters right every time!
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