What Temp to Cook Chicken on Grill | Backyard Griller's Guide

Guide to safe internal chicken temperatures for gas and charcoal grilling, including tips for juicy results and backyard BBQ success.

The Complete Guide to Grilling Chicken Safely and Deliciously

Backyard chicken grilling is one of the most rewarding—and risky—things you can do with your gas or charcoal grill. Cook it too little, and you risk foodborne illness. Go too far, and you're chewing through dry, leathery meat. So what temperature should you cook chicken to for juicy, flavorful, and safe results? This guide covers it all: the right internal temps, grill surface temps, tips by cut, and how to get perfect doneness every time.

Jump to What You Need:

Why Chicken Temperature Matters
Safe Internal Temperatures for Chicken
Recommended Grill Temperatures (Gas & Charcoal)
How to Grill Each Chicken Cut
Essential Grilling Tools & Tips
FAQs

Why Chicken Temperature Matters

Unlike beef, chicken needs to be cooked all the way through to kill harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter. That’s why it’s not safe to cook chicken medium rare—ever. The USDA recommends 165°F (74°C) as the safe internal temp, but there’s more nuance depending on the cut and cooking method.

Safe Internal Temperatures for Chicken

Here's a breakdown of safe internal temps for chicken, according to USDA guidelines:

Chicken Cut	Target Internal Temp	Rest Time
Boneless Chicken Breasts	165°F (74°C)	3–5 minutes
Bone-in Chicken Thighs	175–185°F (79–85°C)	5–10 minutes
Chicken Legs/Drumsticks	180–190°F (82–88°C)	5 minutes
Whole Chicken	165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast	10–15 minutes
Wings	175°F (79°C)	5 minutes

Recommended Grill Temperatures (Gas & Charcoal)

Just as important as internal temp is your grill surface temperature. Here’s what to aim for depending on your grill type:

Gas Grill

Direct heat (for searing): 450–500°F
Indirect heat (for finishing): 300–350°F

Charcoal Grill

Hot zone (over coals): 450–500°F
Cool zone (offset): 300–350°F

Use a two-zone setup to sear over high heat, then move to indirect heat to cook through without burning the outside.

How to Grill Each Chicken Cut

Chicken Breasts

Chicken breasts dry out quickly, so sear on high for 2–3 minutes per side, then finish over indirect heat until they hit 165°F internally. Always rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Chicken Thighs

Thighs can handle higher internal temps without drying out. Grill skin-side down first over direct heat to crisp up, then move to indirect until 175–185°F. Juicy, tender, and foolproof.

Drumsticks

Grill over medium heat and rotate frequently. They benefit from a longer cook time and higher internal temp (180–190°F) to break down connective tissue.

Whole Chicken

Spatchcock it for even cooking. Cook indirect at 350°F until the breast reaches 165°F and thighs are at least 175°F. Rest 15 minutes before carving.

Wings

Wings can go straight over medium heat. Cook 20–25 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes. Target internal temp: 175°F for juicy meat and crispy skin.

Essential Grilling Tools & Tips

Instant-read thermometer: Never guess—always measure internal temperature.
Meat thermometer with probe: Great for whole chickens or longer cooks.
Indirect heat setup: Essential for preventing charred exteriors and raw interiors.
Rest your chicken: Let juices redistribute before slicing.
Use dry rubs: Boost flavor without burning like sugary sauces can during grilling.

FAQs

How do I check the temperature of grilled chicken?

Use an instant-read thermometer and insert it into the thickest part of the meat without touching bone. For whole chickens, check both the breast and thigh.

What happens if I undercook chicken?

Undercooked chicken can contain harmful bacteria that can make you very sick. Always cook to a safe internal temp of 165°F or higher, depending on the cut.

Can I use a leave-in probe thermometer on a charcoal grill?

Yes—just keep the wire away from direct flame and close the grill lid gently to avoid damaging it.

What rubs work best for grilled chicken?

Check out our selection of rubs specifically for chicken HERE. They're designed to complement grilled poultry with sweet-savory balance.

Should I sauce chicken before or after grilling?

Apply sauce during the final 5–10 minutes to avoid burning sugars. Let the sauce caramelize gently over indirect heat. Check out our collection of Texas Pepper Jelly Bird Bath sauces developed specifically for chicken.

Final Thoughts: Grilling Chicken with Confidence

Grilling chicken on a gas or charcoal grill doesn’t have to be a guessing game. When you understand the safe internal temperatures, use the right tools, and apply proven techniques by cut, you can serve juicy, flavorful chicken every time. Whether you’re grilling wings for a party or smoking a whole bird for family dinner, getting the temperature right is the key to both safety and taste.

Remember to cook to temperature—not time—and use a two-zone grill setup for consistent results. Stock up on the best chicken rubs, sauces, and grilling gear to make each cook better than the last. And when in doubt, grab your thermometer and trust the science.

Ready to take your backyard chicken grilling to the next level? Explore our full range of BBQ rubs for chicken , grill thermometers and Chicken Grilling & Barbecue Essentials at DDR BBQ Supply. We've got the essentials to help you grill with confidence.

Shop Essentials for Grilling Chicken

Before you fire up your gas or charcoal grill, make sure you’re stocked with the right gear and flavor boosters. These collections are packed with tools and seasonings perfect for backyard chicken cooks:

Thermometers & Temperature Tool s – Get accurate internal readings every time with instant-read and probe thermometers.
BBQ Rubs for Chicken – Flavor your chicken with award-winning rubs crafted for grilling perfection.
Sauces for Poultry – From sweet to spicy, these sauces add a perfect finish to grilled chicken.
Gas Grills – Browse high-quality gas grills designed for reliable, even heat control.
Charcoal Grills – Bring that signature smoky flavor to your backyard chicken cooks.
Grilling Accessories – Tongs, gloves, spatulas, and more to make your grilling easier and safer.
Meat Resting & Holding Gear – Lock in juices with insulated blankets and resting tools made for BBQ.
Chicken Cooking Essentials – Your all-in-one collection for backyard chicken success.

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