Best Charcoal Grills for Chicken to Buy in January 2026
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black
- GRILL 13 BURGERS AT ONCE WITH THE WEBER BURGER PRESS CAPACITY.
- HASSLE-FREE CLEANING WITH ONE-TOUCH SYSTEM AND ASH CATCHER.
- DURABLE, HEAT-RETAINING PORCELAIN LID AND HINGED COOKING GRATE.
Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Inch Barrel Charcoal Grill with Warming Rack, Outdoor BBQ Grill with 627 Sq. In. Grilling Space for Backyard, Patio and Parties, Black
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SPACIOUS 627 SQ. IN. AREA FOR BIG FAMILY BBQS AND GATHERINGS!
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PRECISION HEAT CONTROL FOR PERFECT GRILLING EVERY TIME.
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EASY CLEANUP WITH REMOVABLE CHARCOAL PAN AND TOOL HOOKS.
HALNYHYFD Portable Charcoal Grill with Thermometer, Double-sided Smoker Grill for Outdoor Camping Backyard Party Travel
- DUAL-SIDED COOKING FOR SIMULTANEOUS GRILLING OF MULTIPLE FOODS!
- DURABLE, HEAT-RESISTANT MATERIALS ENSURE LONG-LASTING PERFORMANCE!
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND PORTABLE FOR EASY OUTDOOR ADVENTURES!
Royal Gourmet CC1830S BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker | 823 Square Inch cooking surface, Outdoor for Camping | Black
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VERSATILE COOKING AREA: 823 SQ. IN. FOR GRILLING AND SMOKING DELIGHT.
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PERFECTLY SMOKED FLAVOR: OFFSET SMOKER BOOSTS HEAT AND SMOKE CIRCULATION.
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PRECISION CONTROL: ADJUSTABLE RACK AND TEMPERATURE MONITOR FOR IDEAL COOKING.
Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill for Outdoor Cooking and Barbecue, 22-Inch, Black
- GRILL UP TO 13 BURGERS AT ONCE WITH ADVANCED WEBER BURGER PRESS!
- EASY CLEAN WITH ONE-TOUCH ASH SYSTEM FOR HASSLE-FREE GRILLING.
- DURABLE, RUST-RESISTANT BUILD ENSURES LONG-LASTING FLAVOR RETENTION.
Royal Gourmet CC1830V 30 Barrel Charcoal Grill with Wood-Painted Side Front Table, 627 Square Inches Cooking Space, for Outdoor Backyard, Patio and Parties, Black
- LARGE COOKING AREA FOR SMOKING LARGE CUTS OF MEAT EFFORTLESSLY.
- PRECISE HEAT CONTROL FOR PERFECT SMOKING WITH ADJUSTABLE VENTS.
- EASY CLEANUP WITH ADJUSTABLE FIRE GRATE AND MESS-FREE ASH PAN.
Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker with Cover, 811 Square Inches, Black, Outdoor Camping
- VERSATILE COOKING AREA: 811 SQ. IN. OF GRILLING AND SMOKING SPACE.
- PRECISION MONITORING: BUILT-IN THERMOMETER ENSURES PERFECT COOKING TEMP.
- DURABLE PROTECTION: HEAVY-DUTY COVER SHIELDS GRILL FROM HARSH WEATHER.
Charcoal Grill Outdoor BBQ Grill, Barrel Charcoal Grills with Side Table, with Nearly 500 Sq.In. Cooking Grid Area, Outdoor Backyard Camping Picnics, Patio and Parties, Black
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SPACIOUS COOKING AREA: 500 SQ. IN. GRILL PERFECT FOR BIG GATHERINGS.
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DURABLE & EASY TO CLEAN: ENAMEL GRATES WITHSTAND HIGH TEMPS & CLEANUP.
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MOBILITY & CONVENIENCE: EASY-ROLLING WHEELS AND AMPLE SIDE TABLE SPACE.
SUNLIFER Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker: Charcoal Barbecue Grills with Spacious Cooking Area | Barrel BBQ Grill and Smokers Combo for Outdoor Patio Backyard Camping and Parties
- PRECISE TEMPERATURE MANAGEMENT FOR PERFECTLY COOKED MEALS EVERY TIME.
- SPACIOUS 512 SQ. IN. COOKING AREA FOR DIVERSE GRILLING EXPERIENCES.
- PORTABLE DESIGN WITH AMPLE STORAGE FOR GRILLING ESSENTIALS ON-THE-GO.
To cook chicken on a charcoal grill, follow these steps:
- Prepare the grill: Start by cleaning the grill grates thoroughly and then preheat the charcoal grill. Open the bottom dampers to allow air to flow and ignite the charcoal. Let the coals burn until they are covered with a layer of light gray ash.
- Season the chicken: While the grill is heating, season the chicken with your preferred marinade or dry rub. Ensure all sides of the chicken are evenly coated.
- Set up the grill: Once the coals are ready, carefully arrange them in a two-zone fire. Move the majority of the coals to one side of the grill, creating a hot zone, and leave the other side with fewer coals or empty for indirect cooking.
- Oil the grill grates: Take a paper towel, fold it, and dip it in oil. Use tongs to smear the oiled towel across the grates. This helps prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill.
- Start grilling: Place the chicken on the hot zone of the grill, directly over the coals. Cook with the lid open for a short time to sear the chicken and create grill marks. Then, close the lid and continue cooking.
- Monitor the temperature: To ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly, it's important to monitor its internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken. The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Flip and rotate: After a few minutes, flip the chicken using tongs to cook the other side evenly. If the chicken is browning too quickly or there are flare-ups, move it to the indirect zone to avoid burning.
- Baste and sauce: If you desire, during the last few minutes of cooking, you can baste the chicken with any additional marinade or sauce. Be cautious as sugary sauces can cause flare-ups.
- Rest and serve: Once the chicken reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat. Serve the grilled chicken hot.
Remember, grilling times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. It's essential to monitor the internal temperature regularly to avoid undercooking or overcooking. With practice, you'll become more familiar with the grill's temperature and the cooking times needed for deliciously grilled chicken.
Should I marinate the chicken before grilling?
Marinating chicken before grilling can greatly enhance its flavor and tenderness. By marinating, the chicken is allowed to soak in a mixture of spices, herbs, acidic ingredients, and oils, which helps to break down connective tissues, infuse flavors, and create a more succulent and moist end result. Therefore, marinating chicken before grilling is generally recommended for a tastier and juicier outcome.
What is the ideal internal temperature to cook chicken on a charcoal grill?
The ideal internal temperature to cook chicken on a charcoal grill is 165°F (74°C). This temperature ensures that the chicken is thoroughly cooked and safe to eat, while also ensuring it remains juicy and tender.
Can I baste the chicken while grilling?
Yes, you can baste the chicken while grilling. Basting refers to the process of brushing or pouring liquids, such as marinades, sauces, or juices, onto the chicken while it is cooking to add flavor and keep it moist. You can baste the chicken with a basting brush or by using a spray bottle. Just be sure to avoid excessive basting, as it can cause flare-ups or make the chicken skin too soggy.
Can I grill chicken with vegetables, and if so, how should I do it?
Yes, you can grill chicken with vegetables! Here's a simple guide on how to do it:
- Prepare the chicken: Start by marinating the chicken pieces in a mixture of your choice. Common marinades include a combination of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or basil), salt, and pepper. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
- Prepare the vegetables: You can use a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, onions, cherry tomatoes, or eggplant. Wash and chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces for even grilling.
- Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure to clean the grill grates and oil them lightly to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the chicken for grilling: Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry to prevent excess moisture. Season the chicken with salt and pepper or any additional spice rub you prefer.
- Grill the chicken: Place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking time may vary based on the thickness of the chicken pieces. Make sure to flip the chicken only once halfway through cooking.
- Grill the vegetables: While the chicken is cooking, you can grill the vegetables. Toss them in a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper, or any desired seasoning. Place the vegetables in a grill pan or thread them onto skewers for easier grilling. Cook the vegetables for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until they are tender and slightly charred.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the chicken is cooked and the vegetables are grilled to your liking, remove them from the grill. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to retain its juices. Arrange the grilled chicken and vegetables on a platter and enjoy!
Remember to always use proper grilling safety procedures and to check for doneness using a meat thermometer. Enjoy your delicious grilled chicken with veggies!
Can I grill chicken drumsticks and thighs together?
Yes, you can definitely grill chicken drumsticks and thighs together. In fact, they are often cooked together as they are similar in size and cooking time. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take slightly longer to cook than drumsticks. It's also important to ensure that the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming.