How long should chicken be on the BBQ? Times & temperatures
Deel
Short answer: Skinless chicken thighs are done after 25–30 minutes at 185°C indirect, with an internal temperature of 74°C. Chicken wings: 20–25 minutes. Whole chicken: 60–90 minutes at 175°C.
Chicken on the BBQ cooks quickly — but the timing depends on the cut, temperature, and whether you're grilling directly or indirectly. In this article, you'll find the exact times and internal temperatures per chicken type.
Chicken internal temperature: always 74°C
Regardless of the cut or cooking method: chicken is safe and cooked through at an internal temperature of 74°C in the thickest part, not near the bone. This is the only reliable way to know if chicken is cooked — not the color, not the time.
Chicken can look cooked on the outside while still being raw on the inside. A meat thermometer is not a luxury — it's the only way to be sure. Always measure in the thickest part, not near the bone.
Times per chicken cut
Chicken thighs (skinless)
185°C indirect · 25–30 min · Internal temperature 74°C. Last 5 min direct for bark.
Chicken thighs (with skin)
185°C indirect · 30–35 min · Internal temperature 74°C. Crisp skin with direct heat at the end.
Chicken wings
200°C direct · 20–25 min · Internal temperature 74°C. Turn regularly for even cooking.
Whole chicken
175°C indirect · 60–90 min · Internal temperature 74°C in the thigh. Rest time 10 min.
Chicken breast
180°C direct · 12–15 min · Internal temperature 74°C. Quick and easy, but dries out quickly.
Drumsticks
185°C indirect · 30–35 min · Internal temperature 74°C. More collagen = more flavor.
Chicken recipes with dry rub
Want to know how to optimally prepare chicken with a dry rub? Check out our extensive recipes:
- Jamaican Jerk chicken on the BBQ — recipe and technique
- Korean BBQ chicken — recipe with gochugaru
- Shawarma from the BBQ — recipe with dry rub
- Tex-Mex BBQ chicken — recipe with dry rub
Mild and for everyone: Carolina Gold. Spicy and Caribbean: Jamaican Jerk. Asian umami: Korean BBQ rub. Middle Eastern: Shawarma rub.
More BBQ knowledge
BBQ Chicken with the right rub
Freshly mixed to order. Free shipping via DHL.
Starter Pack · 3 flavorsView all Rubs