BBQ Chicken: How Long and at What Temperature?

Grilling chicken on the BBQ might seem simple, but the cooking time depends on the type of chicken cut, its thickness, and your BBQ's temperature. In this guide, you'll find cooking times and internal temperatures for every chicken cut — ensuring your chicken is always juicy, safe, and full of flavor straight off the grill.

Internal Chicken Temperature

The safe internal temperature for chicken is 75°C (165°F). Always measure at the thickest point, never against the bone. Chicken thighs and drumsticks taste best at 80°C (175°F) — at this temperature, the connective tissue is fully melted, and the meat is extra juicy. For a complete overview per chicken cut, refer to the internal chicken temperature guide with exact values for chicken breast, chicken thigh, chicken drumstick, and chicken wings.

Cooking Times per Chicken Cut — Overview Table

Chicken Cut Method BBQ Temperature Cooking Time Internal Temperature
Chicken Breast Direct 200°C (392°F) 6–8 min per side 75°C (165°F)
Chicken Thigh (boneless) Direct 200°C (392°F) 5–7 min per side 80°C (175°F)
Chicken Thigh (bone-in) Indirect 180°C (356°F) 35–45 min 80°C (175°F)
Chicken Drumstick Indirect 180°C (356°F) 35–45 min 80°C (175°F)
Chicken Wings Direct 200°C (392°F) 20–25 min 75°C (165°F)
Whole Chicken Indirect 180°C (356°F) 1.5–2 hours 75°C (165°F) breast / 80°C (175°F) thigh

Chicken Breast on the BBQ

Chicken breast is lean and dries out quickly. Use direct heat at 200°C (392°F) and grill for 6–8 minutes per side. Don't leave the fillet on for too long — as soon as the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F), it's ready. A dry rub helps retain moisture and creates a beautiful crust. Our Toscana Fire rub works excellently on chicken breast.

Chicken Thighs on the BBQ

Chicken thighs are the most forgiving chicken cuts — due to their higher fat content, they remain juicy even if you leave them on a little longer. Grill on direct heat at 200°C (392°F), 5–7 minutes per side. Aim for an internal temperature of 80°C (175°F) for the best texture. Bone-in chicken thighs are better cooked with indirect heat (180°C/356°F, 35–45 minutes). Try the Jamaican Jerk rub for a spicy, smoky flavor — perfect on thighs.

Chicken Wings on the BBQ

Wings are ideal for direct heat. Grill at 200°C (392°F) for 20–25 minutes, turning regularly. The skin will become crispy, and the rub will caramelize beautifully. The Carolina Gold rub provides a sweet and sour glaze that perfectly complements wings.

Whole Chicken on the BBQ

Always grill a whole chicken using indirect heat at 180°C (356°F). Expect 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the weight (±45 minutes per kg / 2.2 lbs). Measure the internal temperature in two places: 75°C (165°F) in the breast and 80°C (175°F) in the thigh. Generously rub the chicken with a dry rub — also under the skin for maximum flavor.

Tips for Juicy BBQ Chicken

  • Always use a dry rub for extra flavor and a crispy crust.
  • Bring the chicken to room temperature before grilling (30 minutes).
  • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling — juices redistribute.
  • Always measure the internal temperature — never rely on color.
  • Use indirect grilling for thicker cuts to prevent drying out.
  • Marinate chicken thighs overnight for maximum flavor absorption.

Which Rub to Use for Chicken?

A good dry rub makes the difference between dry and juicy chicken. Our favorites:

  • Jamaican Jerk — spicy and smoky, perfect on thighs and wings.
  • Carolina Gold — sweet-sour with mustard, ideal for wings and whole chicken.
  • Toscana Fire — herbaceous and Italian, delicious on chicken breast.
  • Korean Rub — umami and slightly spicy, perfect for marinated chicken thighs.
  • Tex Mex — cumin and chili, great on chicken wings.

Still unsure which rub suits you best? Check out the Starter Pack — 3 flavors of your choice or all rubs.

More BBQ Chicken

Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Chicken

How long should chicken breast be on the BBQ?

Grill chicken breast over direct heat at 200°C (392°F) for 6–8 minutes per side. The internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F).

How long should chicken wings be on the BBQ?

Chicken wings need 20–25 minutes over direct heat at 200°C (392°F). Turn them regularly for even cooking.

How long should a whole chicken be on the BBQ?

Grill a whole chicken indirectly at 180°C (356°F). Expect 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the weight. Measure the internal temperature: 75°C (165°F) in the breast, 80°C (175°F) in the thigh.

What is the internal temperature for chicken?

The safe internal temperature for chicken is 75°C (165°F). For chicken thighs and drumsticks, 80°C (175°F) is ideal for the best texture. See the internal chicken temperature guide for exact values per chicken cut.

Do I need to marinate chicken for the BBQ?

Marinating is not mandatory, but a dry rub adds a lot of flavor and helps retain moisture. Apply the rub at least 30 minutes in advance, or overnight for maximum flavor.