Introduction

Charcoal grilled chicken is one of my all-time favorite foods. The smokey, juicy flavor of a perfectly charred chicken is literally mouthwatering. Over the years, my family has perfected our technique for making insanely delicious charcoal chicken. It’s so good, it should honestly be illegal!

Why Charcoal Chicken is Superior

Cooking chicken over a charcoal grill infuses it with a wonderful smoky essence you simply can’t replicate any other way. The high heat of the coals sears the outside to a crispy char while keeping the inside incredibly moist and juicy. Gas grills just can’t compete with the unbeatable flavor of charcoal grilled chicken.

Charcoal chicken also has numerous health benefits. The high temperature helps cook the chicken more evenly while draining away excess fat and calories. Studies show that charcoal grilling may reduce compounds that can cause cancer. So not only does charcoal chicken taste better, it’s better for you too!

My Family’s Secret Marinade Makes All the Difference

The key to exceptionally flavorful charcoal chicken is in the marinade. My family has passed down our secret marinade recipe for generations, and it’s truly what makes our charcoal chicken so spectacular.

The base of our marinade is oil, vinegar, and lots of garlic. We add a special blend of herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, oregano, and cumin. A touch of brown sugar helps caramelize the chicken to absolute perfection. Our special ingredient though is a sauce we make from chipotles in adobo sauce. It provides just the right amount of smoky heat.

We let our chicken marinate overnight which allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat. The result is the most tender, juicy, and flavor-packed charcoal chicken you’ll ever taste!

How to Grill the Best Charcoal Chicken

Grilling charcoal chicken near me to succulent, smoky perfection takes some skill. Here are my tips for flawless charcoal grilled chicken every time:

• Use natural lump charcoal – it burns hotter and imparts more flavor than briquettes. Let the coals fully ignite until covered with ash before cooking.
• Grill over direct high heat, placing the chicken directly over the coals. This sears the outside and cooks the meat efficiently. Avoid overcrowding the grill.
• Grill the chicken bone side down first to help conduct heat for even cooking. Once the skin is crispy, flip and finish cooking flesh side down.
• Brush the chicken with sauce in the last 5 minutes if you want a glazed finish. Be careful not to burn the sugar in the sauce.
• Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F and thighs reach 175°F. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

My Family’s Charcoal Chicken is Worth the Wait

I know it seems like a lengthy process, but I promise every step is crucial for chicken that tastes this unbelievably good. The result is so flavorful and juicy, with crispy charred skin and the perfect smoky essence. It’s easily the best charcoal chicken you’ll ever eat!

While grilling charcoal chicken does take some time and effort, it’s a fun family activity at our house. We spend the day prepping the chicken, firing up the grill, and finally feasting on the fruits of our labor. For us, it’s about so much more than just dinner – it’s time spent together enjoying each other’s company.

That’s what makes our famous family charcoal chicken recipe so meaningful. I hope you’ll give it a try and make some meaningful memories around the grill with your own family. Just be warned – once you taste how incredible charcoal chicken can be, you may never want to cook it any other way again! It’s that good.

5 Frequently Asked Questions About Charcoal Chicken

What is the best wood for smoking chicken?

Hickory and apple woods are ideal for smoking chicken. They impart a robust, savory smoky flavor. Other good options include cherry, pecan, and mesquite.

Should you brine chicken before grilling?

Yes, brining helps chicken stay juicy and seasoned when grilling. Soak chicken in a saltwater brine for 30 mins up to overnight before grilling.

What temperature should charcoal grilled chicken be?

Chicken is safe to eat once it reaches 165°F for breasts and 175°F for thighs. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

How long does it take to grill chicken thighs?

Bone-in chicken thighs take 18-25 minutes to grill over medium heat, flipping once halfway through. Boneless thighs take just 8-12 minutes.

 Can you grill frozen chicken?

It’s not recommended. Thaw chicken fully in the fridge before grilling for food safety and to ensure even cooking.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for the most mouthwatering, flavor-packed charcoal chicken you’ve ever tasted, give my family’s secret recipe a try. Our special marinade and grilling method produces chicken so juicy, smoky, and succulent, it should honestly be against the law! Use natural lump charcoal and grill over high heat for the crispiest skin and most tender meat. I promise that after one bite of this amazing charcoal chicken, you’ll be hooked. Get ready for your new favorite summer cookout recipe!