Grilling Chicken: Skin Side Up or Down?

Grilling chicken is a staple of summer cooking. Whether it’s for a family barbecue or a weekend get-together with friends, grilled chicken is always a crowd-pleaser. However, there is a debate among grill masters about whether to grill chicken skin side up or down.

Some argue that grilling chicken skin side up results in more moist and tender meat, while others believe that grilling skin side down is the way to go for a crispier skin. The truth is, both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and the type of grill being used.

In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of grilling chicken skin side up and down, as well as provide tips and tricks for achieving perfectly grilled chicken every time. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a beginner, this article will provide valuable insights into the world of grilling chicken.

Grilling Chicken Skin Side Up or Down: Which is Best?

When it comes to grilling chicken, one of the most debated topics is whether to grill it skin side up or down. While there is no definitive answer, there are some factors to consider that can help you make the best decision for your recipe.

Skin-On or Skinless Chicken

If you’re grilling skin-on chicken, it’s best to start with the skin side down. This allows the skin to crisp up and become golden brown, giving it a delicious flavor and texture. After a few minutes, you can flip the chicken over and continue cooking until it reaches the desired internal temperature.

On the other hand, if you’re grilling skinless chicken, it doesn’t matter which side you start with. However, keep in mind that without the skin, the chicken may dry out more quickly, so be sure to monitor it closely and adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Bone-In or Boneless Chicken

When grilling bone-in chicken, it’s best to start with the bone side down. This helps the meat cook more evenly and ensures the bone is thoroughly cooked. After a few minutes, you can flip the chicken over and continue cooking until it reaches the desired internal temperature.

For boneless chicken, it’s not as important which side you start with. However, if you’re looking to achieve crispy skin, it’s still best to start with the skin side down.

Seasoning and Marinades

Before grilling your chicken, be sure to season it generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings or spices. You can also marinate the chicken in a flavorful mixture of olive oil, garlic, herbs, and spices for added taste and tenderness.

Heat and Cooking Time

To achieve the juiciest and most flavorful chicken, it’s important to cook it at the right temperature and for the right amount of time. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Tips for Crispy Skin

If you’re looking to achieve crispy chicken skin, here are a few tips:

• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning and grilling.
• Use indirect heat to avoid flare-ups and burning the skin.
• Press down on the chicken with tongs or a heavy spatula to ensure even contact with the grill grates.
• Brush the chicken with barbecue sauce or a mixture of stock and seasonings for added flavor and moisture.
• For a whole chicken, spatchcock it by removing the backbone and flattening it out before grilling.

In conclusion, whether you grill your chicken skin side up or down depends on the type of chicken you’re using and your desired outcome. By following these tips and techniques, you can achieve delicious and flavorful grilled chicken with crispy skin every time.

Grilling Chicken Skin Side Up

When it comes to grilling chicken, the decision to place the skin side up or down is a topic of debate. While some prefer to grill with the skin side down, others prefer to grill the chicken with the skin side up. In this section, we will discuss the benefits of grilling chicken with the skin side up and provide some useful tips to help you get the juiciest and most flavorful chicken possible.

Benefits of Grilling Chicken Skin Side Up

Grilling chicken with the skin side up has several benefits. First and foremost, it allows the skin to crisp up and become golden brown, creating a delicious crispy texture that is hard to resist. Additionally, grilling the chicken with the skin side up helps to keep the meat moist and juicy, as the skin acts as a protective layer that locks in moisture and prevents the meat from drying out.

Steps to Grilling Chicken Skin Side Up

To grill chicken with the skin side up, follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken with your favorite spices and seasonings. You can also marinate the chicken for added flavor.
3. Place the chicken on the grill skin side up and let it cook for 5-7 minutes.
4. Use tongs to flip the chicken over and continue grilling until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
5. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Grilling Chicken Skin Side Up

Here are some tips to help you get the best results when grilling chicken with the skin side up:

• Use indirect heat to prevent flare-ups and ensure even cooking.
• If using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals on one side of the grill and place the chicken on the other side.
• If using a gas grill, turn off one burner and place the chicken on the cool side of the grill.
• Use a meat press to keep the chicken flat and ensure even cooking.
• Baste the chicken with barbecue sauce or stock for added flavor and moisture.
• If grilling a whole chicken, spatchcock it to ensure even cooking and crispy skin.
• For boneless chicken, use a marinade to add flavor and keep the meat moist.
• For skinless chicken, brush the meat with garlic and paprika for added flavor.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat soft and juicy.

In conclusion, grilling chicken with the skin side up can result in crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat. By following these simple steps and tips, you can achieve the perfect grilled chicken every time.

Grilling Chicken Skin Side Down

Grilling chicken skin side down is a popular and effective method to achieve crispy, golden-brown skin and juicy meat. Here are some steps to grilling chicken skin side down:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, around 375-450°F. You can use either a gas or charcoal grill. If using a charcoal grill, spread the coals in a single layer and let them burn until they are covered with white ash.

2. Season the chicken with your preferred seasonings, such as salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, or barbecue sauce. You can also marinate the chicken for extra flavor and moisture.

3. Place the chicken skin side down on the grill over direct heat. Use tongs to carefully place the chicken on the grill to avoid flare-ups. If using a gas grill, turn off one burner and place the chicken over the unlit burner for indirect heat.

4. Cook the chicken for at least 10 minutes without moving it. This will allow the skin to crisp up and prevent it from sticking to the grill. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. For bone-in chicken, the temperature should reach 165°F in the thickest part of the meat. For boneless chicken, it should reach 160°F.

5. Once the skin is crispy and golden-brown, use tongs to carefully flip the chicken over to the other side. Cook for another 5-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches the desired level.

6. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat moist and flavorful.

Grilling chicken skin side down is a great way to achieve juicy and flavorful meat with crispy skin. It is important to keep an eye on the heat and avoid flare-ups, which can burn the skin and dry out the meat. By following these steps and using your preferred seasonings and marinades, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal for your family and friends.

Factors to Consider

When it comes to grilling chicken, whether to cook it skin side up or down is a question that often arises. There are several factors to consider when making this decision.

Type of Grill

The type of grill you are using can affect whether you should grill chicken skin side up or down. For example, if you are using a charcoal grill, it is generally recommended to grill chicken skin side down first to ensure that the skin is crispy. On the other hand, if you are using a gas grill, you can grill chicken skin side up or down, depending on your preference.

Thickness of the Chicken

The thickness of the chicken also plays a role in whether to grill it skin side up or down. If you are grilling thin chicken breasts or cutlets, it is best to grill them skin side up to prevent them from drying out. However, if you are grilling thicker chicken pieces, such as thighs or drumsticks, it is recommended to grill them skin side down first to ensure that the skin is crispy and flavorful.

Temperature of the Grill

The temperature of the grill is another important factor to consider when grilling chicken. If the grill is too hot, the skin can burn before the chicken is fully cooked. On the other hand, if the grill is not hot enough, the skin may not get crispy. It is recommended to preheat the grill to medium-high heat before grilling chicken.

Seasoning and Marinade

The seasoning and marinade you use can also affect whether to grill chicken skin side up or down. If you are using a marinade or seasoning that contains sugar or honey, it is best to grill the chicken skin side up to prevent the sugar from burning. However, if you are using a dry rub or seasoning that does not contain sugar, you can grill the chicken skin side down first to ensure that the skin is crispy.

In conclusion, there are several factors to consider when deciding whether to grill chicken skin side up or down. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the type of chicken you are grilling. By taking these factors into consideration, you can grill juicy, flavorful chicken with crispy skin every time.

Conclusion

When it comes to grilling chicken, one of the most debated topics is whether to grill it skin side up or down. Based on our research and experience, we recommend grilling chicken skin side down to start. This method allows the skin to crisp up and become deliciously golden brown while the meat cooks to tender perfection.

Grilling chicken skin side down also helps to retain the natural juices and flavors of the meat, resulting in a more succulent and flavorful dish. Additionally, it helps to prevent the skin from sticking to the grill grates.

For those who prefer saucy or seasoned chicken, grilling skin side up may be a better option. This allows the sauce or seasoning to penetrate the meat more evenly, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy dish.

When grilling skin-on pieces such as thighs or drumsticks, it is important to keep an eye on the cook time. These pieces may take longer to cook than boneless, skinless chicken breasts, so be sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly.

For those looking to add a little extra flavor to their grilled chicken, we recommend trying a chicken marinade or seasoning. Lemon zest is a great addition to any chicken marinade and can add a refreshing citrus flavor to your dish.

Overall, grilling chicken skin side up or down ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, we recommend starting with skin side down to achieve that perfect crispy skin and tender meat. So fire up the grill, crack open a cold beer, and enjoy the delicious taste of summer with grilled spatchcock chicken fresh off the cutting board.