Grilling chicken can be a fun and flavorful way to cook, but it’s also a bit tricky to get just right. One of the most important factors when grilling chicken is making sure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked. If your grilled chicken isn’t reaching that magic number, you might be wondering what went wrong. Don’t worry—there are several factors that could be causing this issue. Let’s take a look at some common mistakes that could be preventing your grilled chicken from reaching the proper temperature.
1. Not Using a Meat Thermometer
The most reliable way to know if your chicken has reached 165°F is by using a meat thermometer. Simply cutting into the chicken or guessing based on time can lead to undercooking or overcooking. A meat thermometer is essential for ensuring your chicken is cooked safely and perfectly.
Tip: Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, typically the breast or thigh, without touching the bone, as this can give an inaccurate reading.
2. Grilling at Too Low of a Temperature
If the heat on your grill isn’t high enough, the chicken will take much longer to cook and might not reach the necessary internal temperature. Chicken needs direct heat to cook through, and if the grill temperature is too low, it will cook unevenly and could stay undercooked on the inside.
Tip: Aim for a medium-high heat, typically around 375°F–450°F, to ensure your chicken cooks through evenly. If you’re using a gas grill, preheat it for at least 10-15 minutes before adding your chicken. For charcoal grills, make sure the coals are spread evenly and glowing red, providing consistent heat.
3. Overcrowding the Grill
Grilling multiple pieces of chicken at once can be tempting, but overcrowding the grill can prevent the chicken from cooking evenly. When you crowd the grill, the chicken doesn’t get the necessary airflow, which can slow down the cooking process and prevent the chicken from reaching 165°F.
Tip: Leave enough space between each piece of chicken so hot air can circulate around it. This will help ensure that each piece cooks evenly and reaches the right temperature.
4. Flipping Too Often
While it’s important to flip your chicken to avoid burning it, flipping too often can lead to uneven cooking. Constant flipping may disrupt the chicken’s cooking process and slow down the time it takes to reach the proper internal temperature.
Tip: Try to flip the chicken only once or twice during the cooking process. Give it enough time on each side to cook thoroughly before flipping.
5. Chicken Thickness and Size
Thicker cuts of chicken, such as bone-in breasts or thighs, require more time to cook compared to thinner cuts like boneless breasts or chicken tenders. If you’re working with bone-in chicken or particularly large pieces, it’s easy to underestimate how long they need to cook to reach the proper internal temperature.
Tip: If you’re using bone-in chicken or particularly thick pieces, consider lowering the grill heat slightly and cooking the chicken for a longer period. Alternatively, you can also use indirect heat (placing the chicken on the cooler side of the grill) to cook it more slowly and evenly.
6. Not Letting the Chicken Rest
After you remove the chicken from the grill, it’s essential to let it rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures that the chicken finishes cooking. If you cut into the chicken too soon, the internal temperature might still rise, and you might miss the chance for it to reach the safe 165°F mark.
Tip: Let your grilled chicken rest for about 5-10 minutes after taking it off the grill. This will help ensure it’s properly cooked and juicy, and the temperature will stabilize.
7. Using the Wrong Grill Method for the Chicken Cut
Different cuts of chicken require different grilling techniques. For example, boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook best with direct, high heat, while bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces might benefit more from indirect heat, which cooks them slowly and evenly without burning the exterior.
Tip: Adjust your grilling method based on the type of chicken you’re cooking. For bone-in pieces, use a two-zone cooking method, where you sear the chicken over direct heat and then move it to the cooler side of the grill to finish cooking.
8. Not Checking the Grill’s Temperature Regularly
Grills can lose temperature over time, especially if you open the lid frequently. This can affect the cooking process and prevent your chicken from reaching 165°F in a reasonable amount of time. Not checking the grill’s temperature can lead to inconsistent cooking, even if you think the grill is still hot.
Tip: Keep an eye on the temperature throughout the grilling process. If you’re using a gas grill, use the built-in thermometer to monitor heat levels, and on a charcoal grill, check the coals to ensure they’re still burning at the desired temperature.
9. Cooking with the Skin On (or Not)
Chicken skin acts as a protective barrier, locking in moisture and helping to retain heat. However, if you’re cooking skinless chicken, you might need to use a slightly lower heat to avoid drying it out or overcooking the exterior before the interior reaches the target temperature.
Tip: If you’re cooking skinless chicken, consider basting it with oil or a marinade to help keep it moist. Alternatively, cooking with the skin on can provide a bit of insulation, making it easier to achieve that perfect 165°F temperature.
Patience and Precision Are Key
Grilling chicken to the right internal temperature requires attention to detail and patience. While it may take a little practice to master the perfect grilling technique, avoiding these common mistakes can help you cook chicken that’s both safe and delicious. The most important thing is to use a meat thermometer, maintain proper heat levels, and give your chicken enough time to cook through.
If your grilled chicken isn’t reaching 165°F, take a step back and evaluate your grilling method—by making adjustments to your temperature, cooking time, and equipment, you’ll be able to achieve that perfectly cooked chicken every time. Happy grilling!