Cooking BBQ chicken on a Blackstone griddle is an excellent way to infuse bold flavors while keeping the cooking process simple and enjoyable. Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or looking for a delicious weeknight dinner, mastering this dish can elevate your grilling game. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know to create mouth-watering BBQ chicken on your Blackstone griddle, including preparation, cooking techniques, tips, and suggested side dishes.
Preparing Your Ingredients
Before you can dive into cooking, preparation is key to a successful BBQ chicken dish. Here’s what you’ll need.
Essential Ingredients
To make BBQ chicken on your griddle, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here’s a simple grocery list:
- Chicken: Use bone-in, skin-on thighs or drumsticks for juicy meat, or opt for boneless, skinless breasts if you prefer.
- BBQ Sauce: Choose a store-bought favorite or whip up your own using ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices.
- Seasoning: Enhance the flavor with salt, pepper, and your choice of additional spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
Prepping the Chicken
Properly prepping your chicken is essential for achieving the best results. Here’s how to do it:
- Clean the Chicken: Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Trim Excess Fat: If there’s any excess fat, trim it away to prevent flare-ups on the griddle.
- Season Generously: Rub the seasoning mix all over the chicken, ensuring even coverage. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours if you have time for marinating.
Getting Your Blackstone Griddle Ready
Achieving the perfect cook on your Blackstone griddle starts with proper setup.
Heat the Griddle
Preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium heat, which should be around 350-400°F. This range is perfect for searing the chicken and caramelizing the BBQ sauce without burning it.
Oiling the Surface
Add a liberal amount of oil to the griddle surface—vegetable oil or canola oil works best. Spread it evenly across the cooking surface using a spatula to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
Cooking BBQ Chicken on the Blackstone Griddle
Once your ingredients are prepped and your griddle is heated, it’s time to start cooking!
Grilling the Chicken
With your griddle hot and ready, follow these steps to cook your BBQ chicken:
- Place the Chicken on the Griddle: Lay the chicken pieces skin-side down (if applicable) on the griddle. This helps render the fat and gives a crispy texture.
- Sear the Chicken: Let the chicken sear for about 5-7 minutes or until a golden brown crust forms. Avoid moving the chicken around too much to allow for proper browning.
- Flip and Continue Cooking: After the first side is well-cooked, flip the chicken pieces over. Let them cook for another 5-7 minutes on the other side.
Adding BBQ Sauce
Once both sides of the chicken have a nice sear, it’s time to add the BBQ sauce:
- Brush with Sauce: Use a brush to apply a generous layer of BBQ sauce to the chicken.
- Cover and Cook: Lower the heat to medium-low and cover the griddle with a lid or large metal sheet to create an oven-like environment. This helps heat the chicken through and caramelize the sauce. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, brushing with more sauce every few minutes.
Check for Doneness
To ensure your chicken is thoroughly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read at least 165°F in the thickest part of the chicken. If needed, continue cooking and check the temperature periodically.
Finishing Touches
With your chicken cooked to perfection, you can give it some finishing touches to enhance flavor and presentation.
Resting the Chicken
Once your BBQ chicken has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the griddle and place it on a cutting board or serving plate. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat.
Garnishing Your Chicken
Enhance the presentation of your BBQ chicken by garnishing it with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. You can also drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce on top if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Now that your BBQ chicken is ready, let’s pair it with some delicious side dishes that complement its flavors.
Perfect Side Dishes
Some great sides to serve with BBQ chicken include:
- Coleslaw: This crunchy salad offers a cool and tangy counterpoint to the rich flavor of the chicken.
- Grilled Vegetables: Use the Blackstone griddle to toss on some seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn for a colorful and nutritious addition.
Suggested Drinks
To wash down your BBQ feast, consider serving refreshing drinks such as:
- Iced Tea: Sweetened or unsweetened, iced tea is a classic accompaniment to BBQ.
- Lemonade: A tart lemonade can cut through the richness of the BBQ sauce and provide a refreshing contrast.
Cleaning Your Blackstone Griddle
After enjoying your delicious meal, it’s important to clean up effectively. Follow these steps to keep your Blackstone griddle in excellent condition:
- Let It Cool: Allow the griddle to cool down completely after cooking.
- Scrape Off Residue: Use a metal spatula or griddle scraper to remove any leftover food particles.
- Wipe Down: With warm soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge, wipe down the griddle surface. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Season Your Griddle: If you want to protect the surface, apply a light coat of oil and heat it for a few minutes to maintain its seasoning.
Conclusion
Cooking BBQ chicken on a Blackstone griddle is an excellent way to enjoy rich flavors without the hassle of traditional grilling. With the right preparation, cooking techniques, and complementary sides, you can create a mouth-watering dish that will impress your family and friends.
Remember, the key points to keep in mind are: prep your ingredients well, ensure proper heating of the griddle, and monitor the cooking process closely. With practice, you’ll become a pro at whipping up delicious BBQ chicken that everyone will want to rave about!
So fire up your Blackstone griddle and get ready to enjoy the joys of summer all year round with this delightful BBQ chicken recipe!
What types of chicken are best for BBQ on a Blackstone Griddle?
The best types of chicken for BBQ on a Blackstone Griddle are typically boneless chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks. Boneless chicken breasts are great for quick cooking and can absorb flavors well. Chicken thighs are more forgiving due to their higher fat content, making them juicier and richer in flavor. Drumsticks are ideal for outdoor gatherings and can be cooked to perfection on a griddle.
When selecting chicken, make sure to consider the thickness of the pieces as well. Thicker pieces may require longer cooking times, so it’s essential to monitor the temperature closely. Regardless of the cut you choose, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F is critical for food safety.
How do I prepare chicken for BBQ on the Blackstone Griddle?
Preparing chicken for BBQ on a Blackstone Griddle involves several key steps. Start by trimming excess fat and any unwanted skin from the chicken. Then, marinate the chicken or apply your favorite BBQ rub for at least 30 minutes, or longer if possible. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, enhancing its taste while grilling.
Next, let the chicken come to room temperature before cooking. This step helps ensure even cooking throughout. Preheat your griddle to medium-high heat and oil the surface lightly to prevent sticking. Once prepared, you’re set to start your grilling adventure!
What temperature should I cook BBQ chicken on a Blackstone Griddle?
The ideal temperature for cooking BBQ chicken on a Blackstone Griddle is around 375°F to 400°F. This range allows for a good sear while locking in the moisture, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and flavorful. Using a meat thermometer can help you accurately gauge the temperature of the griddle before placing the chicken on it.
It’s essential to monitor the cooking process closely, as different cuts of chicken may require slightly different cooking times. Adjust the heat as needed during the cooking process to prevent burning while ensuring thorough cooking of the chicken.
How long does it take to cook BBQ chicken on a Blackstone Griddle?
Cooking time for BBQ chicken on a Blackstone Griddle depends on the thickness and cut of the chicken. For boneless chicken breasts, you can expect them to cook in about 6-8 minutes per side. Boneless thighs may take a similar time, while whole drumsticks or bone-in pieces will generally require about 15-20 minutes, rotating occasionally for even cooking.
Always perform a temperature check using a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F, as this is the safest way to determine doneness. This way, you can achieve that perfect grilled chicken every time!
What BBQ sauces work best with chicken on a Blackstone Griddle?
When it comes to BBQ sauces for chicken cooked on a Blackstone Griddle, the options are nearly endless. Classic sauces like honey BBQ, teriyaki, or spicy chipotle work well and can complement the smoky flavor imparted by grilling. It’s best to choose a sauce that aligns with your flavor preferences and adds a nice glaze to the chicken.
You may also opt to brush the sauce on during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent burning. This ensures the sauce caramelizes while keeping the chicken tender and juicy. Experimenting with different sauces can lead to discovering new favorite flavor combinations!
Can I cook side dishes on the Blackstone Griddle while BBQing chicken?
Yes, cooking side dishes on the Blackstone Griddle while BBQing chicken is not only possible but can enhance your overall BBQ experience. The expansive cooking surface allows you to prepare items like grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, or even burgers concurrently. This means all the food can be ready at the same time, making it an efficient cooking method.
To manage cooking multiple items, plan ahead by timing your side dishes appropriately. Start with those that take longer to prepare, such as potatoes or harder vegetables, and then add quicker-cooking items as the chicken nears completion. This way, you maximize the use of your griddle and create a complete meal for your guests.