Bobby Flay Shares the Top Mistake You're Making When Grilling Chicken

Overcooking is a fast track to ruining a great meal. Even simple dishes like pasta, steak, or vegetables can easily go wrong with too much heat or time. If you're guilty of overcooking your proteins from time to time, Bobby Flay's expert advice will help.

Grilling chicken with the skin on doesn’t require much beyond seasoning or marinating, and letting the grill do the hard work (like in this delicious barbecue chicken recipe). But Bobby Flay suggests a surprising tip: use low heat instead of high.

The Secret to Perfectly Grilled Chicken: Why Low Heat Is Key

On 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,' Bobby Flay revealed his top summer barbecue tip for grilling skin-on chicken: use low heat. 'People don’t understand this,' Flay explained. 'Low heat helps the skin get ultra-crispy and lets the fat render out beautifully.'

Rendering the fat results in juicier, more tender chicken, as it cooks in its own natural juices (just like with pan-frying). Grilling chicken with the skin on at a low temperature prevents it from drying out, ensures even cooking, and creates a deliciously crispy exterior that enhances the overall flavor. High heat, on the other hand, risks burning the skin before the meat is fully cooked.

How to Grill Chicken on Low Heat for Perfect Results

Grilling skin-on chicken is simple: cook it over medium-low heat, between 275°F and 300°F. Start with the skin-side down and grill for 40 to 45 minutes. Then flip the chicken and grill for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, according to USDA standards. Keep an eye on the chicken to prevent overcooking, and adjust its position if the flames begin to burn the skin.

Remember, this cooking method is just a guideline, as the specific cooking time will vary based on the cut of chicken (thighs, wings, breasts, etc.) and how you choose to season it. To try out Bobby Flay's method, check out these recipe ideas for grilled chicken:

• Barbecued Butter Chicken 
• Grilled Tandoori Chicken Thighs
• Chef John’s Barbecue Chicken