Grilling Chicken Times

Chicken is a top choice for grilling. This helpful guide provides grilling times for a variety of chicken cuts, including whole chickens, chicken breasts, thighs, wings, and drumsticks.

Chicken Grilling Time & Temperature Guide

To ensure chicken and other poultry are safe to eat, they should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remember, clear juices aren’t always the best sign of doneness. Depending on the chicken’s age, juices might not run clear even when overcooked. As shown in the chart, boneless cuts cook more quickly than bone-in pieces.

Cut	Method	Heat	Time	Internal minimum temperature
Whole Broiler or Fryer	---	---	---	---
3 to 4 pounds	Indirect	Medium	60 to 75 minutes	165 degrees F (75 degrees C)
Whole Roasting Hen	---	---	---	---
5 to 7 pounds	Indirect	Medium	18 to 25 min./pound	165 degrees F (75 degrees C)
Capon	---	---	---	---
4 to 8 pounds	Indirect	Medium	15 to 20 min./pound	165 degrees F (75 degrees C)
Cornish Hens	---	---	---	---
18 to 24 ounces	Indirect	Medium	45 to 55 min./side	165 degrees F (75 degrees C)
Bone-In Breast	---	---	---	---
6 to 8 ounces	Direct	Medium/High	10 to 15 min./side	165 degrees F (75 degrees C)
Boneless Breast	---	---	---	---
4 ounces	Direct	High	6 to 8 min./side	165 degrees F (75 degrees C)
Legs or Thighs	---	---	---	---
4 to 8 ounces	Direct	Medium/High	10 to 15 min./side	165 degrees F (75 degrees C)
Drumsticks	---	---	---	---
4 ounces	Direct	Medium/High	8 to 12 min./side	165 degrees F (75 degrees C)
Wings	---	---	---	---
2 to 3 ounces	Direct	Medium/High	8 to 12 min./side	165 degrees F (75 degrees C)

Important Note on Chicken Kebabs: Whether you're grilling chicken breast or thigh meat on skewers, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) by checking with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat.