Learn how to grill chicken perfectly by pre-cooking in the oven (low and slow) before hitting the grill. That way, you know it’s fully cooked and juicy so you can relax and enjoy your guests without worrying about feeding them under-cooked or dry chicken.
Recently I found a way to make grilled chicken foolproof. What do I mean? It’s a way to grill chicken where you know the meat is fully cooked and will be tender and juicy, never dry.
You can do most of this ahead of time, which makes it great for having friends over. This recipe is great if you have a lot of friends because you can make a lot of it.
Scroll down to read more about how it all comes together or click here to jump straight down to the recipe.
When Should You Season Chicken Before Grilling? The Ultimate Guide for Maximum Flavor
Grilling juicy, flavorful chicken starts with proper seasoning. But when is the best time to season chicken before tossing it on the grill? The right timing makes all the difference between dry, bland chicken and a mouthwatering masterpiece.
Our in-depth guide will tell you everything you need to know about when to season chicken for grilling. You’ll learn about the best ways to season, the best times to do it, and the mistakes you should never make. If you follow these tips, you’ll soon be able to eat tender, well-seasoned chicken straight from the grill.
Why Seasoning Matters
Seasoning is very important for making chicken taste good and stay tender and juicy. It helps in a few key ways:
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Enhances flavor – Seasonings like spices, herbs, marinades infuse chicken with taste.
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Tenderizes meat – Salt draws moisture out then back in, breaking down proteins.
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Creates crust – Seasoning aids browning and caramelization for texture.
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Locks in juices – Flavored chicken retains moisture better than plain.
Proper seasoning transforms the simplest chicken into a flavor-packed dish. But timing is critical for allowing seasonings to work their magic.
Seasoning Methods for Chicken
There are two main ways to season chicken – dry rubs and marinades. Here’s how they work:
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Dry Rubs – A blend of spices applied directly onto chicken. Quick and gives a crusty exterior.
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Marinades – Liquid mixture with acid, oil, and flavors. Soaks into chicken adding moisture and taste. Requires more time.
You can make your own blends or buy seasoning from the store. Choose based on your timeline and preferences.
Tools and Ingredients
You don’t need fancy tools or obscure ingredients. A few basics like these make seasoning a breeze:
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Bowls and plates – For mixing and applying seasoning.
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Plastic bags – For marinating chicken pieces.
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Salt, pepper, oil – Seasoning essentials.
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Spices and herbs – Customize flavors with paprika, garlic, thyme etc.
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Acids – Lemon juice, vinegar for marinades.
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Meat thermometer – Ensures chicken is cooked to 165°F.
When to Season Chicken for Grilling
Here are general guidelines for when to season chicken depending on your method:
Dry Rubs
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15-30 minutes before grilling – Gives salt time to penetrate while spices flavor exterior.
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Just before grilling – If short on time, still adds good flavor.
Marinades
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2-12 hours before – Allows marinade to soak into chicken fully.
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30 minutes to 1 hour – Quick marinade boosts moisture and taste.
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Overnight – For maximum depth of flavor.
Last Minute
- Immediately before grilling – Dry rub adds surface flavor. Avoid wet marinades.
Key Timing Factors
Consider these factors that impact how far in advance you should season chicken:
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Thickness – Bone-in or thick pieces need more time. Thin cuts absorb seasoning quickly.
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Marinade Type – Acidic marinades work fast but don’t over-soak. Oil-based can marinate longer.
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Temperature – Marinate in the fridge, not room temperature.
Best Practices
Follow these tips for flawlessly seasoned chicken:
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning.
- Completely coat all sides and cavities.
- Let sit to allow seasoning to penetrate.
- Marinate in a sealed bag or covered dish.
- Refrigerate for safety; toss used marinade.
Common Mistakes
Avoid these pitfalls when seasoning chicken:
- Skipping dry brining with just salt before other seasoning.
- Over-marinating with acidic marinades.
- Letting chicken sit out too long before grilling.
- Grilling chicken straight from the freezer.
- Reusing marinade without boiling first.
Get Creative with Seasonings
Basic salt, pepper and oil make a perfect base. Kick up the flavor with:
- Herbs – rosemary, thyme, cilantro
- Spices – chili powder, cumin, paprika
- Citrus – lemon, lime, orange
- Sauces – soy, barbecue, teriyaki
- Ingredients – garlic, honey, yogurt
Let your taste preferences and cuisine style guide you. The options for seasoning chicken are endless.
Grilling Seasoned Chicken
After you’ve season your chicken well, it’s time to grill! Here are some tips:
- Preheat grill properly to ensure even cooking.
- Use a two-zone fire for searing then indirect heat.
- Flip only once during cooking for grill marks.
- Allow chicken to rest before serving.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
With properly seasoned chicken and good grilling techniques, you’ll be serving up juicy, flavor-packed chicken in no time.
The Takeaway on Seasoning Chicken for Grilling
Knowing when to season chicken is essential for maximizing flavor and moisture. Allow at least 30 minutes up to overnight depending on the seasoning method. Follow best practices like even coating, proper marinating and refrigeration. Avoid common mistakes like over-marinating. With the right timing and techniques, your grilled chicken will be a huge hit!
Video: How To Grill Chicken Perfectly
For this recipe, we’re using bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks. I prefer skinless but skin-on works too. I find that the skin doesn’t get really crispy on the grill no matter what I do. However, skinless can be either hard to find or more expensive.
Chicken breasts are not ideal for this method. If you really want to though, bone in and skin on chicken breasts are best. If you are planning on grilling boneless skinless chicken breasts, I have a separate post about that. They require a different method.
Want to grill a whole chicken? Get the instructions here.
Finally, if it’s wings you’re craving, you can learn how to grill chicken wings here.
The Key To Perfectly Grilled Chicken:
To make great grilled chicken, you need to cook it in the oven first. This way, you know it’s fully cooked and ready to go on the grill. Cooking it ahead of time also lets you cook it slowly, which yields nice, juicy, and tender meat. Plus, when grilling season comes around, you can relax because most of the work is already done.
How to properly season chicken. Do this first before grilling or cooking.
FAQ
How long before grilling should you season chicken?
Yes, you should always season your chicken before cooking when it’s raw. You can even do this up to 24 hours before if you have the time. Why? Because leaving the seasoning on your chicken overnight in the fridge will help it start to trap moisture in the chicken, which will make it nice and juicy once cooked. Dec 9, 2022.
How long should I leave dry rub on chicken?
For best results, a dry rub should be applied to chicken for at least 15 minutes, but it can be left on for up to 24 hours, according to several cooking resources.
How long can uncooked seasoned chicken stay in the fridge?
Uncooked seasoned chicken can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. After this time, it’s best to cook it or freeze it to prevent spoilage.
How far in advance should you salt chicken?
At least 1 hour and up to 24 hours ahead, sprinkle each chicken breast with ¾ teaspoon salt. Chill, uncovered, until ready to cook. Put the chicken in a small saucepan that has an inch of space at the top. Add the chicken stock, coconut milk, lime juice, ginger, and shallots. Jan 4, 2024.
Should you season chicken before grilling?
For fast cooking over high heat, seasoning just before or up to 30 minutes ahead ensures great flavor without over-penetration of spices. For slower baking, seasoning 1-2 hours or more before allows time for the flavor to fully sink in. Marinades need ample time to permeate into and tenderize the chicken breast before grilling.
When should you season chicken before cooking?
You can season chicken anywhere from a few minutes to a couple days before cooking. Here are the best times to season chicken breast: If you want to be very precise with the seasoning, do it right before you put it in the pan or on the grill.
How long should you cook chicken before seasoning?
For thin-cut chicken cutlets or tenders, 30 minutes is sufficient for seasonings to permeate. For thicker chicken breasts, up to 2 hours is better. For fast, high-heat cooking like grilling or sautéing, seasoning just before works well. For slower cooking or baking, allowing more time for the seasoning to soak in deeper produces better flavor.
When should you season chicken breast?
To visualize the ideal seasoning times for chicken breast based on different recipes and cooking methods: For fast cooking over high heat, seasoning just before or up to 30 minutes ahead ensures great flavor without over-penetration of spices. For slower baking, seasoning 1-2 hours or more before allows time for the flavor to fully sink in.
How long does it take to season chicken?
For chicken with a bit more structure, stick to 30 minutes to 2 hours seasoning time. To ensure your chicken breast is seasoned evenly: If dealing with a thicker breast, slicing it horizontally through the middle creates more surface area to season. Always store seasoned raw chicken in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
How long do you let chicken breast sit after seasoning?
This method gives you a nice seasoned exterior. After seasoning, letting the chicken breast sit for about 30 minutes lets the salt and spices go a little deeper into the meat. The chicken breast will pick up a bit more flavor.