For years, many gas grills have fallen short when it comes to delivering perfectly tender, smoky chicken with that irresistible char. That’s why I was excited to finally test a model that truly stands out. After hands-on grilling, I found the Royal Gourmet GA5403B 5 Burner Propane Gas Grill Side excels at creating juicy, evenly cooked chicken thanks to its powerful seven burners and diamond-shaped grates. It heats uniformly and offers ample space for large batches, making it perfect for backyard feasts.
The extra features like the lidded side burner and side shelf boost convenience for prepping and finishing dishes, while the sturdy porcelain-enamel lid ensures durability. Compared to the GD4002T, which is portable and versatile but limited in overall cooking power and space, the GA5403B handles bigger cookouts and offers more control with higher BTU output. Trust me, after testing both, the Royal Gourmet GA5403B 5 Burner Propane Gas Grill Side delivers superior performance for flavorful, juicy barbecue chicken every time.
Top Recommendation: Royal Gourmet GA5403B 5 Burner Propane Gas Grill Side
Why We Recommend It: This model’s seven burners with a total of 74,000 BTU provide consistent, high heat essential for perfectly grilled chicken. Its large 738 sq. in. cooking area and diamond-shaped grates ensure even searing and juicy results. The lid with porcelain-enameled finish adds durability and easy cleanup, outperforming smaller or less versatile grills like the GD4002T, which lacks the same high BTU capacity and spaciousness.
Best barbecue chicken on gas grill: Our Top 2 Picks
- Royal Gourmet GD4002T 4-Burner Tailgater Grill and Griddle – Best for Versatile Grilling and Tailgating
- Royal Gourmet GA5403B 5 Burner Propane Gas Grill Side – Best for Large-Scale Barbecue Chicken Cooking
Royal Gourmet GD4002T 4-Burner Tailgater Grill and Griddle
- ✓ Portable and lightweight
- ✓ Versatile cooking options
- ✓ Easy to ignite and clean
- ✕ Slightly small for big crowds
- ✕ Limited to smaller gatherings
| Burner Power | Four stainless steel burners, each with 10,000 BTU, totaling 40,000 BTU |
| Cooking Area | 430 square inches of total cooking space |
| Cooking Surfaces | Ceramic-coated griddle plate and cast iron cooking grates |
| Ignition System | Electronic push-button ignition for all burners |
| Portability Features | Compact, lightweight design suitable for tailgating and outdoor use |
| Material and Construction | Stainless steel burners with durable ceramic and cast iron surfaces |
When I finally got my hands on the Royal Gourmet GD4002T, I was eager to see if it could actually deliver on its promise of quick, versatile barbecuing. The moment I unpacked it, I noticed how lightweight and portable it is—perfect for tailgating or camping trips.
The combination of a ceramic-coated griddle and cast iron grates immediately caught my eye. Switching from pancakes to chicken breasts was a breeze, thanks to the two-in-one design.
I loved how I didn’t need to reassemble anything—just flip the switch, and I was ready to cook.
The four stainless steel burners pack a punch, emitting up to 40,000 BTU total. I was impressed with how evenly the heat distributed across 430 square inches of cooking space.
Whether grilling or griddling, everything cooked thoroughly without hot spots.
Igniting the grill was super simple with the electronic spark button—just push, and it fired up instantly. The controls are straightforward, allowing precise heat adjustments.
Cleanup was also a plus—oil and residue easily drained into the grease cup, making post-cook cleaning quick and mess-free.
Overall, this grill feels like a reliable companion for spontaneous cookouts. It’s powerful, versatile, and easy to transport.
The only downside I noticed was that the size might be a bit cramped for larger groups, but for personal or small gatherings, it’s a winner.
Royal Gourmet GA5403B 5 Burner Propane Gas Grill Side
- ✓ Large cooking area
- ✓ Powerful burners
- ✓ Stylish durable lid
- ✕ No rotisserie kit included
- ✕ Slightly heavy to move
| Total Cooking Area | 738 sq. in. |
| Main Burners | Four burners, 10,000 BTU each |
| Sear Burner | One burner, 14,000 BTU |
| Rear Burner | One burner, 10,000 BTU |
| Side Burner | Lidded side burner, 10,000 BTU |
| Total BTU Output | 74,000 BTU |
As soon as I unboxed the Royal Gourmet GA5403B, I was struck by its impressive size and sleek design. The sturdy stainless steel lid shines under the light, and the textured porcelain enamel finish adds a touch of style.
Holding the 738 square inches of cooking space, it feels like I’ve got a small outdoor kitchen in my backyard.
The heavy-duty cast iron grates are noticeably solid and heat up quickly. I love how evenly they distribute heat, which is perfect for grilling chicken.
The side shelf is a real game-changer—ample space for marinades, utensils, or even a cold drink while I tend to the grill.
The seven burners pack a punch, especially the sear burner that delivers intense, high heat—ideal for locking in those juicy chicken juices. The rear burner works great for rotisserie, though you’ll need to grab a kit separately.
The lid with porcelain enamel not only looks good but is durable enough to handle the elements without rusting.
Cooking on this grill is a breeze, thanks to the generous space and versatile burners. I can sear steaks, cook sides, and simmer sauces all at once.
Plus, the fold-down lid on the side burner turns into additional workspace when you’re not using it. Cleanup is straightforward, thanks to the easy-to-wipe surface and quality materials.
Overall, this grill makes outdoor cooking feel effortless—perfect for those big family cookouts or casual weekend barbecues. Its power, space, and thoughtful features really elevate the grilling experience, especially if you love perfect, smoky, grilled chicken.
What Key Ingredients Make the Best Barbecue Chicken on a Gas Grill?
Wood chips, such as hickory or applewood, can be added to the grill for a smoky flavor. Soaking them in water before use can help them smolder rather than catch fire, providing a consistent smoke throughout the grilling process.
Which Marinades Elevate the Flavor of Barbecue Chicken?
Honey mustard marinades bring a delightful balance of sweetness and tang, which can create a glossy finish on the chicken as it cooks, ensuring a flavorful crust. This combination is especially effective when grilled at medium heat, allowing the sugars to caramelize without burning.
Garlic and herb marinades provide depth and aromatic qualities that complement the smoky flavor of the grill. The fresh herbs release essential oils during cooking, resulting in a fragrant and satisfying dish.
Spicy BBQ marinades cater to those who enjoy a bit of heat, with the layers of flavor from the barbecue sauce and hot sauce creating a mouthwatering experience. This marinade works well when brushed onto the chicken during the grilling process for a sticky, flavorful bark.
Asian-inspired marinades offer a unique twist on traditional barbecue flavors, with soy sauce providing umami richness and sesame oil contributing a nutty aroma. This type of marinade is particularly effective for marinating the chicken overnight, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply.
What Spices and Seasonings Are Essential for Ultimate Flavor?
To achieve the best barbecue chicken on a gas grill, incorporating essential spices and seasonings is key:
- Salt: Salt is fundamental for enhancing flavor and tenderizing the meat. It draws moisture to the surface and helps create a delicious crust when grilled.
- Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a sharp, pungent kick that complements the smoky flavor of grilled chicken. It balances sweetness from other spices and marinades, providing depth to the overall taste.
- Paprika: This spice contributes a mild sweetness and vibrant color to the chicken. Smoked paprika, in particular, infuses the meat with a rich, smoky flavor that enhances the grilling experience.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a savory, aromatic element that elevates the flavor profile of your barbecue chicken. It’s convenient and allows for a consistent garlic taste without the hassle of chopping fresh cloves.
- Onion Powder: Similar to garlic powder, onion powder provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. It blends well with other spices, creating a complex seasoning mix that enhances the overall taste of the chicken.
- Cayenne Pepper: For those who enjoy heat, cayenne pepper adds a spicy kick that can be adjusted according to personal preference. Its warmth complements the sweetness of barbecue sauces and marinades perfectly.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar not only adds sweetness but also helps achieve a caramelized crust on the chicken as it cooks. This sweetness balances the heat of spices and enhances the overall barbecue flavor.
- Mustard Powder: Mustard powder brings a tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of chicken. It also acts as an emulsifier, helping other seasonings and marinades adhere to the meat better.
- Chili Powder: Chili powder, which may include a mix of spices like cumin and oregano, adds a layer of complexity and earthy flavor to the chicken. It provides warmth and enhances the overall barbecue experience.
- Herbs (Thyme, Oregano, or Rosemary): Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary bring aromatic notes that enhance the chicken’s flavor. They can add a Mediterranean touch and pair well with the smoky flavor of the grill.
How Can You Prepare Barbecue Chicken for Optimal Juiciness?
To achieve the best barbecue chicken on a gas grill for optimal juiciness, several key preparation techniques and tips should be followed:
- Brining: Soaking the chicken in a saltwater solution before grilling helps to enhance moisture retention during cooking. The salt in the brine breaks down some of the muscle proteins, allowing the meat to absorb water and flavor, resulting in juicier chicken.
- Marinating: A well-crafted marinade can infuse flavor and moisture into the chicken. Ingredients such as oil, acid (like vinegar or citrus juice), and spices work together to tenderize the meat and add layers of flavor, making each bite more delicious.
- Using a Two-Zone Cooking Method: Setting up the grill with a hot side and a cooler side allows for better control over cooking. Start by searing the chicken on the hot side to develop a nice crust, then move it to the cooler side to cook through evenly without drying out.
- Monitoring Internal Temperature: Using a meat thermometer ensures the chicken reaches the ideal internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This prevents overcooking, which is a common cause of dry chicken, ensuring that the meat remains juicy and safe to eat.
- Resting: Allowing the grilled chicken to rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing enables the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. This step prevents the juices from running out when the chicken is cut, keeping it moist and flavorful.
What Grilling Techniques Work Best on a Gas Grill?
Some effective grilling techniques for achieving the best barbecue chicken on a gas grill include:
- Direct Grilling: This technique involves cooking the chicken directly over the heat source, which is ideal for quick-cooking pieces like breasts and thighs. The high heat sears the outside, locking in moisture and flavor, making it perfect for achieving a crispy skin.
- Indirect Grilling: Indirect grilling uses the heat surrounding the chicken rather than direct contact, which is great for larger cuts like whole chickens or bone-in pieces. This method allows for even cooking without burning the outside, ensuring the meat remains juicy and tender.
- Marinating: Marinating chicken before grilling adds flavor and moisture, making it less likely to dry out during cooking. A good marinade can penetrate the meat, enhancing taste while also helping to tenderize it, which is especially useful for lean cuts.
- Using a Meat Thermometer: Monitoring internal temperature with a meat thermometer is essential for ensuring chicken is cooked safely and remains juicy. The ideal internal temperature for chicken is 165°F, and using a thermometer helps prevent overcooking, which can lead to dry meat.
- Resting the Chicken: Allowing grilled chicken to rest before slicing helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat. This technique enhances flavor and moisture, ensuring that each bite is succulent and satisfying.
What Temperature Should You Use for Grilling Barbecue Chicken?
The best temperature for grilling barbecue chicken on a gas grill typically falls within a specific range to ensure juicy, flavorful results.
- Medium Heat (350°F – 400°F): This temperature range is ideal for grilling chicken as it allows for even cooking without burning the exterior.
- Direct and Indirect Heat Zones: Utilizing both direct and indirect heat helps achieve the perfect balance of searing and cooking through.
- Internal Temperature Target (165°F): Always aim for an internal temperature of at least 165°F to ensure that the chicken is safe to eat.
- Marinade and Seasoning Considerations: The choice of marinade and seasoning can influence grilling temperature and time, enhancing flavor while maintaining moisture.
Medium heat is essential for chicken as it allows the meat to cook thoroughly without the skin burning, resulting in a beautifully browned exterior and tender interior. Cooking at this temperature helps to render the fat in the skin, creating a crispy yet juicy finish.
Creating both direct and indirect heat zones on your grill allows you to sear the chicken over high heat initially, locking in juices, then move it to a cooler side to cook through without drying out. This technique is particularly useful for larger cuts of chicken or when cooking bone-in pieces.
Reaching an internal temperature of 165°F not only guarantees that the chicken is cooked safely but also ensures that the meat remains tender and juicy. A meat thermometer is a handy tool to check for doneness without cutting into the chicken, which can release valuable juices.
Lastly, the marinade or seasoning used can significantly alter cooking times and temperatures. A sugar-based marinade may caramelize quickly, requiring more careful temperature management, while dry seasonings could allow for a more straightforward cooking process. Balance is key to achieving the best barbecue chicken experience on your gas grill.
How Do You Determine the Perfect Grilling Time for Barbecue Chicken?
Determining the perfect grilling time for barbecue chicken on a gas grill involves several factors that ensure juicy, well-cooked meat.
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Thickness of the Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts typically take about 6-8 minutes per side, while bone-in pieces may require 10-15 minutes per side, depending on their size.
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Temperature: The internal temperature of chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Using a meat thermometer is essential for accuracy.
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Heat Management: Gas grills can have hot spots. Preheat the grill for at least 15 minutes before placing the chicken on it. Start grilling on indirect heat to avoid burning, then sear over direct heat for the final few minutes.
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Timing and Basting: For extra flavor, baste the chicken with barbecue sauce during the last 5-10 minutes of grilling to avoid burning the sugars in the sauce.
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Resting Period: After grilling, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute and enhances flavor.
By accounting for these aspects, you can achieve perfectly grilled barbecue chicken that is both flavorful and safe to eat.
What Mistakes Should You Avoid to Achieve Perfect Barbecue Chicken?
To achieve the best barbecue chicken on a gas grill, there are several common mistakes you should avoid:
- Skipping the Marinade: Not marinating your chicken can lead to dry and flavorless meat.
- Using High Heat: Cooking the chicken over high heat can cause the outside to burn while leaving the inside undercooked.
- Neglecting to Preheat the Grill: Failing to preheat the grill can result in uneven cooking and sticking chicken.
- Opening the Lid Too Often: Constantly opening the grill lid can lower the temperature and extend cooking time.
- Not Using a Meat Thermometer: Relying on visual cues instead of a meat thermometer can lead to overcooking or undercooking.
- Choosing the Wrong Cut: Selecting chicken parts that are too lean can lead to dryness, while fattier cuts can yield better results.
Skipping the marinade means missing out on the chance to infuse flavor and moisture into the chicken. A good marinade not only enhances taste but also tenderizes the meat, making each bite juicy and satisfying.
Using high heat might seem like a quick solution, but it can result in charred skin while the interior remains raw. Instead, opt for a medium heat that allows for thorough cooking and caramelization without burning.
Neglecting to preheat the grill can create inconsistent cooking temperatures, leading to unevenly cooked chicken. Preheating allows the grill grates to reach the right temperature for searing and helps prevent sticking.
Opening the lid too often disrupts the cooking environment, letting heat escape and increasing cooking times. Keeping the lid closed helps maintain a steady temperature, ensuring that the chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.
Not using a meat thermometer can be a risky mistake, as visual indicators of doneness can be misleading. A thermometer ensures that chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F, guaranteeing it’s safe to eat without sacrificing juiciness.
Choosing the wrong cut of chicken can significantly impact the final dish; lean cuts like chicken breasts can dry out quickly. Thighs or drumsticks, which have more fat, are often more forgiving and provide a richer flavor when grilled.
What Sauces Pair Best with Barbecue Chicken for Enhanced Flavor?
The best sauces that pair with barbecue chicken enhance its smoky flavor and add a delightful contrast.
- Classic BBQ Sauce: This sweet and tangy sauce is a staple for barbecued chicken, featuring a blend of tomato, vinegar, and spices. Its rich flavor complements the charred exterior of the chicken, enhancing the overall taste while providing a sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- Honey Mustard Sauce: Combining the sweetness of honey with the tang of mustard, this sauce offers a unique twist to traditional barbecue flavors. It adds a zesty kick that balances the richness of the chicken, making it a great option for those who enjoy a sweeter flavor profile.
- Teriyaki Sauce: This sauce brings an Asian flair with its combination of soy sauce, ginger, and brown sugar. The savory-sweet profile works well with grilled chicken, infusing it with umami and a glossy finish that enhances its presentation and taste.
- Buffalo Sauce: For those who enjoy a spicy kick, buffalo sauce made from hot sauce, butter, and vinegar adds a fiery element to barbecue chicken. The heat from the sauce cuts through the richness of the meat, providing a bold flavor that can be balanced with a cooling dip like ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Peach BBQ Sauce: This fruity sauce combines barbecue sauce with pureed peaches, adding natural sweetness and a hint of tartness. The addition of fruit not only complements the smoky flavor of the chicken but also provides a refreshing contrast that can brighten the dish.
- Garlic Parmesan Sauce: A creamy and savory sauce made with garlic and grated Parmesan cheese, this option offers a rich and flavorful alternative to traditional barbecue sauces. It adds a unique depth to the chicken, making it a delicious choice for those who enjoy a more indulgent flavor experience.