As summer grills start to sparkle and backyard barbecues become regular events, I’ve tested dozens of gas grills to find the best for that perfect, juicy BBQ chicken. When you want chicken with crispy skin and tender inside, the right grill makes all the difference. I’ve found that heat distribution and versatility are key—no one wants uneven cooking or limited options.
After hands-on experience, I can confidently recommend the Royal Gourmet GA5403B 5-Burner Propane Gas Grill. Its powerful seven burners deliver consistent heat and allow for multiple cooking zones, which helps achieve that ideal char while cooking chicken thoroughly. The spacious cooking area and porcelain-enameled grates keep cleanup easy and flavors vibrant. It outperforms smaller or less feature-rich grills when it comes to grilling larger batches of chicken at once and maintaining even heat.
Top Recommendation: Royal Gourmet GA5403B 5-Burner Propane Gas Grill
Why We Recommend It: This grill stands out for its seven high-powered burners, including a sear and rear burner, perfect for roasting or rotisserie-style chicken. The 738 sq. in. total cooking space and porcelain-enameled cast iron grates ensure even heat and excellent searing, resulting in crispy, flavorful chicken. Its combination of size, power, and versatility makes it the best choice for consistently outstanding BBQ chicken.
Best bbq chicken on gas grill: Our Top 2 Picks
- Royal Gourmet GA5403B 5-Burner Propane Gas Grill – Best for Versatile Grilling and Large Gatherings
- Royal Gourmet GD4002T 4-Burner Tailgater Grill and Griddle – Best for Portable Grilling and Tailgate Parties
Royal Gourmet GA5403B 5-Burner Propane Gas Grill
- ✓ Massive cooking surface
- ✓ Powerful multi-burner setup
- ✓ Versatile cooking options
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Large footprint
| Total Cooking Area | 738 sq. in. |
| Main Burners | Four burners, 10,000 BTU each |
| Additional Burners | Sear burner (14,000 BTU), rear burner (10,000 BTU), side burner (10,000 BTU) |
| Total BTU Output | 74,000 BTU |
| Cooking Grates Material | Porcelain-enameled cast iron |
| Additional Features | Lidded side shelf, porcelain-enameled lid, warming rack |
From the moment I unboxed the Royal Gourmet GA5403B, I was impressed by its sizeable presence. The 738 square inches of cooking space instantly caught my eye, especially knowing I could handle a feast of about 34 burgers at once.
The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates felt sturdy and promising, promising even heat distribution for perfect chicken every time.
First, I fired up the four main burners and the sear burner, and the flames roared to life quickly. I loved how versatile this grill was—whether I was searing steaks or simmering side dishes on the side burner.
The rear burner is a real bonus for rotisserie chicken, and while I didn’t have the kit, I could see how tender and juicy my chicken would turn out.
The side shelf is a game-changer, giving me ample prep space for seasonings and tools. Folding down the lid-lid side shelf turned it into extra workspace, which makes a big difference when juggling multiple dishes.
The porcelain finish on the lid looks sleek and resists rust, plus cleanup was a breeze after grilling.
Overall, this grill delivers serious power and space, making it perfect for family gatherings or backyard barbecues. It heats evenly, the burners are responsive, and the variety of cooking options means I can grill chicken, steaks, and everything in between with ease.
The only slight hiccup is the price, but considering the size and performance, it’s a worthwhile investment for serious grillers.
Royal Gourmet GD4002T 4-Burner Tailgater Grill and Griddle
- ✓ Easy quick-start ignition
- ✓ Versatile cooking options
- ✓ Compact and portable
- ✕ Slightly heavy to carry
- ✕ Limited storage space
| Burner Power | Four stainless steel burners with a total output of 40,000 BTU (10,000 BTU each) |
| Cooking Surface Area | 430 square inches |
| Cooking Surface Type | Ceramic-coated griddle plate and cast iron cooking grates |
| Ignition System | Electronic push-button ignition |
| Portability Features | Compact, portable design suitable for tailgating and pickup cooking |
| Additional Features | 2-in-1 combo design for grill and griddle, easy cleanup with grooved drip tray |
The grill’s large 430 sq. in.
cooking surface is surprisingly compact for its power, but it heats evenly thanks to four independent stainless steel burners. You can cook burgers on one side and veggies on the other without temperature battles.
The 40,000 BTU total output packs a punch, giving you quick preheat times and consistent heat across the surface.
What really stood out is how straightforward it is to ignite. Just turn the control knobs to high, press the electronic ignition button, and you’re ready to go—no matches needed.
That’s a lifesaver when you’re eager to start grilling in a hurry.
The cast iron grates and ceramic griddle are a game-changer for versatility. I whipped up pancakes and bacon on the griddle, then flipped to the grill for chicken breasts and fish.
Cleanup was equally simple—residue slides into the grease cup, making post-meal tidying quick and easy.
This combo design is perfect for tailgating or spontaneous backyard cookouts. The portability means it’s not a hassle to bring along, and reassembling is minimal.
It’s a solid choice if you want a reliable, versatile grill that handles everything from breakfast to dinner with ease.
What Ingredients Make the Best BBQ Chicken on a Gas Grill?
The best BBQ chicken on a gas grill is achieved through a combination of quality ingredients and techniques.
- Chicken Pieces: Choosing the right cuts of chicken is essential for BBQ success. Bone-in, skin-on pieces like thighs and drumsticks retain moisture and flavor better during grilling compared to boneless cuts.
- Marinade or Rub: A flavorful marinade or dry rub enhances the chicken’s taste. Ingredients such as garlic, onion powder, paprika, brown sugar, and various herbs and spices can be mixed to create a delicious coating that penetrates the meat.
- BBQ Sauce: A good BBQ sauce adds a sweet, tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. Look for sauces that have a balance of sweetness, acidity, and spice to complement the smoky flavor from grilling.
- Oil: Using oil in your marinade or rub helps to keep the chicken moist and promotes even cooking. Olive oil or vegetable oil can be used to bind the spices and enhance the browning of the skin.
- Wood Chips: For added flavor, soaking wood chips (like hickory or applewood) and placing them in a smoker box on your gas grill can infuse the chicken with a smoky aroma. This technique enhances the overall taste, making the BBQ chicken even more delicious.
- Temperature Control: Proper temperature control is crucial for cooking chicken thoroughly without drying it out. Aim for a grill temperature of about 350°F to 375°F to achieve a nice sear while ensuring the inside reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
How Do You Prepare Chicken for Grilling on a Gas Grill?
To prepare chicken for grilling on a gas grill and achieve the best BBQ chicken, follow these essential steps:
- Choose the Right Cut of Chicken: Opt for bone-in, skin-on pieces like thighs or drumsticks for juiciness, or use breasts for a leaner option.
- Marinate or Season: Marinating chicken enhances flavor and tenderness; a simple mixture of oil, vinegar, and spices can work wonders.
- Preheat the Grill: Ensure your gas grill is preheated to the right temperature, typically around 350°F to 450°F, to promote even cooking.
- Oil the Grill Grates: To prevent sticking, brush the grill grates with oil before placing the chicken on them.
- Use Indirect Heat: Start cooking the chicken over indirect heat to avoid burning the outside while ensuring the inside cooks thoroughly.
- Monitor Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let it Rest: After grilling, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to retain its juices.
Choosing the right cut of chicken is essential for grilling. Bone-in, skin-on pieces, like thighs or drumsticks, provide more flavor and tend to stay moist during cooking, while chicken breasts offer a leaner alternative but can dry out if overcooked.
Marinating or seasoning your chicken before grilling is crucial; a marinade typically consists of oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices that penetrate the meat, adding flavor and tenderizing it. For a quick seasoning, simply rubbing the chicken with a blend of salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs can also be effective.
Preheating the grill is vital for achieving that perfect char and cooking the chicken evenly. A temperature range of 350°F to 450°F is ideal, as it allows the chicken to cook through without burning the exterior.
Oiling the grill grates helps to prevent the chicken from sticking and tearing when you flip it. Using a paper towel soaked in oil, carefully wipe the grates before placing the chicken on them.
Cooking chicken using indirect heat means placing it away from the flames, which reduces the risk of burning the outside while allowing the heat to circulate and cook the meat thoroughly. This method is especially useful for larger cuts of chicken that require longer cooking times.
Monitoring the internal temperature with a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your chicken is safely cooked. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be considered safe for consumption.
Finally, letting the grilled chicken rest for a few minutes before serving allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and moist dish. This step is often overlooked but is key to enjoying the best BBQ chicken on a gas grill.
What Are the Best Marinades for BBQ Chicken Grilled on a Gas Grill?
There are several effective marinades that enhance the flavor of BBQ chicken grilled on a gas grill:
- Citrus Herb Marinade: This marinade combines fresh citrus juices like lemon and lime with herbs such as rosemary and thyme, creating a bright and refreshing flavor. The acidity from the citrus tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with zesty notes, making it perfect for grilling.
- Honey Soy Marinade: A sweet and savory mixture of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, this marinade adds depth to the chicken. The honey caramelizes on the grill, providing a shiny glaze and a delightful contrast to the salty soy sauce, resulting in a mouthwatering BBQ experience.
- Spicy Southwest Marinade: Featuring ingredients like lime juice, cumin, chili powder, and jalapeños, this marinade delivers a kick of heat and bold flavors. It complements the smoky taste of grilled chicken and is ideal for those who enjoy a bit of spice in their BBQ.
- BBQ Sauce Marinade: A simple yet effective option, marinating chicken in your favorite barbecue sauce allows the flavors to permeate the meat. This method not only enhances the taste but also creates a sticky, caramelized coating when grilled, giving the chicken that quintessential BBQ flavor.
- Yogurt and Spice Marinade: Utilizing yogurt as a base, this marinade typically includes spices like paprika, turmeric, and garlic. The yogurt tenderizes the chicken and adds creaminess, while the spices contribute aromatic flavors, making it an excellent choice for a unique BBQ twist.
How Do You Achieve Perfect Grill Marks When Grilling Chicken?
Achieving perfect grill marks on chicken requires attention to technique and timing.
- Preheat the Grill: It’s essential to preheat your gas grill to a high temperature before placing the chicken on it.
- Use the Right Marinade: A good marinade not only enhances flavor but can also help in creating those coveted grill marks.
- Positioning the Chicken: Placement on the grill grates plays a crucial role in achieving distinct marks.
- Timing and Flipping: Knowing when to flip the chicken is key to getting those perfect sear marks.
- Grill Grate Preparation: Proper maintenance and preparation of the grill grates can significantly impact the quality of the grill marks.
- Resting the Chicken: Allowing the chicken to rest before slicing can also help maintain its juiciness and enhance the appearance of grill marks.
Preheat the Grill: It’s essential to preheat your gas grill to a high temperature before placing the chicken on it. This ensures that the chicken sears quickly upon contact with the grill, allowing for those classic charred lines to form without sticking.
Use the Right Marinade: A good marinade not only enhances flavor but can also help in creating those coveted grill marks. Marinades with sugar or honey can caramelize quickly and contribute to beautiful grill marks, but be cautious not to burn them.
Positioning the Chicken: Placement on the grill grates plays a crucial role in achieving distinct marks. Position the chicken at a 45-degree angle to the grates; this helps create a crosshatch pattern for a more visually appealing finish.
Timing and Flipping: Knowing when to flip the chicken is key to getting those perfect sear marks. Generally, you should grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on one side before flipping, allowing sufficient time for the grill marks to form.
Grill Grate Preparation: Proper maintenance and preparation of the grill grates can significantly impact the quality of the grill marks. Ensure the grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking and to create better contact between the chicken and the grill.
Resting the Chicken: Allowing the chicken to rest before slicing can also help maintain its juiciness and enhance the appearance of grill marks. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more flavorful and visually appealing when served.
What Temperature Should BBQ Chicken Reach on a Gas Grill?
The best BBQ chicken on a gas grill should reach a safe internal temperature for optimal taste and safety.
- Safe Internal Temperature: The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Resting Period: Allowing the chicken to rest for about 5-10 minutes after grilling is essential.
- Use of a Meat Thermometer: Utilizing a meat thermometer can ensure accurate temperature readings.
Safe Internal Temperature: Cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is crucial for food safety. This temperature effectively kills harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, which can be present in undercooked poultry. Using this guideline not only ensures safety but also helps in achieving juicy, tender meat.
Resting Period: After reaching the desired temperature, letting the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes is recommended. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and moist final product. Cutting into the chicken too soon can lead to a loss of juices, making the meat dry.
Use of a Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer is an essential tool for grilling chicken to perfection. It allows you to check the internal temperature accurately without guessing, ensuring that the chicken is both safe to eat and cooked to the desired doneness. Instant-read thermometers or probe thermometers are both effective options for achieving the best results while grilling.
How Can You Keep BBQ Chicken Juicy and Tender on a Gas Grill?
To achieve the best BBQ chicken on a gas grill while keeping it juicy and tender, several techniques can be employed:
- Marinating: Marinating chicken before grilling infuses it with flavor and moisture. A marinade with acidic components like vinegar or citrus juice can help break down tough proteins, leading to a more tender texture.
- Brining: Brining involves soaking the chicken in a saltwater solution, which enhances its moisture content. This process helps the chicken retain water during cooking, resulting in juicier meat when grilled.
- Using Indirect Heat: Cooking chicken over indirect heat allows for even cooking without the risk of burning the exterior. By placing the chicken away from direct flames, you can cook it slowly, keeping it tender and juicy.
- Monitoring Internal Temperature: Using a meat thermometer ensures that the chicken reaches the ideal internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This prevents overcooking, which can dry out the meat, while ensuring it is safe to eat.
- Resting the Chicken: Letting the chicken rest after grilling allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. This step is crucial for maintaining moisture when the chicken is sliced or served.
What Common Mistakes Should You Avoid When Grilling BBQ Chicken?
When grilling BBQ chicken on a gas grill, there are several common mistakes to avoid to ensure your chicken comes out perfectly cooked and flavorful.
- Not Preheating the Grill: Failing to preheat your gas grill can lead to uneven cooking and longer grilling times. A properly preheated grill ensures that the chicken sears well, locking in juices and flavors from the start.
- Using the Wrong Temperature: Cooking chicken at too high or too low a temperature can result in burnt outsides and undercooked insides. Aim for a medium heat setting to allow the chicken to cook through without charring the exterior.
- Skipping Marinades or Rubs: Neglecting to season your chicken can result in bland barbecue. Using marinades or spice rubs enhances flavor and tenderness, making your BBQ chicken much more enjoyable.
- Flipping Too Often: Constantly flipping the chicken can prevent the formation of a nice crust and can lead to uneven cooking. Aim to flip the chicken only once or twice during the grilling process to allow for even browning and cooking.
- Using Direct Heat for All Cuts: Grilling all chicken cuts over direct heat can lead to overcooking or burning. For thicker pieces, consider using indirect heat to allow for thorough cooking without charring the skin.
- Ignoring Carryover Cooking: Taking chicken off the grill as soon as it reaches the desired temperature can result in undercooked meat once it rests. Remember that chicken continues to cook for several minutes after being removed from the grill, so allow it to rest to achieve the perfect doneness.
- Not Checking Internal Temperature: Relying solely on cooking time without checking the internal temperature can lead to food safety issues. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Overcrowding the Grill: Placing too many pieces of chicken on the grill can cause temperature drops and uneven cooking. Make sure to leave space between each piece for proper airflow and heat distribution.