4 Tips to Master the Grill
The end result of perfectly cooked chicken is a mouthwatering meal that smells just as good as it tastes and beckons loved ones to the patio. To achieve that juicy, tender flavor that brings family and friends together, it’s important to keep a few safety and grilling tips in mind.
Fire up your grill, season poultry to perfection and serve a safely cooked meal at your next backyard barbecue with this advice from the experts at Perdue Farms.
Maximize Your Budget
For a flavorful meal without breaking the bank, consider lessexpensive cuts of meat like bone-in thighs or drumsticks, or cook a whole chicken that can last for several meals. In addition to the savings at the grocery store, these cuts can also withstand hotter temperatures on the grill for juicy and tender results.
Save a Little Time
One easy way to maximize your time around the grill while cutting down on prep and mess is using a pre-cut option like Perdue Fresh Cuts Diced Chicken Breast, a perfect solution for kebabs. Recipe ready in an easy-peel package, the chickens are hatched and harvested in the United States with an all-vegetarian diet and no antibiotics, hormones or steroids.
Add Favorite Seasonings
Because seasonings can sometimes come off on the grill, try seasoning both before and after grilling for a better-tasting final result. If you’re planning to marinate, be careful to avoid overmarinating as acid-based marinades can start breaking down meat fibers. Remember before and while seasoning raw meat to keep proper safety practices in mind. Wash your hands, cutting boards, knives, scissors, the sink and all work surfaces for 20 seconds with hot, soapy water, and don’t allow raw meat or its juices to touch other foods.
Trust the Thermometer
Once your grill reaches the desired heat, put chicken on the grates with confidence by trusting a meat thermometer to measure doneness. This Easy Kona Pineapple Chicken Kebabs recipe, for example, calls for 10-12 minutes on the grill, but it’s important to check for an internal temperature of 165 F rather than simply relying on recommended cook times. Be sure to serve using a clean platter and utensils, never ones touched by raw meat. Refrigerate any leftover chicken immediately and use within 3-5 days.
For more grilling tips, visit perdue.com/howto/grilling.