If you’ve ever wondered how to grill chicken so it’s juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked, you’re in the right place. This step-by-step guide will help you master chicken on the grill like a true backyard pitmaster. Whether you’re cooking up drumsticks for game day, wings for a summer cookout, or a whole spatchcock chicken for the family, it’s a skill you have to master, and with these tips, you will.

Here’s the secret: great chicken isn’t just about the recipe. It’s about the tools you use. That’s where Donkey Long Tong’s handcrafted grilling tongs come in. Built for control, strength, and style, they’re the must-have tool for anyone serious about barbecue.

So, grab your apron, fire up the grill, and let’s dive into the ultimate chicken grilling tips.

Pictured above: Perfect Chicken being grilled at Open Fire Meat Up 2024

The Secret to Juicy, Tender Chicken on the Grill

Chicken can be tricky. Unlike steak, which loves high heat and a quick sear, chicken needs a slower, more controlled cook to make sure it’s cooked through without drying out. Follow these grilling tips for chicken you’ll be proud to serve:

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken

Pick your cut. Drumsticks, thighs, wings, breasts, or spatchcock (butterflied) chicken. Marinate for at least a few hours (overnight is even better). A good marinade locks in moisture and flavor.

Easy all-purpose BBQ chicken marinade:
- Olive oil
- lemon juice
- garlic
- paprika
- black pepper and a pinch of salt

After marinating, pat the chicken dry before grilling. This gives you that crispy, golden skin that everyone wants.

Pro tip: Use a marinade with acid (like lemon juice or vinegar) and oil to keep the meat tender. Add garlic, herbs, or chili for extra flavor.

Pro Tip: For Buffalo Wing tips and tricks, check out TFTI

Step 2: Set Up Your Grill the Right Way

Chicken does best with medium, indirect heat. Create a two-zone fire by arranging your coals or burners:

• Direct heat zone: For searing and crisping the outside.
  

• Indirect heat zone: For slow, even cooking.

If you’re using charcoal, place a drip pan under the chicken on the indirect side to catch drippings and avoid flare-ups. And keep your tools (especially your tongs) within reach for quick flips and adjustments. If you’re using a gas grill, light one side on medium and leave the other side off.

Step 3: Grill Chicken Like a Pro

1. Sear first: Place chicken skin-side down over direct heat for 2–3 minutes. This gives you that golden, smoky char.

2. Move to indirect heat: Shift chicken to the cooler side, close the lid, and let it cook through for 20–30 minutes, depending on size.

3. Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer if you have one. Chicken is safe to eat at 165°F.
   

This is where Donkey Long Tong grilling tongs make all the difference. With their extra-long reach and strong grip, you can flip, shift, and move chicken without burning your hands or fumbling with flimsy tools.

The Best Grilling Tongs for Backyard BBQ

Every pitmaster knows you’re only as good as your equipment. Donkey Long Tong’s handcrafted tongs are built tough, precise, and designed to make grilling easier.

The Two Legends:

• The Donkey Long Tong (32")
  Perfect for fire pits, smokers, or large grills when you want distance from the flames while keeping full control.
  

• The Donkey Tong (27")
  Slightly shorter and perfect for everyday backyard grilling, tailgates, or camping trips.
  

Pictured above: The Donkey Long Tong 80cm, Donkey Tong 69cm, Fogues Grill & Royal Oak Fire Starters

Why These Tongs are the Best:

• 304 Food-Grade Stainless Steel - Rust-proof, heavy-duty, built to last.
• White Oak Handles - Comfortable and secure grip.
• Solid Brass Rivets - Strong, durable, and made to handle serious heat.
• 301 Spring Steel - Adds just the right amount of tension, so your grip is never weak.
• Sliding Lock - Keeps the tongs closed and compact when not in use.

• Built-in Bottle Opener – Because no grilling session is complete without a cold one.
  

With these in hand, you’re not just flipping chicken; you’re upgrading your entire barbecue setup with the best grilling tongs for chicken, steak, ribs, or veggies.

Pro Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken

• Take It Slow - Don’t rush. High heat burns the outside while leaving the inside raw. Patience makes perfect.
• Baste for Flavor - Brush with melted butter, lemon juice, or your favorite BBQ sauce while grilling. This adds flavor and keeps meat juicy. Keep flipping with your 27" Donkey Tong so both sides are basted equally.

• Let It Rest - Give the chicken 5–10 minutes off the grill before serving. This keeps the juices locked inside and makes every bite better.
  

Pro Tip: If you want some more great tips and tricks on how to make great chicken, follow Booyah's BBQ, pictured above.

Donkey Long Tong: The Grill Tool You Need

Your chicken deserves respect, and so do you. Donkey Long Tong grilling tongs aren’t just tools; they’re an extension of your grilling mastery. Whether you’re working a big fire with the 32" Donkey Long Tong or running a backyard cookout with the 27" Donkey Tong, you’ll need the best grilling tongs.

So the next time you’re planning a barbecue, remember the essentials: a great marinade, the right heat setup, and the only grilling tongs worth owning: the  Donkey Long Tong and Donkey Tong.

Final Thoughts: Grill Chicken Like a Pro

The perfect chicken is all about balance: sear for flavor, cook slow for tenderness, and finish with the right tools. With Donkey Long Tong tongs, you’ll not only master juicy grilled chicken, but you’ll also make every backyard BBQ smoother and more fun.

So fire up the grill, crack open a cold one (thanks to the built-in bottle opener), and get ready to flip, sip, and savor.

Happy grilling!