The Foolproof Guide to Grilling Burgers, Chicken, and Everything Else
Updated: May 11, 2018Here's how to perfectly grill any food, every time.
Get your grill on!
You’re a master of the marinade. You flip burgers like nobody’s business. You’ve got mad skewering skills. But when it comes to deciding how long to leave a chop or filet on the grill, you usually just wing it. Not this summer! Kiss the grilling guesswork goodbye and use this guide for perfectly cooked meals every time.
Chicken breasts
Boneless/skinless: Grill 5 to 6 minutes on each side.
Bone-in/skin on: Grill 40 to 50 minutes, away from direct heat, covered, turning when necessary. Make sure you’re not making these grilling mistakes that even seasoned cooks make.
Chicken wings, thighs, and drumsticks
Wings: Grill 25 to 30 minutes away from direct heat, covered.
Thighs and drumsticks: Grill 40 to 50 minutes, away from direct heat, covered, turning when necessary.
Steak
½-inch to 1-inch thick: Grill 4 to 6 minutes on each side (for medium rare).
1-inch to 1 ½-inch thick: Grill 4 to 5 minutes on each side, then move away from direct heat for 4 to 10 minutes more (for medium rare). Check out some more tips for grilling the absolute best steaks and burgers.
Lamb chops
½-inch to 1-inch thick: Grill 3 to 4 minutes on each side (for medium rare).
1-inch to 1 ½-inch thick: Grill 4 to 6 minutes on each side (for medium rare). Here are some foolproof ways to solve the most common grilling problems.
Fish filets and steaks
1-inch thick: Grill 3 to 5 minutes on each side. Check out these tips that’ll help you have the healthiest grilling season possible.
Veggies
Mushrooms, zucchini, eggplant, peppers (1/2-inch slices): Grill 3 to 5 minutes on each side.
Onions (1/2-inch slices): Grill 5 to 6 minutes on each side.
Next, check out some surprising foods you didn’t know you could grill that turn out absolutely delicious.
