Grilling Tips for the Upcoming July 4th Holiday

The 4th of July weekend is coming up and the barbecue parties will be plentiful. I thought this week I would answer some questions I have received in the past to help your barbecue go smoothly.

One question I get asked a lot is “Why does my chicken stick to the grill when I try to turn it?” Chicken seems to be the biggest culprit but other meats can cause the same problem - for the same reason.

I’ve written about this grilling technique in the past but it bears repeating. There are probably 2 reasons.

1) Your grill is not hot enough. Whether you are going to grill over indirect heat or direct heat, you need to start with a hot grill. The grid needs to be hot before any meat or anything you are cooking on the grill is placed on it.

2) You are turning your chicken or meat too quickly. Barbecuers seem to want to constantly turn their meats and that’s not necessary. The first time you go to turn it, use your spatula or tongs and try to turn it without force. If the meat does not release from the grid, it is not ready to turn.

3) Yep - I said 2. A 3rd reason is your grid could be old and deteriorated. If so, you need to replace it.