How to Cook Chicken on a Blackstone Griddle: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Cook Chicken on a Blackstone Griddle ?

Cooking chicken on a Blackstone griddle transforms an ordinary meal into something special. The sizzle, the aroma, and the perfect sear you get when cooking chicken on Blackstone make it a favorite cooking method for many home chefs. Whether you’re a Blackstone newbie or a seasoned griddle master, this guide will help you make mouth-watering chicken dishes that your family and friends will love.

The flat-top cooking surface of a Blackstone griddle provides the perfect environment for juicy, flavorful chicken. From tender breast fillets to crispy thighs, you’ll discover how to cook every cut to perfection. Let’s dive into the world of Blackstone griddle cooking and explore the best ways to prepare delicious chicken dishes.

Why a Blackstone Griddle Works Well for Chicken

Flat Cooking Surface and Excellent Heat Distribution

One of the biggest advantages of cooking chicken on Blackstone is the flat, wide cooking surface. Unlike traditional grills with grates, the solid surface of a Blackstone griddle means no flare-ups from dripping fat and no chicken pieces falling through the cracks. The steel cooking surface distributes heat evenly, eliminating hot and cold spots that can lead to unevenly cooked chicken.

Large Cooking Area for Multiple Pieces

Feeding a crowd? No problem! The generous cooking space on a Blackstone griddle allows you to cook multiple chicken pieces at once. This means less time cooking in batches and more time enjoying your meal with family and friends. You can easily cook enough chicken for the whole family in one go.

Ability to Create Different Temperature Zones

With separate burners, you can create different heat zones on your Blackstone. This is perfect for chicken cooking, as you can sear pieces on high heat, then move them to a lower temperature zone to finish cooking through without burning. This temperature control is crucial for perfectly cooked chicken that’s juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.

Flavor Enhancement from Seasoned Griddle Surface

The more you cook on your Blackstone, the more seasoned it becomes. This seasoning adds a unique flavor to your chicken that you just can’t get from other cooking methods. Many Blackstone enthusiasts swear that chicken on Blackstone simply tastes better than chicken cooked any other way.

Essential Equipment and Ingredients

Basic Tools Needed

To successfully cook chicken on your Blackstone griddle, you’ll need:

• Metal spatulas (preferably with beveled edges)
• Long-handled tongs for flipping chicken pieces
• Meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking temperatures
• Squeeze bottles for oil and water
• Heat-resistant gloves
• Dome cover or melting cover (optional but helpful)

Recommended Oils and Seasonings for Blackstone Chicken

For the best results when cooking chicken on Blackstone, consider these options:

Cooking Recommendations

Type	Recommendations	Why It Works
Cooking Oils	Avocado oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, clarified butter	High smoke points suitable for griddle cooking
Seasonings	Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, salt	Creates flavorful crust on chicken
Marinades	Citrus-based, herb-infused, yogurt-based	Tenderizes and adds moisture to chicken
Sauces	BBQ sauce, teriyaki sauce, buffalo sauce	Adds flavor layers to finished chicken

Chicken Preparation Supplies

Don’t forget these essential items for preparing your chicken:

• Cutting board (preferably plastic for easy sanitizing)
• Sharp knife for trimming
• Meat mallet for evening out chicken thickness
• Mixing bowls for marinades
• Paper towels for patting chicken dry

Preparing Your Blackstone Griddle

Proper Preheating Techniques

Preheating your Blackstone is critical for perfect chicken. Turn all burners to high and allow the griddle to heat for 10-15 minutes. A properly preheated surface prevents sticking and creates that beautiful sear that locks in juices. You’ll know it’s ready when a few drops of water dance and evaporate immediately upon contact.

Temperature Settings for Different Chicken Cuts

Different cuts of chicken require different cooking temperatures:

• Chicken breasts: Medium-high heat (375-400°F)
• Chicken thighs and legs: Medium heat (350-375°F)
• Chicken wings: Medium-high to high heat (400-425°F)
• Ground chicken: Medium heat (350°F)

Always adjust based on your specific griddle and the thickness of your chicken pieces.

Seasoning the Griddle Before Cooking

Even if your griddle is already seasoned, it’s good practice to add a thin layer of high-smoke-point oil before cooking chicken. This creates a non-stick surface and adds flavor. Use your squeeze bottle to apply oil, then spread it evenly with a paper towel held with tongs.

Creating Temperature Zones

Set up your griddle with multiple heat zones:

1. High heat zone for initial searing
2. Medium heat zone for cooking through
3. Low heat zone for keeping chicken warm

This setup gives you maximum control when cooking chicken on Blackstone and helps manage different cuts cooking at different rates.

Chicken Preparation

Choosing the Right Cuts for Griddle Cooking

While you can cook any chicken cut on a Blackstone, some work especially well:

• Boneless chicken thighs – Forgiving and stay juicy
• Thinly sliced chicken breast – Cooks quickly and evenly
• Chicken tenders – Perfect for quick meals
• Spatchcocked whole chicken – Impressive presentation for special occasions

Marinating Options for Enhanced Flavor

Marinating chicken before cooking on your Blackstone adds tremendous flavor and juiciness. Try these marinating times:

• 30 minutes: Quick citrus or vinegar-based marinades
• 2-4 hours: Most marinades (yogurt, buttermilk, herb-oil)
• Overnight: Tough cuts or whole chickens

A simple yet effective marinade combines:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon each of salt, pepper, and dried herbs

Dry Rubs and Seasonings That Work Well

Dry rubs create a flavorful crust when cooking chicken on Blackstone. A basic chicken rub includes:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne (optional for heat)

Apply rubs 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.

Proper Chicken Temperature Before Hitting the Griddle

For best results:

1. Remove chicken from refrigerator 20-30 minutes before cooking
2. Pat chicken completely dry with paper towels (crucial for good searing)
3. Season just before placing on the griddle
4. Never place frozen chicken directly on the Blackstone

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Starting Position and Initial Sear

1. Apply a thin layer of oil to the preheated griddle surface
2. Place chicken presentation-side down on the hottest part of the griddle
3. Do not overcrowd – leave space between pieces
4. Resist the urge to move the chicken for 3-5 minutes (depending on thickness)
5. Look for a golden-brown crust forming on the edges before flipping

Flipping Techniques and Timing

The key to perfectly cooked chicken on Blackstone is knowing when and how to flip:

1. Use tongs or a spatula to gently lift an edge and peek at the underside
2. Flip once when the first side has a golden-brown crust (typically 5-7 minutes for chicken breasts)
3. After flipping, reduce heat or move to a medium-heat zone
4. Avoid repeatedly flipping, which prevents proper crust formation

How to Test for Doneness

Never guess when it comes to chicken doneness:

1. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part
2. Clear juices (not pink) indicate doneness
3. Check for firm (not rubbery) texture when pressed
4. Cut into the thickest piece if needed – meat should be opaque with no pink

Safe Internal Temperatures for Different Cuts

Always cook chicken to these safe internal temperatures:

• Chicken breasts: 165°F (74°C)
• Chicken thighs and legs: 165-175°F (74-80°C) for better texture
• Ground chicken: 165°F (74°C)
• Whole chicken: 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast

Popular Chicken Recipes for Your Blackstone

Griddle-Smashed Chicken

Ingredients:

Recipe Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
Boneless chicken thighs	4-6 pieces
Olive oil	2 tablespoons
Garlic powder	1 teaspoon
Paprika	1 teaspoon
Salt	1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper	1/2 teaspoon
Lemon juice	1 tablespoon

Instructions:

1. Mix seasonings and rub on chicken thighs
2. Preheat Blackstone to medium-high
3. Place chicken on griddle and press down firmly with a spatula or bacon press
4. Cook 5-6 minutes until golden brown
5. Flip, press again, and cook 4-5 minutes more
6. Sprinkle with lemon juice before serving

Chicken Fajitas

Ingredients:

Recipe Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
Chicken breast, sliced	1.5 pounds
Bell peppers, sliced	3 different colors
Onion, sliced	1 large
Fajita seasoning	2 tablespoons
Lime juice	2 tablespoons
Olive oil	3 tablespoons
Tortillas	8-10

Instructions:

1. Marinate sliced chicken in 2 tablespoons oil, lime juice, and fajita seasoning for 30 minutes
2. Preheat Blackstone to high heat
3. Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes until almost done, then set aside
4. Add remaining oil and cook vegetables until slightly charred but still crisp
5. Return chicken to griddle, mix with vegetables, and serve on warm tortillas

Teriyaki Chicken

Ingredients:

Recipe Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
Chicken thighs, bite-sized	2 pounds
Soy sauce	1/3 cup
Brown sugar	3 tablespoons
Garlic, minced	3 cloves
Ginger, grated	1 tablespoon
Cornstarch	1 tablespoon
Water	1/4 cup
Green onions, sliced	3-4 stalks
Sesame seeds	1 tablespoon

Instructions:

1. Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger
2. Preheat Blackstone to medium-high
3. Cook chicken until almost done (about 5-6 minutes)
4. Pour in sauce and cook until bubbling
5. Mix cornstarch with water and add to thicken
6. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds

Blackstone Chicken Sandwiches

Ingredients:

Recipe Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
Chicken breasts, pounded thin	4
Burger buns	4
Mayonnaise	1/4 cup
Lettuce	4 leaves
Tomato slices	4-8
Pickle slices	8-12
Seasoning salt	2 teaspoons
Butter	2 tablespoons

Instructions:

1. Season chicken with seasoning salt
2. Preheat Blackstone to medium-high
3. Cook chicken 4-5 minutes per side until 165°F internal temperature
4. Spread butter on insides of buns and toast on griddle
5. Assemble sandwiches with mayo, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and chicken

Tips for Perfect Blackstone Chicken Every Time

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Cooking cold chicken directly from refrigerator – Let it warm up for 20-30 minutes first
2. Wet chicken surfaces – Always pat dry for better browning
3. Constantly moving the chicken – Let it develop a good sear before flipping
4. Overcrowding the griddle – Work in batches if needed
5. Cooking at too high temperature – Burnt outside, raw inside will result

How to Handle Flare-Ups

While flare-ups are less common on Blackstone griddles than traditional grills, they can still happen:

1. Keep a water bottle nearby for quick flame control
2. Move chicken to a cooler zone if fat is smoking excessively
3. Have a griddle lid handy to smother any flames
4. Trim excess fat from chicken before cooking

Managing Different Thickness of Meat

Uneven chicken thickness is a common challenge:

1. Pound chicken breasts to even thickness (about 3/4 inch)
2. Butterfly thicker pieces to create uniform cooking
3. Use a meat mallet with plastic wrap covering the chicken
4. Consider cutting larger pieces into strips or cubes for faster cooking

Resting the Chicken After Cooking

Never skip the resting period when cooking chicken on Blackstone:

1. Remove chicken from heat when internal temperature reaches 160-162°F
2. Tent loosely with foil and rest for 5-10 minutes
3. Temperature will continue rising to safe 165°F
4. Resting allows juices to redistribute for moister chicken

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Griddle After Cooking Chicken

Immediate Post-Cooking Cleanup

Clean your griddle immediately after cooking chicken:

1. Scrape food particles with a metal spatula while surface is still warm
2. Pour water on hot surface and steam-scrub with a grill stone or scraper
3. Wipe down with paper towels
4. Apply thin layer of oil before turning off heat

Deep Cleaning Techniques

Occasionally, your Blackstone needs deeper cleaning:

1. Heat griddle to medium
2. Apply water and lemon juice mixture
3. Scrape with griddle scraper
4. Rinse with water using paper towels
5. Re-season surface with oil

Proper Storage to Maintain Seasoning

Protect your griddle between uses:

1. Always clean and oil after cooking chicken
2. Use a fitted cover when griddle is cool
3. Store in dry location if possible
4. Check for rust spots before next use
5. Re-season regularly to maintain non-stick surface

FAQs About Cooking Chicken on a Blackstone

How do I prevent chicken from sticking to my Blackstone griddle?

Make sure your griddle is properly seasoned and preheated before cooking chicken on Blackstone. Pat the chicken dry and apply a thin layer of high-smoke-point oil to the griddle surface. Let the chicken cook undisturbed until it naturally releases from the griddle – if it’s sticking, it probably needs to cook longer.

What are the best oils to use when cooking chicken on a Blackstone?

The best oils for cooking chicken on a Blackstone have high smoke points: avocado oil (500°F), refined peanut oil (450°F), canola oil (400°F), or clarified butter (450°F). These oils can withstand the high temperatures without burning and imparting off-flavors to your chicken.

How can I cook frozen chicken on a Blackstone griddle?

While fresh chicken works best, you can cook frozen chicken on a Blackstone by using a two-stage cooking method. Start on medium-low heat with a dome cover until the chicken thaws completely. Then increase heat to medium and cook normally, making sure to check internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Why does my chicken cook unevenly on the Blackstone?

Uneven cooking usually happens when chicken pieces vary in thickness or when your griddle has hot spots. Pound chicken to uniform thickness before cooking and rotate pieces between different areas of the griddle. Also, make sure your griddle is fully preheated for at least 10-15 minutes before cooking.

Conclusion

Mastering how to cook chicken on Blackstone opens up endless delicious possibilities for quick weeknight meals, weekend gatherings, and everything in between. The versatility of the Blackstone griddle makes it perfect for creating juicy, flavorful chicken dishes that your friends and family will request again and again.

Ready to become a Blackstone chicken master? Grab your spatula, fire up your griddle, and start cooking! We’d love to see your Blackstone chicken creations – share your photos and experiences in the comments below. Happy griddle cooking!

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