Grilling chicken is one of the most popular ways to cook chicken, but what do you do when you don’t have a grill? Fear not, because there are plenty of ways to grill chicken without a grill. In this article, we’ll explore five easy and creative methods to grill chicken without a grill.

5 Ways to Grill Chicken Without a Grill

1. Use a Stovetop Grill Pan

One of the easiest ways to grill chicken without a grill is to use a stovetop grill pan. Here’s how to do it:

1. 1. Preheat your stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat for 5-10 minutes.
   2. While the grill pan is heating up, season your chicken with your favorite spices and herbs.
   3. Once the grill pan is hot, lightly oil it to prevent the chicken from sticking. You can use a brush or a paper towel to apply the oil.
   4. Place the chicken onto the grill pan and cook for 5-6 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes on the other side.
   5. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. The temperature should reach 165°F to ensure that it is fully cooked.
   6. Remove the chicken from the grill pan and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

By using a stovetop grill pan, you can achieve the same charred and smoky flavor that you would get from an outdoor grill. This method is also convenient for cooking smaller portions of chicken, making it a great option for weeknight dinners.

2. Make a DIY Smoker

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try making a DIY smoker to grill your chicken. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Find a large metal container such as a trash can or a drum. Make sure the container has a lid.
2. Drill a hole in the bottom of the container for ventilation and insert a metal pipe.
3. Cut a hole in the lid of the container and insert a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
4. Fill the container with charcoal and light it up.
5. Once the charcoal is hot and ashed over, add wood chips or chunks to create smoke. You can use hickory, mesquite, or applewood for a delicious smoky flavor.
6. Season your chicken with your favorite spices and herbs.
7. Place the chicken onto a wire rack or a grill grate and put it inside the container.
8. Close the lid and let the chicken smoke for 1-2 hours, depending on the size of the chicken.
9. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. The temperature should reach 165°F to ensure that it is fully cooked.
10. Remove the chicken from the smoker and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

By making a DIY smoker, you can infuse your chicken with a rich and smoky flavor that you can’t achieve with a regular grill or stovetop pan. This method does require some equipment and preparation, but it’s worth it for the delicious results.

3. Use a Broiler

Another option for grilling chicken without a grill is to use your oven’s broiler. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat your oven’s broiler on high.
2. Season your chicken with your favorite spices and herbs.
3. Place the chicken onto a broiler pan or a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
4. Put the chicken under the broiler and cook for 5-6 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes on the other side.
5. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. The temperature should reach 165°F to ensure that it is fully cooked.
6. Remove the chicken from the broiler and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
   

Using a broiler is a convenient way to grill chicken without a grill, especially if you don’t have access to a stovetop grill pan or a DIY smoker. However, be sure to keep an eye on the chicken while it’s under the broiler, as it can burn quickly.

4. Cook Chicken on a Panini Press

If all you have a panini press, you can use it to grill chicken without a traditional grill. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat your panini press to medium-high heat.
2. Season your chicken with your favorite spices and herbs.
3. Once the panini press is hot, lightly oil it to prevent the chicken from sticking. You can use a brush or a paper towel to apply the oil.
4. Place the chicken onto the panini press and close the lid.
5. Cook for 5-6 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes on the other side.
6. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. The temperature should reach 165°F to ensure that it is fully cooked.
7. Remove the chicken from the panini press and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Using a panini press to grill chicken is a quick and easy method that can yield delicious results. It’s also a great option if you’re short on time and don’t want to spend a lot of time prepping and cleaning up. Just be sure to watch the chicken closely to prevent it from overcooking or burning.

5. Grill Chicken on a Skewer

Grilling chicken on a skewer is a classic method that can be done even without a grill. Here’s how to do it:

1. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.
2. Season your chicken with your favorite spices and herbs.
3. Cut the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces.
4. Thread the chicken onto the skewers, leaving some space between each piece.
5. Preheat a large non-stick pan or a grill pan over medium-high heat.
6. Brush the pan with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
7. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken skewers and cook for 5-6 minutes on one side.
8. Flip the skewers and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes on the other side.
9. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. The temperature should reach 165°F to ensure that it is fully cooked.
10. Remove the chicken skewers from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Grilling chicken on a skewer is a fun and easy way to create a flavorful and delicious meal. You can also add vegetables such as onions, peppers, or zucchini to the skewers for added flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to watch the chicken closely to prevent it from overcooking or burning.

FAQs

Can I grill chicken without any equipment?

Yes, you can grill chicken without any equipment by using a campfire or building a DIY grill using bricks or stones. However, these methods may not be as convenient as using one of the methods mentioned above.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

The easiest way to know when chicken is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of chicken should reach 165°F to ensure that it is fully cooked. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can cut into the chicken to check if the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink.

Can I use these methods to grill other meats besides chicken?

Yes, these methods can be used to grill other meats such as beef, pork, and seafood.