Grilling chicken and steak at the same time is a great way to save some time and showcase your grilling skills. But can both meats cook evenly on the grill at once? This is a question that many people have asked, and the answer is a resounding yes. With the right techniques, equipment, and timing, you can cook chicken and steak at the same time.
## Introduction
Grilling chicken and steak is always a good idea, especially when it’s summertime. Grilled chicken offers a juicy tenderness, while grilled steak delivers robust flavor. Both meats are perfect for outdoor grilling, but it can be confusing to know if you should grill them both together or separately.
People may wonder if grilling chicken and steak at the same time is possible due to different cooking times or individual temperature requirements – but fear not. In this article, we’ll show you how to grill chicken and steak together with ease.
## Timing for Grilling Chicken and Steak Together
When cooking chicken and steak together on the grill, timing is crucial. There are specific steps to follow that will ensure both meats are cooked correctly without one type of meat overpowering or undercooking the other.
Firstly, prepare your meats by coating them in olive oil or any marinade of your choice. Preheat your grill to around 400°F (200°C) for direct grilling.
Place the thicker cuts of meat (steak) on the hottest part of the grill first so that they can sear correctly before you move them over to lower heat areas to finish cooking. After about five minutes or until desired color achieved, flip the steaks over to get an even char on both sides.
As you wait for the steaks to cook further, place your seasoned chicken breasts or thighs alongside it on medium heat (about 350°F (175°C)). Cook the chicken for about six to eight minutes on each side or until it is no longer pink in the middle to ensure that your meat is fully cooked.
## Cooking Temperatures for Chicken and Steak
For safety purposes, the proper cooking temperatures of chicken and steak are essential. It’s imperative to make sure both types of meat register a safe temperature for consumption before serving.
Because chicken carries bacteria, it needs to be cooked at an internal temperature of 165°F (73°C). At this temperature, any harmful bacteria present in the chicken will be destroyed. You can check the internal temperature of the chicken by using a meat thermometer.
Steaks have their own ideal temperatures based on how well-done you want them to be:
– Rare: 120°F (49°C)
– Medium Rare: 130°F (54°C)
– Medium: 140°F (60°C)
– Medium Well: 150°F (65°C)
– Well Done: 160°F (71°C)
Use a thermometer to assess the internal temperature of your steaks and remove them from heat when they reach your preferred doneness. Allow both meats to rest for about 5-8 minutes before carving or serving so that their juices can redistribute.
## Marinades, Rubs, and Seasoning for Chicken and Steak
One of the best things about grilling chicken and steak is that they’re both versatile meats that you can season with almost any spice mixture. Some good options include garlic, thyme, rosemary, black pepper, smoked paprika, mustard powder, and cumin.
A marinade adds an extra layer of flavor while keeping your meats juicy and tender. To make a simple marinade:
– Mix equal parts olive oil and your preferred acidic ingredient like vinegar or lemon juice.
– Add some fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme.
– Season with salt and black pepper.
Marinate your meats in this mixture for at least an hour before grilling.
Apart from marinades, seasoning rubs are another way to add flavor. For chicken, consider spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. On the other hand, steak benefits from a seasoning blend that features garlic powder and black pepper.
## Grilling Techniques for Chicken and Steak
Grilling chicken and steak at the same time requires some skill and patience. You need to make sure that both meats cook evenly without drying out or overcooking.
For chicken, start by placing it skin side down on the grill. Once you achieve a brown sear on one side, flip it over and repeat the process on the other side until cooked through. Closing the grill lid can help lock in moisture as well.
Steaks require high heat to sear the outside and seal in juices, so place them directly on a hot portion of the grill once preheated. Do not overcrowd your grill; leave enough space between each steak for even cooking. Use tongs instead of a fork when handling both meats to avoid piercing their flesh and letting out valuable juices.
## Preparing Chicken and Steak before grilling
The best thing about grilling chicken and steak is that they don’t need much preparation beforehand. However, properly preparing them before cooking assures great results.
When marinating your meat, make sure all pieces are coated evenly. If rubbing the steak with spices, be sure to pat it into the meat’s flesh securely. Tongs should only ever be used for handling raw meat before cooking as they help bacteria transfer from one surface to another.
If using wooden skewers for kebab-style grilling, ensure they get soaked in water ahead of time to avoid burning when placed on the hot grill.
## Proper Equipment for Grilling Chicken and Steak together
You can use either separate equipment or the same equipment when grilling both meats simultaneously. However, using different grilling surfaces (such as having one side of your grill cooking chicken and the other side steaks) can help keep juices and flavor from mixing together.
If using the same equipment, try preheating your grill to different temperatures using separate burners. This way, you can move each meat between high/medium heat areas for optimal cooking.
## Cooking Chicken Breast vs. Thighs with Steaks
When grilling both chicken and steak, you might wonder whether it matters if you use chicken breast or thigh cuts. Chicken thighs are a more forgiving cut of meat than breasts because they can be cooked at higher temperatures without drying them out.
Breasts require lower heat to cook through and maintain juiciness, but can still be charred on medium-high heat. Ultimately, it depends on personal preference: some people prefer breasts because they contain less fat and calories.
## Sides That Go Well with Grilled Chicken And Steaks
Once you have your grilled meats ready, you might wonder which side dishes would complement them the best. Some classic side dishes that go great with both chicken and steak include:
– Grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, onions, or carrots.
– Baked potatoes and sweet potatoes topped with butter.
– Coleslaw made from cabbage and carrots.
– Grilled corn on the cob brushed with garlic butter.
– Mixed greens salad with vinaigrette dressing.
You can prepare many of these sides simultaneously while grilling your meats. Toss some veggies in olive oil and seasoning and place them carefully on the grill next to your meats.
## Conclusion
Grilling chicken and steak together is doable if you keep certain guidelines in mind. Timing is essential; don’t forget to preheat your grill adequately before cooking. Make sure each meat is cooked to its optimal temperature and remains juicy by basting or marinating. Use appropriate equipment to avoid flavor transfer, handle meat carefully with tongs, choose complementary side dishes, and above all, have fun. With these tips, you’ll be grilling the perfect combination of chicken and steak all summer long!
Is it possible to grill chicken and steak together?
Yes, you can grill chicken and steak at the same time as long as you keep in mind their cooking times and temperatures. Chicken and steak require different cooking times, so you need to be careful while grilling them together.
What is the best way to grill chicken and steak together?
The best way to grill chicken and steak together is by first searing them individually over high heat for a couple of minutes on each side. Then, move them to a cooler part of the grill and continue cooking until done. This technique allows both meats to cook evenly without burning or drying out.
How do I ensure that chicken and steak cook evenly?
To ensure that the chicken and steak cook evenly, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken should have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) while steak should be cooked to your desired level of doneness. Also, be sure to let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Can I marinate chicken and steak together?
Yes, you can marinate chicken and steak together as long as you use separate containers for each type of meat. This prevents cross-contamination and ensures that each type of meat absorbs the marinade’s flavor properly. It’s also essential to marinate the meats for different times since they have different densities.
