There’s nothing quite like the smoky, savory, and slightly sweet taste of perfectly grilled BBQ chicken. Whether it’s a summer picnic, a game-day gathering, or just a casual backyard dinner, BBQ chicken is a crowd-pleaser. It’s juicy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare. This recipe will guide you through the process step by step, with tips to ensure your chicken turns out delicious every time.

BBQ Chicken


Grab your apron, fire up the grill, and get ready to make BBQ chicken that everyone will rave about!

Ingredients

To whip up mouthwatering BBQ chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

  • 2-3 pounds chicken drumsticks, thighs, or breasts (bone-in, skin-on preferred for extra flavor)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika (smoked paprika works great for extra smokiness)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

For the BBQ Sauce:

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a hint of heat)

Tip: You can also use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce if you're short on time, but making your own sauce adds a personal touch and bold flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
  2. Place the chicken in a large bowl or dish and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle on the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  3. Rub the seasonings evenly over the chicken to coat every piece. Cover and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours in the fridge for maximum flavor).

Step 2: Make the BBQ Sauce

  1. While the chicken marinates, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper in a saucepan.
  2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  3. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

  1. Heat your grill to medium-high (about 400°F). If you’re using charcoal, wait until the coals are glowing and covered with a light layer of ash.
  2. Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

  1. Place the chicken on the grill, skin side down. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the skin develops a nice char.
  2. Turn the chicken and cook for another 5-7 minutes on the other side.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium if needed and start basting the chicken with the BBQ sauce. Use a brush to generously coat each piece.
  4. Continue grilling for another 15-20 minutes, flipping and basting occasionally. The chicken is ready when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (check with a meat thermometer, especially for larger pieces).

Pro Tip: Avoid slathering on too much sauce at the start, as it can burn. Save basting for the final stages of cooking.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the chicken is cooked through and beautifully caramelized, transfer it to a serving platter. Brush on a little extra BBQ sauce for good measure and serve hot.

Tips for BBQ Chicken Success

  • Don’t skip the marinade: Even a simple seasoning rub enhances flavor and keeps the meat tender.
  • Cook low and slow at the end: Avoid dry chicken by lowering the heat and basting frequently during the last 15-20 minutes.
  • Use a meat thermometer: This ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked inside without becoming overdone.
  • Rest the chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after grilling so the juices redistribute before serving.

What to Serve with BBQ Chicken

Complete the meal with these delicious side dishes:

  • Classic Coleslaw: The creamy, tangy crunch complements the smoky chicken.
  • Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, corn on the cob, and bell peppers are great choices.
  • Potato Salad: A chilled potato salad adds a cool, hearty contrast to the warm chicken.
  • Cornbread: Serve up some sweet, buttery cornbread for a Southern-style feast.
  • Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans round out the BBQ vibe.

BBQ chicken is a versatile dish that can be tailored to suit your tastes. Whether you prefer it sweet, spicy, or tangy, this recipe has all the tools you need to create a delicious meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Time to roll up your sleeves, light the grill, and enjoy the best homemade BBQ chicken of your life!

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