There’s nothing quite like the smoky, savory flavor of bbq chicken sizzling on the grill — it’s a summertime classic that never goes out of style. Whether you’re a backyard grill master or just craving something deliciously bold, this mouthwatering dish is sure to fire up your appetite. Ready to discover the secrets behind perfect bbq chicken? Keep reading!
| Servings: | 4 |
| Prep Time: | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 15 minutes |
| Total Time: | 25 minutes |
| Serving Size: | 1 plate |
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken leg quarters or boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup barbecue sauce of your choice
Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
- Basting brush
- Mixing bowl
- Plate or tray for resting chicken
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Set your grill to medium heat, aiming for 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals for indirect heat.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat each piece dry with paper towels. This helps ensure crispy, caramelized skin instead of steaming. In a large bowl, drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Use your hands or a spoon to toss well, making sure each piece is coated evenly in the oil and seasonings.
- Begin grilling: Place the chicken skin side down on the hot grill. Close the lid and cook for 6 to 8 minutes. Then flip and grill for another 6 to 8 minutes. If flare-ups occur from dripping fat, move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill.
- Add the BBQ sauce: Once the internal temp reads about 150 degrees Fahrenheit for bone-in or 140 degrees for boneless, begin brushing the chicken generously with barbecue sauce. Flip and baste every 2 to 3 minutes, allowing layers of the sauce to build and slightly char each time. This will give the chicken that hearty, campfire flavor we all love.
- Finish grilling: Keep grilling until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit and juices run clear. Use your thermometer at the thickest part without touching bone. Remove from the grill and place on a clean plate or tray.
- Let it rest: Resting the chicken for 5 minutes allows juices to redistribute and keeps the meat succulent when you cut into it.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 580mg |
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, paprika, and a splash of barbecue sauce overnight. This simple step deeply infuses the meat for richer bites. Do not skip the resting time after grilling — it really locks in moisture.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of leg quarters or breasts?
Yes. Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful. They cook slightly faster, about 5 to 7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Always make sure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
What if I do not have a grill?
No problem. You can use a stovetop grill pan or even roast the chicken in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. For an extra charred flavor, place the chicken under the broiler for the final few minutes after brushing with barbecue sauce.
How do I prevent the BBQ sauce from burning?
Sugar in the sauce can scorch over high heat. To avoid burning, wait until the chicken is mostly cooked before basting with sauce. Grill over medium heat and flip often after saucing to build layers without blackening.
Description
Few things scream summer quite like the smoky sizzle of BBQ chicken on the grill. With its slightly crisp edges, juicy center, and caramelized coating of tangy sauce, this dish delivers pure comfort in every bite. It evokes memories of backyard gatherings, sweet iced tea, and long days that stretch into twilight with laughter and the smell of hickory hanging in the air.
BBQ chicken is the heart of American cookouts and family reunions. The smoky heat of the grill brings out the best in the chicken, while the sauce — thick, sticky, and rich — clings to every bite. Whether you prefer a sweet molasses glaze or a zesty vinegar-laced kick, this recipe offers the perfect balance so that each forkful is full of flavor, char, and tenderness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This BBQ chicken recipe is the epitome of simplicity and satisfaction. It uses just a handful of pantry staples and is incredibly flexible. Whether you have a charcoal grill going outside or prefer to use the oven or stovetop grill pan indoors, you will end up with moist, flavorful chicken every time.
Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend barbecues, this dish pairs beautifully with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread. You can also make extra and use the leftovers in sandwiches, salads, or wraps. It is a crowd-pleaser with options for both quick meals and slow weekend feasts.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve BBQ chicken warm right off the grill with your favorite side dishes. Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a 300-degree Fahrenheit oven covered with foil until heated through, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
BBQ chicken also freezes well. Store cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You can marinate the chicken ahead of time for up to 24 hours to deepen the flavor, making it ideal for meal prep.
Course, Cuisine
Main Course, American
“`
We hope you enjoyed this article! If it inspired you or gave you a few fresh ideas, we’d love to hear about it — leave us a comment! And if you found it helpful, please pin this article or any image from it on Pinterest. Don’t forget to like the pin too — it means the world to us and helps more people discover our content. Your support helps us keep creating and improving! ❤️
BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken leg quarters or boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup barbecue sauce of your choice
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium heat, about 375 to 400°F.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Toss to coat evenly.
- Place the chicken skin side down on the grill. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes per side with the lid closed, turning once or twice to avoid burning.
- Once the internal temperature reaches 150°F for bone-in pieces or 140°F for boneless breasts, begin brushing with BBQ sauce.
- Baste and turn the chicken every few minutes, layering on the sauce and allowing it to caramelize without burning.
- Continue grilling until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
