There is nothing quite like the irresistible flavors of a Grilled BBQ Chicken Recipe to bring friends and family together. This recipe captures the perfect balance of smoky spices, tangy barbecue sauce, and tender, juicy chicken grilled to perfection. Whether you prefer succulent breasts, flavorful thighs, or crispy wings, this dish delivers mouthwatering results that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Get ready to savor an easy yet impressive meal that showcases the best of summertime grilling.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Grilled BBQ Chicken Recipe starts with a handful of simple ingredients that each play a vital role in flavor, texture, and color. The combination of spices brings depth and warmth while the olive oil helps create a beautifully coated surface for grilling. Don’t forget the BBQ sauce which adds that signature, tangy-sweet finish to your chicken.
- 2 pounds bone-in chicken: Choose breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or wings for your preferred cut and texture.
- 1½ tablespoons chili powder: Adds a spicy kick and vibrant color to the chicken.
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika: Imparts a deep smoky flavor reminiscent of open flame grilling.
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Brings a subtle sweetness and savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a fragrant, classic barbecue aroma.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the spices adhere and keeps the chicken moist on the grill.
- 2 cups barbecue sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce for that final irresistible glaze.
How to Make Grilled BBQ Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill
Start off by heating your grill to medium-high heat. This temperature is perfect for cooking the chicken evenly while getting those beautiful grill marks and a slight char that adds flavor without drying out the meat.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
If you’re using chicken breasts, check their thickness. Thicker breasts should be sliced in half or pounded between parchment or plastic wrap to ensure even cooking. This step helps the chicken cook through without burning on the outside.
Step 3: Make the Spice Rub
Combine chili powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, onion powder, and garlic powder in a small bowl. This blend delivers that quintessential smoky, spicy, and savory profile that elevates this Grilled BBQ Chicken Recipe.
Step 4: Rub and Oil the Chicken
Coat the chicken pieces in olive oil, then rub the spice mixture all over until every nook and cranny is covered. The oil helps the spices stick and also promotes juiciness during grilling.
Step 5: Apply the First Layer of BBQ Sauce
Brush half of your chosen barbecue sauce generously onto the chicken to start building flavor and form a sticky glaze on the grill.
Step 6: Grill the Chicken
Cook times vary by cut:
- Chicken breasts and thighs: Grill for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Chicken drumsticks: Grill for 30-35 minutes, turning every few minutes to cook thoroughly.
- Chicken wings: Grill for 20 minutes, flipping often to keep them crispy and evenly cooked.
In the last couple of minutes, brush on the remaining barbecue sauce for that final glossy, finger-licking finish.
Step 7: Rest Your Chicken
Once grilled to perfection, let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This rest time allows the juices to redistribute for tender, flavorful bites every time.
How to Serve Grilled BBQ Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To add freshness and a pop of color, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or parsley over the chicken. For some tang, serve with lemon or lime wedges on the side. Scattering thinly sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds can bring an unexpected twist that brightens the plate.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like creamy coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, or baked beans complement the smoky and sweet flavors beautifully. You could also serve with a crisp garden salad or roasted vegetables to balance richness with fresh, crunchy textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond just plating: serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up every last bit of sauce. For a casual gathering, wrap pieces in soft tortillas with crunchy slaw for a mouthwatering BBQ chicken taco variation. Presentation that invites sharing makes this Grilled BBQ Chicken Recipe all the more fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It will stay good for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save it for longer, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen grilled chicken keeps well for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your chicken in the oven at 325°F until heated through or microwave covered for a shorter time, making sure to keep it moist by adding a splash of water or barbecue sauce. Avoid overcooking so your chicken stays tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this Grilled BBQ Chicken Recipe?
It’s best to thaw the chicken completely before grilling to ensure even cooking and to avoid any risk of undercooked meat. Plan ahead and defrost your chicken overnight in the fridge for best results.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook this chicken indoors?
Absolutely! You can use a grill pan or bake the chicken in the oven. For baking, cook at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes (depending on the cut) and broil for a couple of minutes at the end to caramelize the sauce.
Is this recipe spicy?
The chili powder and smoked paprika add mild warmth but not overwhelming heat. If you prefer it spicier, feel free to add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the spice rub or BBQ sauce.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The USDA recommends 165°F for safety and juiciness. This ensures your chicken is perfect every time.
Can I prepare the chicken the night before?
Yes! Marinate the chicken with the oil and spice rub and refrigerate overnight. This not only saves time but lets the flavors deepen, making your grilled BBQ chicken even more flavorful.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so special about gathering around the grill with a crowd-pleasing Grilled BBQ Chicken Recipe in hand. The smoky, saucy, tender chicken never fails to impress and satisfy. Give this recipe a try at your next cookout or family dinner, and watch how it quickly becomes one of your all-time favorites too. Happy grilling!
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Grilled BBQ Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BBQ Chicken Recipe delivers juicy, flavorful grilled chicken perfect for any outdoor gathering. Featuring a smoky spice rub combined with tangy barbecue sauce, this versatile recipe works with chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or wings. Grilling imparts a charred, smoky flavor while keeping the meat tender and moist. Ideal for a quick yet satisfying meal, this recipe takes just under an hour from prep to finish.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds bone-in chicken breasts (or chicken thighs, drumsticks, or wings; skin optional)
Spice Rub
- 1½ tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure it’s ready for cooking the chicken evenly with great sear marks.
- Prepare Chicken Breasts: If using chicken breasts, check their thickness. Slice in half for thinner pieces or pound them between parchment or plastic wrap to an even thickness to promote even cooking.
- Make Spice Rub: In a small dish, combine chili powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, onion powder, and garlic powder. Rub olive oil and the spice mixture thoroughly over all chicken pieces to coat them fully.
- Initial BBQ Sauce Brush: Brush half of the barbecue sauce over the coated chicken pieces to start infusing the flavor as they cook.
- Grill Chicken Breasts/Thighs: Place chicken breasts or thighs on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Brush remaining barbecue sauce on during the last few minutes.
- Grill Chicken Drumsticks: Grill drumsticks for 30-35 minutes, flipping every few minutes to cook evenly and develop a charred crust. Brush additional barbecue sauce on during the last few minutes.
- Grill Chicken Wings: Grill wings for about 20 minutes, turning frequently every few minutes. Apply the remaining barbecue sauce near the end of cooking to glaze the wings.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat before serving.
Notes
- For optimal flavor, marinate chicken with the spice rub and olive oil for 30 minutes to 2 hours before grilling if time allows.
- Use a meat thermometer to verify chicken is cooked safely to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- If you prefer skinless chicken, remove the skin before cooking to reduce fat content.
- The grilling times vary depending on the cut and thickness of chicken; adjust accordingly.
- Leftover BBQ chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
