Juicy grilled BBQ chicken with smoky glaze on a wooden plate

BBQ Chicken Recipe – Juicy, Smoky & Perfectly Grilled

Introduction

Nothing says summer like a classic BBQ chicken recipe. Whether you’re hosting a family cookout, planning a weekend dinner, or just craving smoky flavors, BBQ chicken never disappoints. This recipe brings together tender chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and coated in a rich, tangy barbecue sauce. The best part? You don’t need to be a pitmaster to make it—just follow these easy steps for juicy, smoky, and perfectly grilled BBQ chicken right at home.


Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this mouthwatering dish:

For the Chicken:

  • 1.5 kg (3 lbs) bone-in chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, or breast)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

For the BBQ Sauce:

  • 1 cup tomato ketchup
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp mustard powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Close-up of barbecue chicken coated in homemade BBQ sauce

Follow these simple steps to make the best BBQ chicken at home:

  1. Prepare the Marinade
    • In a small bowl, mix olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne.
    • Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken pieces. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
  2. Make the BBQ Sauce
    • In a saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, honey, mustard powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
    • Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy (about 8–10 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Grill the Chicken
    • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
    • Place the chicken pieces on the grill, skin side down. Cook for 6–8 minutes per side until slightly charred.
    • Lower the heat to medium, cover the grill, and continue cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
  4. Coat with BBQ Sauce
    • Brush the chicken generously with the homemade BBQ sauce.
    • Grill for another 2–3 minutes on each side, allowing the sauce to caramelize and form a sticky glaze.
  5. Serve & Enjoy
    • Remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
    • Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce, coleslaw, and cornbread for the ultimate barbecue meal.

Tips & Variations for BBQ Chicken Recipe

Charred BBQ chicken legs cooking on an outdoor grill
  • Baking Option – No grill? Bake chicken in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 35–40 minutes, then brush with BBQ sauce and broil for 5 minutes.
  • Smokier Flavor – Add a handful of soaked wood chips to your grill for an authentic smoky taste.
  • Spicy Twist – Increase cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for extra heat.
  • Boneless Option – Use boneless chicken breasts or thighs for faster cooking, but reduce grill time to avoid dryness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
Yes, but homemade BBQ sauce always tastes fresher and can be adjusted to your preference.

2. How do I prevent BBQ chicken from drying out?
Marinate the chicken beforehand, cook on medium heat, and avoid overcooking. Keeping the skin on also helps retain moisture.

3. Can I make BBQ chicken without a grill?
Absolutely. You can bake it in the oven or even pan-sear the chicken, finishing with BBQ sauce for the same great flavor.


Final Thoughts

This BBQ chicken recipe is everything you need for a delicious, smoky, and crowd-pleasing meal. Perfect for family gatherings, summer cookouts, or weeknight dinners, it’s versatile, flavorful, and always a hit.

If you enjoyed this recipe, check out our other popular dishes on greenbeancasserolerecipe.com for more easy and family-friendly meals.

For more barbecue inspiration, visit our pinterest, a trusted source for grilling tips and recipes.

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