BBQ chicken is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering, whether you’re grilling in your backyard or cooking in your kitchen. This tried-and-true BBQ chicken recipe guarantees tender, flavorful chicken every time.
Why BBQ Chicken?
Barbecue chicken is the epitome of comfort food. It’s smoky, sweet, and savory with a slight tang that brings all the flavors together. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or simply craving some homestyle BBQ, this dish is always a hit. Plus, it’s versatile—you can make it on the grill, in the oven, or even on a stovetop grill pan!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect BBQ Chicken
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken: It may take a little longer to cook, but bone-in chicken stays juicy and the skin adds flavor and texture. Skinless boneless options are fine for quicker cooking but may not be as moist.
- Don’t skip the marinade: Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) allows the flavors to penetrate deeply. This helps the chicken stay juicy and flavorful.
- Indirect heat for grilling: When grilling, avoid placing the chicken directly over high heat to prevent burning. Start with indirect heat and then finish over direct heat for those beautiful grill marks.
- Rest the chicken: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy.
BBQ Chicken Variations
There are endless ways to switch up this BBQ chicken recipe to suit your taste or diet preferences:
- Spicy Chicken: Add more red pepper flakes, or even a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper, to the marinade.
- Honey BBQ Chicken: Add 2 tablespoons of honey to the BBQ sauce mixture for a sweet, sticky glaze.
- Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken: Blend in some chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to give your chicken a deep, smoky flavor with a kick.
- Barbecue Chicken Breasts: If you prefer leaner cuts, substitute chicken thighs or drumsticks with boneless chicken breasts. Keep in mind that breasts cook faster, so adjust your time accordingly.
- Barbecue Chicken Wings: For game day or appetizer-style BBQ chicken, use wings! Just be sure to monitor cooking time as wings are smaller and cook quickly.
How to Serve Barbecue Chicken
BBQ chicken pairs beautifully with so many side dishes, making it perfect for any gathering. Here are a few ideas:
- Classic Coleslaw: The cool, tangy crunch of coleslaw complements the rich, smoky flavors of the Barbecue chicken.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Brushed with butter and sprinkled with a little paprika or cayenne, corn is a great sidekick to Barbecue chicken.
- Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad adds a hearty, comforting element to your meal.
- Cornbread: Sweet, buttery cornbread is always a crowd-pleaser alongside BBQ dishes.
- Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and onions all grill beautifully and add a healthy balance to the richness of BBQ chicken.
How to Store BBQ Chicken
If you have any leftovers (though they often disappear quickly!), here’s how to store them:
- In the Refrigerator: Store leftover Barbecue chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- In the Freezer: Barbecue chicken freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
BBQ Chicken Recipe FAQs
Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought BBQ sauce is a time-saver and works perfectly in this recipe. Look for sauces with ingredients you recognize, and feel free to jazz it up with spices or extra sweetness like honey or brown sugar.
Can I make BBQ chicken in the oven if I don’t have a grill?
Yes, you can! The oven method described above is just as effective, especially if you finish it off with a few minutes under the broiler to get that grilled, caramelized texture.
What’s the best way to check if the chicken is done?
The safest and most accurate way is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding the bone, and ensure it reads 165°F for doneness.
How can I make BBQ chicken healthier?
To make a lighter version, use skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs and opt for a lower-sugar BBQ sauce. Grilling is also a healthier cooking method compared to frying.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes! BBQ chicken is great for meal prepping. Cook a big batch and store it in portioned containers for easy lunches throughout the week. You can pair it with veggies, salads, or whole grains for a balanced meal.
BBQ Chicken (Best)
BBQ chicken is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering, whether you're grilling in your backyard or cooking in your kitchen. This tried-and-true BBQ chicken recipe guarantees tender, flavorful chicken every time.
Ingredients
- 8 large chicken breasts, bone-in with skin
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup chili sauce
- 1 cup Heinz ketchup
- 2 tsp butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tbsp celery seed
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 dashes hot pepper sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Start by sautéing minced garlic in butter until it’s nice and tender—this will give your sauce a beautiful depth of flavor.
- Then, stir in the chili sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, celery seed, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, hot sauce, and salt. Bring it all to a boil, stirring as you go.
- Once it’s bubbling away, remove from heat and set it aside for now.
- Fire up the grill to medium heat and place your chicken on there, covered, for about 30 minutes. Don’t forget to turn it occasionally for even cooking.
- After 30 minutes, start basting the chicken with your homemade BBQ sauce.
- Grill for an additional 15 minutes, continuing to baste and flip until the chicken juices run clear.
- Serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping—trust me, you’ll want to!
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 274Total Fat 5gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 105mgSodium 697mgCarbohydrates 17gFiber 0gSugar 14gProtein 38g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Conclusion
BBQ chicken is a flavorful, versatile dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or backyard gatherings. Whether you prefer a spicy, sweet, or smoky flavor profile, this recipe is easy to adapt to your taste preferences. Plus, the cooking methods—grill or oven—make it accessible no matter what equipment you have on hand. So, fire up your grill or preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy juicy, delicious BBQ chicken that’s sure to impress!
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