BBQ Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

BBQ Chicken is a classic, smoky, and sweet dish that’s perfect for grilling season or a comforting weeknight dinner. The combination of tender chicken coated in a rich barbecue sauce makes for a flavorful, juicy meal that everyone will love. Whether grilled, baked, or cooked on the stovetop, this BBQ chicken is sure to become a favorite in your household.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

this Recipe

chicken (bone-in, skin-on pieces like thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
olive oil
garlic powder
onion powder
paprika
salt
black pepper
lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)

directions

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, or preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking.

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and rub it with olive oil.

Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

If grilling, place the chicken skin-side down on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side to get a nice char.

If baking, arrange the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

During the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken generously with BBQ sauce on both sides, allowing it to caramelize.

If you want extra sauce, brush more on the chicken just before serving.

Serve the BBQ chicken hot with additional BBQ sauce on the side, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Grilling time: 15-20 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: about 45-50 minutes (depending on the cooking method)

Variations

Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for a quicker, leaner option.
Try different types of BBQ sauce, such as smoky, spicy, or tangy mustard-based sauce.
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for 1-2 hours before cooking.
Add a sprinkle of brown sugar or honey for a sweeter glaze.

storage/reheating

Store leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the microwave, or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
You can also freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, boneless chicken cooks faster, but be sure to monitor it closely to avoid overcooking.

How do I make homemade BBQ sauce?
Combine ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper for a quick homemade sauce.

Can I bake BBQ chicken instead of grilling it?
Yes, baking is a great alternative. Just make sure to coat the chicken with BBQ sauce in the last few minutes of cooking to get that caramelized glaze.

How can I make the chicken extra crispy?
For extra crispiness, sear the chicken in a hot pan with oil before baking or grilling.

Is BBQ chicken good for meal prep?
Absolutely! BBQ chicken stores well in the fridge and can be reheated or used in salads, sandwiches, or wraps.

Can I use chicken wings?
Yes, chicken wings are perfect for BBQ, and they cook much faster than larger cuts of chicken.

What sides go well with BBQ chicken?
Corn on the cob, coleslaw, baked beans, and mashed potatoes are great accompaniments.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken is a timeless, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy dinner at home. With a deliciously smoky and sweet sauce, this juicy chicken is sure to please everyone at the table. Grilled or baked, it’s an easy-to-make meal that packs a punch of flavor!

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