Description
This Best BBQ Chicken recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken infused with a smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet barbecue flavor. Perfectly grilled to lock in moisture and topped with a luscious BBQ sauce, this dish is a classic crowd-pleaser ideal for any outdoor cookout or family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4-6 chicken pieces (legs, thighs, or breasts – bone-in or boneless)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Marinade & Sauce
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. If using boneless chicken, gently pound it to an even thickness to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Coat the chicken thoroughly with the marinade. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours; for best results, marinate overnight to deepen the flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high (375-400°F). Lightly oil the grill grates using a paper towel dipped in olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken on the grill. Cook bone-in pieces for about 30-35 minutes or boneless pieces for 10-12 minutes. During the final minutes, baste with additional BBQ sauce to enhance moisture and flavor.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking: boneless chicken should reach 165°F; bone-in thighs 170°F, and bone-in breasts 165°F.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute for maximum juiciness.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve with extra BBQ sauce and complementary sides like corn on the cob, coleslaw, or potato salad.
- Enjoy: Savor your juicy, flavorful BBQ chicken, perfect for any occasion.
Notes
- Marinating overnight intensifies the BBQ flavor and tenderness.
- Adjust the amount of smoked paprika and cumin to tailor the smoky and earthy flavors to your preference.
- Bone-in chicken takes longer to cook but tends to stay juicier.
- Use a meat thermometer for perfect internal temperature and safe consumption.
- Oiling the grill grates prevents the chicken from sticking and tearing.
