Description
This Grilled BBQ Chicken is smoky, juicy, and coated in a sticky, flavorful barbecue glaze. A summer grilling classic that’s perfect for cookouts, weeknight dinners, or game-day spreads, it’s easy to make and bursting with bold, savory-sweet flavor.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or garlic powder for extra seasoning
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken:
- Pat chicken dry. Rub with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and optional spices.
- Preheat Grill:
- Preheat grill to medium heat (about 375–400°F). Oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Place chicken skin-side down. Grill for 5–7 minutes per side, moving to indirect heat as needed to prevent burning. Continue cooking for 25–30 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Add BBQ Sauce:
- During the last 5–10 minutes of grilling, brush chicken with BBQ sauce. Flip and baste a couple of times, allowing the sauce to caramelize without burning.
- Rest and Serve:
- Remove from grill and let rest 5 minutes. Serve with extra BBQ sauce, corn on the cob, and coleslaw.
Notes
- Use indirect heat for bone-in cuts to avoid charring before the inside cooks through.
- Boneless chicken breasts cook faster—grill for about 6–8 minutes per side.
- Use a meat thermometer for safety: 165°F internal temp for poultry.
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
