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BBQ Chicken Recipe

BBQ Chicken Recipe

Juicy, tender chicken seasoned with smoky spices, grilled to perfection, and coated with a glossy, sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. This easy BBQ chicken recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, summer cookouts, backyard barbecues, and family gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, BBQ
Calories: 430
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
BBQ Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
BBQ Sauce
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar optional
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic minced

Equipment

  • Outdoor grill or grill pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Tongs
  • Pastry or BBQ brush
  • Instant-read meat thermometer
  • Measuring spoons
  • Cutting board
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. If using thick chicken breasts, gently pound them to an even thickness for more uniform cooking.
  2. Season: Place the chicken in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. In a separate bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and oregano. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the chicken and rub it into both sides.
  3. Rest the Seasoned Chicken: Let the seasoned chicken sit for 15–30 minutes at room temperature while you prepare the sauce and preheat the grill.
  4. Make the BBQ Sauce: Mix the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic in a small bowl until well combined.
  5. Preheat the Grill: Heat an outdoor grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Make sure the cooking surface is properly hot before adding the chicken.
  6. Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook for several minutes on each side, allowing it to develop attractive grill marks and a browned exterior.
  7. Add the BBQ Sauce: During the final portion of cooking, brush the chicken generously with BBQ sauce. Turn the chicken and brush the other side. Continue cooking while applying another thin layer of sauce as needed.
  8. Check for Doneness: Cook until the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer.
  9. Rest: Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate or cutting board and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
  10. Serve: Brush with a final light layer of BBQ sauce if desired and serve hot with your favorite barbecue sides.

Notes

Chicken thighs: An excellent choice when you want especially juicy and tender BBQ chicken.
Chicken breasts: For best results, use pieces of similar thickness and avoid overcooking.
BBQ sauce: Use your favorite bottled sauce or homemade barbecue sauce. If your sauce is already sweet, reduce or omit the brown sugar.
Sauce timing: Add BBQ sauce toward the end of cooking because its sugar content can burn over high heat.
Extra smoky flavor: Use smoked paprika or a smoky BBQ sauce for deeper barbecue flavor.
Spicy version: Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños.
Oven option: Bake at 400°F (200°C), adding the BBQ sauce toward the end, and cook until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Food safety: Keep a portion of BBQ sauce separate for serving rather than reusing sauce that has come into contact with raw chicken.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and use within 3–4 days for best quality.