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Grilled BBQ chicken

The Ultimate Grilled BBQ Chicken Recipe

What makes this recipe stand out? It’s all about the perfect blend of spices, a rich homemade BBQ sauce, and a grilling technique that ensures every bite is juicy and delicious. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of love, you’ll create a dish that tastes like it came straight from a professional BBQ pit.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marination time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Grill or Grill Pan
  • Tongs
  • Basting Brush
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Whisk
  • Meat Thermometer
  • Aluminum Foil

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken

  • 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks (you can also use boneless chicken breasts if preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the BBQ Sauce

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for heat
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke optional for extra smokiness

For Basting

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup reserved BBQ sauce

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Let it marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Make the BBQ Sauce

  • In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and liquid smoke.
  • Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens (about 5–7 minutes). Set aside 1/4 cup of the sauce for basting.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

  • Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 375°F). If using a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are evenly spread.
  • Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
  • Place the chicken on the grill, skin-side down. Cook for 6–8 minutes per side, flipping occasionally, until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
  • Reduce the heat to low or move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill. Brush the chicken with the reserved BBQ sauce and continue cooking for an additional 10–15 minutes, flipping and basting every 5 minutes.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Rest and Serve

  • Remove the chicken from the grill and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes to retain the juices.
  • Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side and your favorite accompaniments like a fresh salad, grilled veggies, or buttered corn.

Notes

Nutritional Value (per serving)

The nutritional values are approximate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
  • Calories: ~300-350 kcal
  • Protein: ~25–30g
  • Fat: ~18–22g (depending on the cut of chicken)
  • Carbohydrates: ~10–12g
  • Fiber: ~1g
  • Sugar: ~8–10g (from the BBQ sauce)
  • Sodium: ~600–700mg
Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment and rating!
Nutrition Disclaimer:
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Keyword BBQ, BBQ chicken, chicken recipes, grilled BBQ chicken