There’s nothing better than a plate of perfectly cooked BBQ chicken. Juicy, tender meat coated in smoky spices and slathered with tangy BBQ sauce—this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s for a summer cookout, a family dinner, or just because you’re craving something delicious, the Best BBQ Chicken recipe is here to deliver.
Imagine the smell of the grill as the chicken sizzles, the caramelized BBQ sauce glazing each piece, and that first bite bursting with flavor. This guide will show you how to brine, season, and grill chicken to perfection every time. Ready to get started? Let’s go!
Why You’ll Love This Best BBQ Chicken Recipe
- Incredibly Juicy: The brine ensures your chicken stays moist and tender.
- Full of Flavor: A custom spice rub and your favorite BBQ sauce create a delicious combination.
- Customizable: Use your preferred chicken cuts, spice levels, or BBQ sauce flavor.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple steps for both beginner and experienced cooks.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Feeds a crowd and pairs well with classic sides.
Ingredients for Best BBQ Chicken
| Category | Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Brine | Water | 2 quarts |
| Salt | 3 tablespoons | |
| Brown sugar | 3 tablespoons | |
| Garlic, crushed | 2 cloves | |
| Chicken | Mixed chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, drumsticks, wings) | 4–5 lbs |
| Spice Rub | Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Ground paprika | 1 tablespoon | |
| Ground cumin | 2 teaspoons | |
| Onion powder | 2 teaspoons | |
| Garlic powder | 2 teaspoons | |
| Smoked paprika | 1 teaspoon | |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | |
| Ground black pepper | ½ teaspoon | |
| BBQ Sauce | Your favorite BBQ sauce | 1 cup (or more to taste) |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 kcal |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Sodium | ~700mg |
(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the chicken cut and BBQ sauce used.)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Best BBQ Chicken
1. Prepare the Brine
- In a large bowl or container, mix the water, salt, brown sugar, and crushed garlic until dissolved.
- Submerge the chicken pieces in the brine, cover, and refrigerate for 2–4 hours. Brining ensures juicy, flavorful chicken.
2. Make the Spice Rub
- Combine the brown sugar, ground paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix thoroughly.
3. Remove Chicken from Brine
- After brining, remove the chicken from the solution and pat dry with paper towels. Discard the brine.
4. Season the Chicken
- Coat the chicken evenly with the spice rub, ensuring all sides are covered. Use your hands to gently press the rub onto the surface.
5. Preheat the Grill
- Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350–375°F). If using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals for indirect heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
6. Grill the Chicken
- Place the chicken pieces on the grill. Start with bone-in pieces, as they take longer to cook than boneless cuts.
- Cook over indirect heat for 20–25 minutes, flipping occasionally to cook evenly.
7. Add the BBQ Sauce
- During the last 5–10 minutes of cooking, generously brush the chicken with BBQ sauce. Flip the pieces and brush again to coat both sides.
- Move the chicken to direct heat for 1–2 minutes to caramelize the sauce. Watch closely to prevent burning.
8. Check for Doneness
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked:
- Breasts: 165°F (74°C)
- Thighs, Drumsticks, and Wings: 175°F (79°C)
- Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken
1. Brine is Key
Brining enhances the chicken’s flavor and keeps it juicy, even after grilling.
2. Use a Meat Thermometer
This ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked without guessing.
3. Sauce Strategically
Add the BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling to avoid burning.
4. Experiment with Rubs
Try adding cayenne pepper, mustard powder, or chili flakes to customize the spice rub.
5. Rest Before Serving
Allowing the chicken to rest helps lock in the juices for a better bite.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your BBQ chicken with these classic sides to complete the meal:
- Cornbread: Sweet, crumbly, and delicious.
- Coleslaw: Crisp and refreshing, perfect for balancing the smoky chicken.
- Potato Salad: A creamy and satisfying side.
- Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, corn, and bell peppers complement the flavors perfectly.
- Mac and Cheese: For a rich, indulgent pairing.
Common Variations of BBQ Chicken
1. Honey BBQ Chicken
Mix honey into your BBQ sauce for a sweeter glaze.
2. Spicy BBQ Chicken
Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to your rub and sauce for extra heat.
3. Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken
Bake the chicken at 400°F for 30–35 minutes, brushing with BBQ sauce in the last 10 minutes.
4. Smoked BBQ Chicken
Use a smoker with wood chips for a deep, smoky flavor.
5. BBQ Chicken Wings
Use the same brine, rub, and sauce for finger-licking good chicken wings.
FAQs About Best BBQ Chicken
1. How long should I brine the chicken?
Brine for 2–4 hours to enhance flavor and moisture.
2. What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Choose a sauce that matches your taste—sweet, smoky, tangy, or spicy.
3. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts or thighs work well and cook faster than bone-in pieces.
4. How do I prevent chicken from sticking to the grill?
Oil the grill grates and ensure the chicken is patted dry before seasoning.
5. Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Yes, you can bake or broil the chicken in your oven or cook it on a stovetop grill pan.
6. Can I freeze leftover BBQ chicken?
Yes, cool the chicken completely and store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Make the Best BBQ Chicken Tonight
The Best BBQ Chicken recipe combines tender, juicy meat with bold, smoky flavors, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re grilling for a backyard gathering or preparing a cozy family dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate BBQ experience.
Best BBQ Chicken: A Flavorful Classic for Every Occasion
Ingredients
For the Brine:
- 2 quarts water
- 3 tablespoons salt
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
For the Chicken:
- 4 –5 lbs mixed chicken pieces breasts, thighs, drumsticks, wings
- For the Spice Rub:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce or more to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Brine: Combine water, salt, brown sugar, and crushed garlic in a large container. Stir until dissolved. Submerge the chicken in the brine, cover, and refrigerate for 2–4 hours.
- Make the Spice Rub: Mix brown sugar, paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Remove and Dry the Chicken: Take the chicken out of the brine, discard the brine, and pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the spice mix generously over all sides of the chicken pieces.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium heat (350–375°F). Oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place chicken on the grill and cook over indirect heat for 20–25 minutes, flipping occasionally. Brush BBQ sauce onto the chicken during the last 5–10 minutes of cooking. Move to direct heat briefly to caramelize the sauce.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature:
- Breasts: 165°F. Thighs/Drumsticks: 175°F. Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before serving.