Grilled BBQ Chicken

Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill, and nothing says summer quite like a plate of juicy, tender grilled BBQ chicken. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply enjoying a quiet dinner on the porch, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. With a tangy homemade BBQ sauce and perfectly grilled chicken.

Love More Recipes? Try My Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken or this Peruvian Grilled Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce next.

Why You’ll Love This

• Incredible Flavor: The combination of spices and BBQ sauce makes this chicken bursting with flavor.
• Quick Prep: You can have this on the grill in under 30 minutes.
• Simple Ingredients: Just a few pantry staples create a mouthwatering dish.
• Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike love BBQ chicken – it’s a crowd-pleaser!

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Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Homemade BBQ Sauce

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Substitutions: You can use skin-on chicken pieces for added flavor and moisture. For a sugar-free version, try using a sugar substitute in the BBQ sauce!

Why These Ingredients Work

The chicken is the star of the show, and using boneless pieces ensures quick cooking and easy eating.

Garlic and onion powder add depth to the flavor profile, while smoked paprika brings a hint of smokiness that is perfect for grilling.

The homemade BBQ sauce is a sweet and tangy concoction that elevates the chicken to a whole new level!

Tools Needed

• Grill (gas or charcoal)
• Mixing bowl
• Basting brush
• Meat thermometer
• Grilling tongs

How To Make Grilled BBQ Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels for a better sear on the grill.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.

Step 3: Make the BBQ Sauce

In another mixing bowl, whisk together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your preference.

Step 4: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that your chicken gets a nice sear and helps lock in the juices.

Step 5: Grill the Chicken

Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, basting with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve with additional BBQ sauce on the side for dipping!

You Must Know

• Always let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly without drying it out.

Amelia’s Secret: For an extra layer of flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning overnight! This will enhance the taste and tenderness of the meat.

Pro Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t flip your chicken too often; let it sear properly before turning. This creates those beautiful grill marks!
• Avoid using high sugar sauces too early on the grill, as they can burn. Only apply BBQ sauce in the last few minutes of cooking.

Flavor Variations

• Spicy BBQ Chicken: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for a kick.
• Herbed BBQ Chicken: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into your seasoning mix for a fresh flavor.
• Asian-Inspired BBQ: Use soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil in your marinade for a different twist.

Make-Ahead

You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance.

For freezing, place the seasoned chicken in a freezer bag with the BBQ sauce and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before grilling.

Serving Suggestions

This grilled BBQ chicken pairs beautifully with classic sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a fresh green salad. It also goes great with baked beans or potato salad for a full summer feast!

How to Store

Store any leftover grilled BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the microwave or on the grill until warmed through. You can also freeze the chicken for up to 3 months.

Allergy Info

This recipe is gluten-free if you ensure the Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. For dairy-free, simply use a dairy-free BBQ sauce.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just remember that bone-in chicken will take longer to cook than boneless pieces.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Can I make this recipe on an indoor grill?

Yes, this recipe works perfectly on an indoor grill or stovetop grill pan!

What can I serve with grilled BBQ chicken?

It pairs wonderfully with sides like corn on the cob, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad.

Can I make this BBQ chicken in the oven?

Yes, bake the seasoned chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes, basting with sauce during the last few minutes.

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