Hey there my friend 👋. If you love juicy, smoky, and perfectly seasoned chicken, you are in the right place. This BBQ chicken recipe is easy, packed with flavor, and works great for family dinners or weekend cookouts.
And here’s the best part—I will show you how to keep the chicken moist and make a BBQ sauce that sticks perfectly. You won’t deal with dry or burnt chicken again.
Let’s get started.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe.
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs
- Grill or oven
- Basting brush
- Aluminum foil (optional)
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Important Info
- Servings: 4 chicken quarters
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: Around $10, depending on ingredient prices in your area
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 35 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Additional time: 10 minutes (resting time)
- Calories per serving: About 350 kcal
- Cook method: Grilling or Baking
- Season: Summer
- Courses: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Diets: GlutenFreeDiet
How to Make BBQ Chicken
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 4 chicken quarters
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative Option |
|---|---|
| Chicken quarters | Chicken thighs or breasts |
| Olive oil | Vegetable oil or butter |
| Smoked paprika | Regular paprika + 1 drop of liquid smoke |
| BBQ sauce | Homemade ketchup-mustard mix |
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. In a bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and chili powder. Rub the seasoning all over the chicken. Drizzle with olive oil and massage it in.
- Preheat the grill or oven: If using a grill, preheat to medium heat (about 375°F). If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Cook the chicken: Place the chicken skin-side down on the grill. Close the lid and cook for 20 minutes, flipping once. If baking, place the chicken on a lined baking tray and bake for 30 minutes.
- Add BBQ sauce: Brush the BBQ sauce generously on one side of the chicken. Let it cook for 5 more minutes, then flip and brush the other side. Cook for another 5 minutes to let the sauce caramelize.
- Rest before serving: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes. This keeps the juices inside and makes the chicken extra tender.
Helpful Tips
- Use bone-in chicken: It stays juicier than boneless cuts.
- Don’t skip resting time: Cutting the chicken too soon will make the juices run out.
- Apply BBQ sauce at the right time: Too early, and it will burn; too late, and it won’t stick well.
- Use indirect heat on the grill: This prevents charring before the inside is cooked.
- Double-layer the seasoning: Sprinkle a little more seasoning after the first flip for extra flavor.
What to Serve with BBQ Chicken
BBQ chicken goes well with so many sides. You can pair it with:
- Coleslaw for a crunchy contrast
- Roasted potatoes or fries for a hearty meal
- Corn on the cob, because BBQ and corn are a perfect match
- Baked beans for a smoky, sweet combo
- Garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
I like serving BBQ chicken on a big platter with extra BBQ sauce on the side. If you want to be fancy, garnish with chopped parsley or a few lemon wedges.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This recipe is a cookout favorite. It’s great for backyard BBQs, summer picnics, and game nights. The best part? It’s a hands-on meal, so no need for fancy plates. Just grab a napkin and dig in.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- If you plan to eat the chicken within 2 hours, keep it loosely covered on the counter.
- After 2 hours, bacteria can grow, so move it to the fridge.
Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave for 2 minutes.
Freezing
- Place cooled BBQ chicken in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven at 350°F.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this BBQ chicken in the oven?
Yes, you can bake it at 400°F for 30 minutes, then brush with BBQ sauce and bake for another 5-10 minutes.
What’s the best cut of chicken for BBQ?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken quarters or thighs are best because they stay juicy and don’t dry out.
Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
Yes, but if you want extra depth, mix in a little honey and a dash of vinegar for a homemade touch.
How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Marinate it for at least 30 minutes before cooking, and avoid overcooking. Also, letting it rest after cooking helps keep the juices in.
Can I grill this over direct heat?
It’s better to use indirect heat so the chicken cooks evenly without burning. Move it to direct heat for the last few minutes to get a nice char.
