BBQ Chicken (Grilled)

Published: May 16, 2026

by kaeli

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Juicy: The combination of bone-in, skin-on chicken ensures each piece remains moist and flavorful.
Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time.
Versatile Flavor: The homemade BBQ sauce adds layers of flavor that pair well with various sides.
Perfectly Charred Finish: Grilling gives the chicken a beautiful char that enhances its taste and presentation.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive outdoor gathering, this BBQ chicken fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth grilling experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Grill (gas or charcoal)
Large baking sheet
Small mixing bowl
Instant-read thermometer
Basting brush

Importance of Each Tool

Grill: The heart of this recipe—provides the necessary heat and flavor through grilling.
Instant-read thermometer: Ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked without drying it out.
Basting brush: Essential for applying BBQ sauce evenly during grilling for maximum flavor.

Ingredients

This BBQ chicken (grilled) is insanely juicy, perfectly charred, and glistening with my secret homemade BBQ sauce. Perfect for your summer cookout!

Chicken

3 ½ to 4 pounds (about 12 to 14 pieces) chicken thighs or drumsticks (bone-in and skin-on)

Dry Rub

1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

BBQ Sauce

1 cup BBQ sauce

How to Make BBQ Chicken (Grilled)

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs on a large baking sheet and bring them to room temperature. Pat dry with a paper towel to ensure a good sear on the grill.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Rub

In a small bowl, combine the following:
1. Salt
2. Garlic powder
3. Smoked paprika
4. Chili powder
5. Onion powder
6. Black pepper

Sprinkle the rub over the chicken. Use your hands to coat every piece thoroughly on all sides, including under the skin if desired.

Step 3: Prep the Grill

Prepare one side of your grill for high, direct heat while leaving the burners on the other side off. If using charcoal or wood, create a cool side with minimal coals.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Lay the chicken on the indirect heat side of the grill but close enough to benefit from some heat. Cover and cook for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping every 10 minutes until an instant-read thermometer registers between 160°F to 165°F.

Step 5: Brush with BBQ Sauce

Brush your favorite BBQ sauce over each piece of chicken and cook covered for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. Flip, then apply more sauce before cooking another 3 to 4 minutes. Repeat until reaching an internal temperature of 175°F.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the grilled chicken from the grill onto a serving plate. Feel free to serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken (Grilled)

BBQ chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether at a picnic or a family dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

On the Grill

Grilled Vegetables – Pair your BBQ chicken with seasonal vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, grilled alongside for extra flavor.
Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn brushed with butter and seasoning complements the smoky BBQ taste perfectly.

In a Sandwich

BBQ Chicken Sandwich – Shred leftover chicken and serve on a toasted bun with coleslaw and extra BBQ sauce for a hearty meal.
Wrap it Up – Use tortillas to create wraps filled with grilled chicken, lettuce, diced tomatoes, and your favorite dressing.

As a Salad

BBQ Chicken Salad – Toss chopped BBQ chicken over mixed greens with avocado, cherry tomatoes, and ranch dressing for a fresh take.
Pasta Salad – Mix BBQ chicken into cold pasta salad with veggies and a tangy dressing for a satisfying side dish.

With Dipping Sauces

Extra BBQ Sauce – Serve additional BBQ sauce on the side for those who love an extra kick of flavor.
Ranch Dressing – A creamy ranch dressing pairs well with the smoky flavors of the chicken.

How to Perfect BBQ Chicken (Grilled)

Achieving perfect BBQ chicken requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your chicken is juicy and flavorful every time.

Use Bone-In Pieces – Bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks cook more evenly and stay moist compared to boneless cuts.
Marinate Overnight – For enhanced flavor, marinate your chicken in the dry rub overnight before grilling.
Monitor Temperature – Invest in an instant-read thermometer; cooking to 175°F ensures juicy meat without risk of dryness.
Use Indirect Heat – Start grilling over indirect heat to cook through before searing over direct heat for that signature char.
Baste Regularly – Basting with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes keeps the meat from drying out while adding layers of flavor.

Best Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken (Grilled)

A delicious meal is all about balance. Here are some fantastic side dishes that go well with your grilled BBQ chicken.

Coleslaw – A crunchy slaw adds freshness and balances the richness of the chicken.
Potato Salad – Creamy potato salad is a classic choice that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats.
Baked Beans – Sweet and savory baked beans complement the flavors of BBQ beautifully.
Garlic Bread – Toasted garlic bread offers a delightful crunch that goes well with juicy chicken.
Macaroni and Cheese – A comforting mac and cheese adds creaminess that contrasts nicely with smoky flavors.
Cucumber Salad – A refreshing cucumber salad brings lightness to your plate, perfect for hot summer days.
Grilled Asparagus – Lightly seasoned asparagus adds color and nutrients while enhancing your meal’s visual appeal.
Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf infused with herbs provides a neutral base that absorbs all those delicious BBQ juices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When grilling BBQ chicken, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

Overcooking the chicken: This can lead to dry meat. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 160°F.
Not seasoning properly: Skimping on the dry rub can result in bland chicken. Make sure to coat all sides evenly for maximum flavor.
Skipping the resting time: Cutting into the chicken immediately after grilling lets juices escape. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
Using too much sauce too soon: Applying BBQ sauce too early can cause it to burn. Brush it on during the last few minutes of cooking instead.
Failing to preheat the grill: A cold grill can lead to uneven cooking. Preheat it adequately before placing the chicken on it.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container.
It will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing BBQ Chicken (Grilled)

Wrap individual pieces tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating BBQ Chicken (Grilled)

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and place chicken on a baking sheet covered with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place pieces in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
Stovetop: Warm over medium-low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist while reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about BBQ chicken that may help you as you prepare this dish.

How do I know when my BBQ chicken is done?

The internal temperature should reach between 160°F and 175°F. Using an instant-read thermometer is the best way to ensure proper doneness.

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs or breasts can be used, but adjust cooking times since they may cook faster than bone-in pieces.

What should I serve with BBQ Chicken (Grilled)?

Consider pairing with coleslaw, corn on the cob, or baked beans for a classic summer meal that’s full of flavor.

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Absolutely! Marinating overnight enhances flavor and tenderness. Just make sure not to add BBQ sauce until grilling time.

Final Thoughts

This BBQ Chicken (Grilled) recipe is perfect for summer gatherings and family dinners. Its juicy texture and smoky flavor make it irresistible. Feel free to customize the spices or sauces according to your taste preferences; there’s no wrong way to enjoy this dish!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card