Fire up the grill for this mouthwatering BBQ chicken recipe! Juicy, tender chicken breasts infused with smoky flavors and glazed with tangy barbecue sauce. Perfect for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners. Get ready to savor every bite of this irresistible grilled goodness.
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What Type of Chicken to Use
- Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful than chicken breast, thanks to their higher fat content. They’re also more forgiving on the grill, making them less likely to dry out if slightly overcooked. Many people prefer thighs for their rich flavor and tender texture.
- Chicken Drumsticks: Drumsticks are another flavorful option for grilled BBQ chicken. They’re affordable, easy to eat (especially for kids), and have plenty of juicy meat. Drumsticks also hold up well to marinades and BBQ sauces, making them a great choice for grilling.
- Chicken Wings: Chicken wings are perfect for casual gatherings or game day snacks. They cook quickly on the grill and can be seasoned with a variety of flavors. Whether you like them spicy, sweet, or tangy, chicken wings are always a hit when grilled and slathered in BBQ sauce. Check out this How to Grill Chicken Wings recipe.
- Chicken Breast: Chicken breast is lean and versatile, making it a popular choice for grilling. It cooks relatively quickly and evenly, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or backyard BBQs.
Do You Have to Marinate?
Marinating is not necessary, but it will enhance the flavor and tenderness of the chicken. If you have the time I recommend it. Marinating allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the marinade. I use my Grilled Chicken Seasoning recipe that includes a marinade.
If you don’t want to marinate the meat, omit the soy sauce.
Grill Temperature
You should set the grill to medium-high heat, which is around 375 to 400 degrees. This temperature range allows for thorough cooking without drying out the chicken.
Charcoal or Gas Grill
You can use either in this recipe. A gas grill has a much faster set-up time and it’s easier to adjust to a precise temperature when cooking. Some prefer a charcoal grill because it will provide a deeper smoky flavor for the chicken.
How to Tell When the Chicken Has Finished Cooking
- Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding contact with bone. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees for all parts, including breast, thighs, wings, and drumsticks.
- Cooked chicken should have a golden brown exterior and appear opaque throughout. If you’re grilling chicken with bone-in, you can also check for clear juices running from the chicken when pierced with a knife or fork. Any pinkness or translucent areas indicate that the chicken needs more cooking time.
- Cooked chicken should feel firm and springy to the touch. If you press down on the chicken with tongs or a fork, it should offer some resistance but still yield slightly. Undercooked chicken will feel soft and mushy, while overcooked chicken will feel dry and tough.
How to Store
You can store leftovers tightly sealed and covered in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Freezer Tips
You can freeze leftovers for 2-3 months wrapped and sealed or tightly covered. They can be stored in the freezer for longer periods, it’s best to use them within this timeframe to ensure optimal taste and texture.
Pair With These Recipes
Baked Beans with Ground Beef
Southern Crab Salad
Southern Potato Salad
Macaroni Salad
Grilled BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
- 5-6 pounds chicken thighs and drumsticks I used 3 pounds of bone-in thighs and 3 pounds of drumsticks.
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or sweetener
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- BBQ sauce Optional
Instructions
- Combine the soy sauce and all of the spices and drizzle it over the chicken in a large bowl or plastic bag. Place the chicken in the fridge (covered) for 30 minutes to overnight.If You Don't Plan to Marinate: Sprinkle the spices onto both sides of the chicken and rub the spices into the meat.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400 degrees.
- Place the seasoned chicken on the preheated grill. Grill for:Drumsticks will need to cook for about 10-15 minutes on each side.Bone-in chicken thighs will need to cook for 7-10 minutes on each side.Boneless chicken thighs will need to cook for 5-7 minutes on each side.Chicken breasts will need to cook for 6-8 minutes on each side.Cook time will vary and depend on the thickness of the chicken you are cooking. Use tongs to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even grilling.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees in the thickest part of the meat.
- Optional BBQ Sauce: Once the chicken is nearly cooked, brush a generous amount of BBQ sauce onto each piece using a basting brush. Continue to grill for 2-3 minutes. This allows the sauce to caramelize and create a flavorful glaze while finishing cooking the chicken.
- Remove the chicken from heat and allow the meat to rest for at least 15 minutes before serving.