Go Back
–+ servings
grilled BBQ chicken on a sheet pan
Print Pin
4.50 from 2 votes

Grilled BBQ Chicken

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.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
optional marinating 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 787kcal
Author Brandi Crawford

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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pound | Calories: 787kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 64g | Fat: 39g