BBQ Chicken

The aroma of BBQ chicken sizzling on the grill evokes cherished memories of summer gatherings with family and friends. This BBQ Chicken recipe is simple and takes only about 30 minutes, resulting in tender, flavorful chicken that’s perfectly complemented by homemade BBQ sauce. The combination of seasoning and grilling brings out the best in juicy chicken thighs or drumsticks, making it a surefire hit at any cookout.

This recipe is perfect for those warm evenings when you want to impress guests or indulge in a delicious meal with your loved ones. Ideal for a weekend barbecue, this dish can also be made ahead of time and stored for easy reheating during the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The chicken achieves a crispy skin while remaining juicy inside.
• It takes just about 30 minutes from grill to plate.
• The homemade BBQ sauce adds a personal touch to the flavor.
• Perfect for any outdoor gathering or a simple family dinner.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious BBQ Chicken.

For the Chicken

• 4 pieces chicken thighs or drumsticks
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the BBQ Sauce

• 1 cup homemade BBQ sauce, recipe not included

Note: Homemade BBQ sauce can be made in advance.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Chicken thighs can be swapped for drumsticks.
• Olive oil may be replaced with vegetable oil.
• Feel free to use store-bought BBQ sauce if needed.

How to Make It

Grilling BBQ chicken is easy and requires just a few steps.

Preheat

1. Preheat the grill. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

Season

2. Season the chicken. Season the chicken thighs or drumsticks with salt and pepper.

Brush

3. Brush the chicken. Brush the chicken with olive oil to help it crisp up on the grill.

Grill

4. Grill the chicken. Grill the chicken for about 20-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Sauce

5. Brush on BBQ sauce. In the last few minutes of grilling, brush on the homemade BBQ sauce for added flavor.

Rest

6. Remove and rest. Remove from the grill, let rest for a few minutes, then serve and enjoy!

How to Store It

Fridge: 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Yes, for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Microwave for 1-2 minutes or grill briefly.

Tips for Best Results

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F.
• Allow the chicken to rest before slicing for juiciness.
• Make extra BBQ sauce for those guests who love a saucy meal.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with coleslaw for a classic BBQ side.
• Pair with grilled corn on the cob for a summer vibe.
• Enjoy with a cold beverage for the ultimate experience.