Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken

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Juicy, smoky, sticky, and kissed by flame, this mouthwatering BBQ chicken is what summer dreams are made of. Whether you’re grilling in the backyard or searing it on a stovetop grill pan, every bite is bursting with a balance of sweet heat and charred goodness. It’s the kind of recipe that never fails to draw a crowd, even on a weeknight.

The magic lies in the marinade. A bold mix of spices and a rich, tangy BBQ sauce work together to deeply flavor the chicken before it even hits the grill. Once cooked, the chicken turns perfectly caramelized and tender, with a slightly crispy edge that locks in all that saucy deliciousness. It’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken

This BBQ chicken is the definition of crowd-pleasing comfort food. The flavor is robust without being overpowering, the texture is incredibly juicy, and the whole process is surprisingly simple. It’s perfect for weekend cookouts, casual family dinners, or meal prepping for the week ahead. Plus, it pairs with just about any side dish you can imagine.

What Cut of Chicken Works Best for BBQ?

You can use boneless thighs, drumsticks, or even bone-in breasts for this recipe, but skin-on chicken thighs truly shine. They stay moist, absorb flavor well, and get those irresistible charred bits that make grilled BBQ chicken so iconic. If you prefer leaner cuts, boneless chicken breasts work too—just adjust cooking times to avoid drying them out.

Ingredients for the Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken

The key to delicious BBQ chicken is layering flavors from the inside out. This recipe starts with a spice rub, adds a touch of oil, then finishes with a smoky BBQ glaze.

• Chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless): These are the star of the show. They cook evenly and stay juicy.
• Olive oil: Helps the rub stick and gives a slight richness to the chicken.
• Smoked paprika: Adds deep, smoky flavor.
• Brown sugar: For a hint of sweetness that balances the spice.
• Garlic powder: Boosts the savory factor.
• Onion powder: Rounds out the flavor profile.
• Salt & black pepper: Essential seasoning to make everything pop.
• BBQ sauce: Use your favorite store-bought brand or homemade version. This is what creates the glossy, caramelized coating.

How To Make the Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Place it in a large bowl or resealable bag.

Step 2: Make the Dry Rub

In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add olive oil to form a paste. Rub this mixture generously all over the chicken.

Step 3: Marinate

Cover the bowl or seal the bag and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. For best flavor, marinate for 4 hours or overnight in the fridge.

Step 4: Preheat the Grill

Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Grill the Chicken

Place chicken skin-side down and grill for 5–6 minutes on each side. Once you have a good sear, brush on the BBQ sauce.

Step 6: Glaze and Finish

Continue grilling, turning occasionally and brushing more BBQ sauce as you go. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the sauce is nicely caramelized.

How to Serve and Store BBQ Chicken

Serve this BBQ chicken hot off the grill, garnished with fresh parsley or chopped green onions if you like. It feeds about 4 to 6 people, depending on portion size and sides. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain moisture.

For freezing, wrap the cooled chicken tightly in foil or a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What to Serve With BBQ Chicken?

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Charred and lightly buttered, grilled corn adds a sweet crunch that balances the savory chicken.

Creamy Coleslaw

The cool, tangy crunch of slaw makes a perfect partner to smoky BBQ.

Loaded Baked Potatoes

Soft on the inside, crispy on the outside, and fully loaded—potatoes are a BBQ staple.

Southern Mac and Cheese

Rich and creamy with golden, cheesy crust, it’s the ultimate comfort side.

Watermelon Feta Salad

Refreshing and light, this fruit-forward salad cuts through the richness.

Buttery Cornbread

A slightly sweet and crumbly side that soaks up all the saucy goodness.

Garlic Green Beans

Quickly sautéed with garlic, they add a crisp, fresh element to the plate.

Easy Pasta Salad

Cool, herby, and ready in minutes, pasta salad always belongs at a BBQ table.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this BBQ chicken, check out some of Luna Meals’ other irresistible chicken creations:

• Easy Chicken Fried Rice for a quick and flavorful weeknight dish.
• Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni if you want something extra creamy and comforting.
• Low Carb Chicken Casserole for a healthy twist that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
• Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Avgolemono for a bright and cozy meal.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna if you’re open to seafood and craving decadence.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it for your next BBQ night.

Tried it? Let me know how it turned out! Did you add extra heat or make your own sauce? What sides did you serve it with?

I love hearing about your kitchen wins and swaps. Feel free to share your twist in the comments.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals and comfort recipes on Luna Meals on Pinterest and get inspired daily!

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