Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken is the quintessential summer dish that will elevate any cookout. This recipe produces chicken that is juicy, smoky, and perfectly glazed with a sticky BBQ sauce. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a family dinner or hosting a backyard party, this easy and flavorful meal promises to be a hit. Let’s get started on this scrumptious journey!
Why You’ll Love This Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken
This delicious BBQ chicken recipe is not just about flavor; it’s about creating memories. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore it:
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Can be marinated ahead of time for enhanced flavor.
- Juicy and tender chicken thighs or breasts provide a satisfying meal.
- Versatile; easily adaptable with various sides like coleslaw or baked beans.
- A fabulous option for summer BBQs and outdoor gatherings.
- It’s a tasty grilled chicken option that everyone will love.
This dish fits within the American cuisine style, making it a go-to for any meal plan.
Ingredients for Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken
Gather these items:
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.75 cup BBQ sauce
How to Make Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Pat chicken dry with paper towels and place in a bowl or resealable bag.
- Step 2: Mix smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Add olive oil to form a paste.
- Step 3: Rub the mixture onto the chicken, coating all sides well.
- Step 4: Cover or seal and marinate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Step 5: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and oil the grates.
- Step 6: Grill chicken skin-side down for 5–6 minutes per side to develop a sear.
- Step 7: Begin brushing BBQ sauce on both sides, continuing to grill until the sauce is caramelized and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 8: Remove from grill and rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken
Keep these in mind:
- This chicken can be marinated overnight for the best flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- Serve with your favorite sides like coleslaw or corn on the cob.
- Consider adding a pinch of cayenne for a spicy BBQ chicken variation.
Best Ways to Serve Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken
Pair this savory barbecue chicken with:
- Classic coleslaw for a refreshing crunch.
- Corn on the cob to complement the flavors.
- Baked beans for a hearty addition.

How to Store and Reheat Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to four days in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This method ensures that your chicken remains juicy and flavorful.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken
What’s the secret to perfect Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken?
Patience is key! Allowing your chicken to marinate overnight maximizes the flavor and tenderness. Use a good quality BBQ sauce, and don’t rush the grilling process for a perfectly juicy BBQ chicken.
Can I make Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken the night before and grill it fresh when you’re ready to serve. This makes it an excellent choice for parties or weeknight dinners.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken?
Avoid cooking on high heat to prevent burning. Make sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer and let the chicken rest before serving for maximum juiciness.
Variations of Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken You Can Try
If you’re looking for some creativity, consider these variations:
- Spicy BBQ Chicken: Add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to your marinade.
- Grilled Chicken with Peach Glaze: Substitute BBQ sauce with a homemade peach glaze for a fruity twist.
- Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken: Mix honey and garlic into your BBQ sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
These variations keep the dish exciting while maintaining its gluten-free status.
Print
Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken: 7 Tips for Perfect Grilling
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This mouthwatering BBQ chicken recipe is the ultimate grilled chicken dinner for summer. Juicy, smoky, sweet, and glazed with sticky BBQ sauce, it’s an easy and flavorful meal perfect for cookouts or weeknight grilling.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.75 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels and place in a bowl or resealable bag.
- Mix smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Add olive oil to form a paste.
- Rub the mixture onto the chicken, coating all sides well.
- Cover or seal and marinate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and oil the grates.
- Grill chicken skin-side down for 5–6 minutes per side to develop a sear.
- Begin brushing BBQ sauce on both sides, continuing to grill until the sauce is caramelized and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove from grill and rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This chicken can be marinated overnight for best flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: BBQ Chicken, Grilled Chicken, Summer Recipes, Chicken Thighs







