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This foolproof BBQ grilled chicken recipe has transformed my weekend cookouts into family-favorite gatherings. The perfect blend of smoky spices and tangy sauce creates chicken that's tender inside with irresistible charred edges that everyone fights over.
I first developed this recipe during a summer when my gas oven broke down and grilling became our only cooking option. What started as necessity became our most requested dinner every time friends visit.
Ingredients
- Bone in chicken pieces: Ensures juicy results that won't dry out on the grill
- Chili powder: Adds a mild heat that balances the sweet sauce perfectly
- Smoked paprika: Provides deep smoky flavor without needing a charcoal grill
- Kosher salt: Its coarser texture creates better seasoning distribution
- Onion powder: Infuses savory notes throughout the meat not just the surface
- Garlic powder: Gives aromatic depth without burning like fresh garlic would
- Olive oil: Helps the spices adhere and promotes beautiful caramelization
- Barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite or make homemade for a personal touch
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare The Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium high heat around 375°F to 400°F. Take time to thoroughly clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking. A properly heated grill is crucial for those beautiful grill marks and even cooking.
- Prepare The Chicken:
- Check thickness of chicken breasts and pound or slice if needed to ensure even cooking. Thinner pieces cook more evenly and absorb more flavor. For bone in pieces make sure they're similar sizes for consistent cooking times.
- Season Generously:
- Mix all dry spices in a small bowl then add olive oil. This creates a paste that really clings to the chicken. Use your hands to massage this mixture into every nook and cranny of the chicken pieces ensuring complete coverage.
- Initial Sauce Application:
- Brush half the BBQ sauce onto the seasoned chicken before it hits the grill. This creates a base layer of flavor that will caramelize beautifully. Reserve the remaining sauce for basting later never reuse sauce that has touched raw chicken.
- Grill With Precision:
- Place chicken on the preheated grill and cook according to cut type. Maintain medium high heat and resist the urge to constantly flip the pieces. Each cut needs specific timing chicken breasts and thighs need 10 12 minutes total while drumsticks require 30 35 minutes and wings about 20 minutes.
- Final Glaze:
- In the last two minutes of cooking brush the remaining BBQ sauce onto the chicken. This creates that sticky beautiful glaze everyone loves without burning the sugars in the sauce.
- Rest Before Serving:
- Allow the cooked chicken to rest for 5 10 minutes on a clean plate. This crucial step lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat resulting in much juicier chicken.
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My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the versatility of the spice blend. I discovered by accident that adding a pinch of cinnamon to the mixture creates an amazing depth that complements the smokiness in unexpected ways. My teenage son now refuses to eat BBQ chicken any other way.
Mastering Different Chicken Cuts
Chicken breasts benefit from the quickest cooking time but watch them carefully as they can dry out faster than other cuts. If using boneless breasts reduce cooking time by about 2 minutes per side. The high heat of the grill caramelizes the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
Dark meat cuts like thighs and drumsticks are more forgiving on the grill due to their higher fat content. They develop incredible flavor when cooked slightly longer allowing the fat to render and the meat to become tender. Thighs particularly absorb the smoky flavor beautifully.
Wings make fantastic party food when prepared with this recipe. Their high skin to meat ratio creates deliciously crispy edges. For extra crispy wings try using indirect heat first to render the fat then finish with direct heat for charring.
Making It Your Own
Experimenting with different BBQ sauces completely transforms this recipe. Sweet Kansas City style sauce creates a sticky glaze perfect for family dinners while tangy Carolina vinegar based sauces cut through the richness beautifully. For heat lovers try mixing your favorite hot sauce into the BBQ sauce before basting.
The spice rub itself is endlessly customizable. Add brown sugar for a sweeter profile or cayenne for extra heat. Mediterranean flavors work surprisingly well try adding dried oregano and lemon zest to the basic mix for a Greek inspired twist that pairs beautifully with a side of tzatziki.
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Perfect Pairings
This BBQ chicken shines alongside classic summer sides. Creamy coleslaw provides cooling contrast to the smoky meat while cornbread soaks up extra sauce. For a complete outdoor feast add grilled corn on the cob brushed with the same spice mixture minus the BBQ sauce.
For a lighter meal pair with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon juice and olive oil. The brightness cuts through the richness of the chicken creating perfect balance. Roasted sweet potatoes also complement the smoky flavors beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of chicken works best for this dish?
Bone-in chicken pieces like thighs, breasts, drumsticks, or wings work best as they stay juicy when grilled.
- → Can I use skinless chicken?
Yes, you can use skinless chicken if you prefer. However, skin-on chicken tends to hold moisture better during grilling.
- → How do I ensure the chicken remains juicy?
Use bone-in chicken, grill over medium-high heat, baste frequently with sauce, and let the chicken rest before serving.
- → Can I use store-bought barbecue sauce?
Yes, store-bought barbecue sauce works perfectly. You can also make your own if you prefer a personalized flavor.
- → What is the ideal internal temperature for grilled chicken?
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.