BBQ Chicken Recipe

The smell of smoky barbecue wafts through the air, tickling your senses and making your mouth water. Imagine sinking your teeth into tender BBQ chicken that’s juicy, flavorful, and perfectly charred. It’s that irresistible combination of sweet and tangy flavors dancing on your taste buds that makes this dish a must-try at every summer gathering.

Now let me take you back to a sunny afternoon when I attempted to impress my friends with my culinary skills—or lack thereof. Armed with nothing but determination and a questionable recipe from an old magazine, I ventured into the world of BBQ chicken. Spoiler alert: I ended up covered in sauce but managed to create a dish they still rave about today. Let’s dive into this adventure together!

I’ve had friends literally lick their plates clean after trying this recipe!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless Chicken Thighs: I prefer thighs for their juiciness and forgiving nature on the grill; they won’t dry out easily.
• Your Favorite BBQ Sauce: Use store-bought or homemade; just ensure it has a good balance of sweetness and tanginess for maximum flavor impact!
• Olive Oil: A little drizzle helps keep the chicken moist during grilling while enhancing the overall flavor.
• Garlic Powder: This adds depth; choose fresh garlic if you want an extra punch!
• Paprika: A dash gives a smoky undertone; smoked paprika can elevate flavors even more if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Salt and Pepper: Don’t skimp on these essentials—they’re crucial for building flavor from the ground up!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well blended. This mixture is not only aromatic but infuses great flavor into your chicken!

Marinate the Chicken: Place boneless chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or bowl and pour marinade over them. Seal tightly (like you mean business) and let them soak in all that goodness for at least 30 minutes—up to overnight if you’re planning ahead!

Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F/190°C). A hot grill sears the meat beautifully while locking in moisture—trust me; your taste buds will thank you later!

Add the Chicken: Once the grill is sizzling hot, place marinated thighs onto it. Let them cook undisturbed for about 6-7 minutes until they have lovely grill marks—resist the urge to flip too soon!

Baste with BBQ Sauce: Flip each piece over and generously brush them with your favorite barbecue sauce. Close the lid and let them continue cooking for another 6-7 minutes while soaking up those sweet flavors.

Cook Until Done: Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) by using a meat thermometer; this avoids any poultry surprises later on! Once done, remove from heat and let rest before serving—this allows those juices to redistribute throughout the meat for ultimate tenderness!

Your kitchen will smell like heaven as you prepare this heavenly dish that’s sure to impress everyone around you! Enjoy it straight off the grill or serve it in sandwiches—the options are endless!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken for at least an hour or overnight if possible. Then grill on medium heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, brushing with sauce during the last few minutes.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the barbecue sauce for your favorite homemade version or experiment with different spices. Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can elevate the flavors.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.

Sharing this BBQ chicken at our last family gathering led to everyone asking for seconds, proving that great food creates lasting memories and laughter around the table.

FAQ

What type of chicken is best for BBQ chicken?

Bone-in thighs or drumsticks are ideal for juicy BBQ chicken.

Can I use store-bought barbecue sauce?

Absolutely! Store-bought sauces save time and still taste great.

How do I know when my BBQ chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F in the thickest part.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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BBQ Chicken

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• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Savor the delicious blend of sweet and tangy flavors with this easy recipe for juicy, grilled chicken thighs—perfect for summer cookouts or cozy family meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate chicken thighs in the mixture for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375°F).
4. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on one side until grill marks appear. Flip and baste with BBQ sauce.
5. Cook for another 6-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Remove from the grill and let rest before serving.

Notes

•  For an extra smoky flavor, use smoked paprika.
•  Experiment with different BBQ sauces or add fresh herbs like cilantro for added freshness.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh (approximately 113g)
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 460mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 90mg