Irresistible BBQ Chicken Recipe for Perfect Summer Grilling

The aroma of BBQ chicken wafts through the air, teasing your senses with hints of smoky sweetness and tangy spice. Picture this: perfectly charred pieces of chicken glistening under the sun, sizzling on the grill, as friends gather around, laughter echoing like music.

BBQ chicken isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It takes center stage at summer gatherings, backyard parties, and family picnics. The anticipation builds as you imagine sinking your teeth into tender, juicy chicken coated in a finger-licking sauce that dances on your palate.

I remember one summer evening when I hosted a backyard BBQ party. My friends devoured every piece of my BBQ chicken, leaving me with nothing but bones and empty plates. They still rave about it!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.

• Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil helps keep the chicken moist while enhancing its flavor.

• Brown Sugar: This sweetener balances the tanginess of your BBQ sauce perfectly.

• Garlic Powder: Choose garlic powder for a robust flavor without the fuss of fresh garlic.

• Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a depth of flavor that makes this dish truly unforgettable.

• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the flavors in your BBQ chicken.

• Your Favorite BBQ Sauce: Use store-bought or homemade sauce; either option works brilliantly here.

For the Sauce:

• Ketchup: A key ingredient for that classic BBQ sauce taste; go for quality!

• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor that elevates your sauce game.

• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness in your dish.

• Cider Vinegar: A dash provides acidity to balance out the sweetness in your sauce.

• Honey or Maple Syrup: Choose one based on your preference for additional sweetness.

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

Let’s Make It Together

Preparation Stage: Start by gathering all your ingredients and setting up your space for cooking. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat while seasoning the chicken generously with salt and pepper.

Marinate Your Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, and some pepper to create a marinade. Coat each piece of chicken thoroughly with this mixture and let it sit for 30 minutes; this helps lock in moisture.

Make Your Sauce: While waiting for the chicken to marinate, mix ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, cider vinegar, and honey or maple syrup in a separate bowl. Taste it and adjust seasoning if needed; you can never have too much flavor!

Grill Time: Once marinated, place the chicken on the preheated grill. Cook each side for approximately 6-7 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Brush them with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes for sticky goodness.

Rest Before Serving: After grilling, allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes. This step lets juices redistribute throughout the meat so it remains juicy when cut.

Serve Up: Slice into that beautifully grilled BBQ chicken! Serve it alongside fresh coleslaw or grilled corn on the cob for an ultimate summer feast.

And there you have it—a deliciously simple barbecue chicken recipe that’s sure to impress at any gathering! You’ll find yourself wanting to make this again and again because who could resist?

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken for at least two hours. Grill on medium heat, turning occasionally for even cooking and a beautiful char.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices or add some honey for sweetness. Try using different types of wood chips to enhance the smoky flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Sometimes I think I should charge my friends for all the BBQ “taste tests” they’ve endured over the years, but then again, their smiles are payment enough.

FAQ

What type of chicken works best for BBQ?

Chicken thighs are ideal because they’re juicy and flavorful compared to breasts.

Can I use a grill pan instead?

Absolutely! A grill pan gives you that beautiful char without needing an outdoor grill.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate your chicken for at least two hours, but overnight yields even better flavor.

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BBQ Chicken

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• Author: Mia
• Total Time: 24 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Savor the irresistible taste of BBQ chicken, perfect for summer gatherings and backyard cookouts. This easy recipe features tender, juicy chicken marinated in a delightful blend of spices and coated with your favorite BBQ sauce. Ideal for any occasion, this dish embodies the spirit of fun-filled days with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, combine olive oil, brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to make a marinade.
3. Coat the chicken thoroughly in the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
4. While marinating, mix together BBQ sauce ingredients (if making homemade).
5. Grill chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Brush with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes.
6. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approx. 6 oz)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 100mg