Grilled BBQ Chicken is a timeless favorite that brings joy to countless gatherings, picnics, and family dinners. With its smoky flavor and tender texture, this dish is sure to impress both family and friends alike.

Why Make This Recipe

Making your own Grilled BBQ Chicken allows you to flavor it just the way you like. Whether you’re preparing a summer barbecue or a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe is flexible and easy to customize. With a marinade that tugs at the taste buds and a glaze that adds an extra kick, grilled chicken can transform any meal into an occasion. Plus, it’s a healthier option compared to fried alternatives, making it a great choice for those looking to enjoy a delicious meal while watching their diet.

How to Make Grilled BBQ Chicken

Making Grilled BBQ Chicken is easy and straightforward. This recipe not only focuses on getting that perfect grilled texture but also ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and step-by-step directions.

Ingredients:

1 and 3/4 lbs chicken tenderloins or boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 and 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
About 1 cup store-bought barbecue sauce or homemade BBQ sauce

Directions:

If you’re using boneless skinless chicken breasts, place each breast one at a time into a 1-gallon zip lock bag. Using a meat mallet, pound each breast to an even 1/2 inch thickness. If you’re using chicken tenderloins, you can skip this step.
In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, minced garlic, salt, brown sugar, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper.
Place the chicken in the bowl with the marinade and, using tongs, toss until each piece is evenly coated.
Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor absorption.
Preheat your grill to high heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Grill the chicken, covered, for 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the chicken and brush with a portion of the barbecue sauce. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Note that chicken tenderloins will cook faster than chicken breasts.
Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a serving platter and serve it with the remaining barbecue sauce alongside for dipping.

Pro Tips for Success Grilled BBQ Chicken

Marinate Longer: For even more flavor, try marinating the chicken overnight. The longer, the better – just don’t go over 24 hours!
Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Leave some space between the chicken pieces on the grill to allow even cooking and to achieve those lovely grill marks.
Resting the Chicken: After grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices within the meat.
Experiment with BBQ Sauce: Mix different types of barbecue sauces for a unique twist. You can even make your own to tailor it to your taste.
Side Cooking: Consider adding some veggies to the grill while cooking the chicken to make it a complete meal.

Flavor Variations Grilled BBQ Chicken

Spicy Kick: Add more cayenne pepper or incorporate hot sauce into the marinade for a spicier version.
Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist.
Citrus Zing: Add the juice of a lime or lemon to your marinade for a zesty flavor profile.
Honey BBQ: Substitute the brown sugar with honey for a sweet and sticky glaze on your chicken.
Peach or Pineapple Addition: For a sweet and fruity flair, consider grilling slices of peach or pineapple alongside your chicken.

Serving Suggestions Grilled BBQ Chicken

Serve the grilled chicken alongside classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or corn on the cob.
Pair it with a refreshing salad, such as a cucumber and tomato salad, to balance out the rich flavors.
For a heartier meal, consider serving it atop a bed of rice or alongside mashed potatoes.

Storage and Freezing Instructions Grilled BBQ Chicken

Refrigeration: Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze grilled chicken for up to 3 months. It’s best to slice it before freezing for easier use later on.
Reheating: When ready to eat, reheat in the oven or on the grill to maintain that grilled flavor.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: Approx. 220
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 0g
Sodium: 600mg

FAQ About Grilled BBQ Chicken

How do I know when my chicken is done cooking?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safely consumed.

Can I use bone-in chicken pieces for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that bone-in chicken will take longer to cook, so adjust your grilling time accordingly.

What is the best type of barbecue sauce to use?

The best barbecue sauce is subjective and often depends on your taste preferences. You can choose from tangy, spicy, sweet, or smoky varieties!

Can I make this chicken recipe in the oven instead of grilling it?

Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil for about 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked.

How do I prevent my chicken from drying out while grilling?

Make sure not to overcook your chicken and consider using a meat thermometer for accurate cooking. Letting the chicken rest after grilling also helps retain moisture.

Final Thoughts

Grilled BBQ Chicken is a delightful dish that unites flavor and simplicity. With just a few key ingredients, you can create a scrumptious meal that brings everyone together. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or simply wanting to enjoy a hearty dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the process, experiment with flavors, and most importantly, savor every bite!

Grilled BBQ Chicken

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Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

Grilled BBQ Chicken is a timeless favorite with smoky flavor and tender texture, perfect for gatherings and family dinners.

Ingredients

1 and 3/4 lbs chicken tenderloins or boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 and 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
About 1 cup store-bought barbecue sauce or homemade BBQ sauce

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Instructions

If you’re using boneless skinless chicken breasts, place each breast one at a time into a 1-gallon zip lock bag. Using a meat mallet, pound each breast to an even 1/2 inch thickness. If you’re using chicken tenderloins, you can skip this step.
In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, minced garlic, salt, brown sugar, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper.
Place the chicken in the bowl with the marinade and, using tongs, toss until each piece is evenly coated.
Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 360 minutes or up to 1440 minutes for deeper flavor absorption.
Preheat your grill to high heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Grill the chicken, covered, for 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the chicken and brush with a portion of the barbecue sauce. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Note that chicken tenderloins will cook faster than chicken breasts.
Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a serving platter and serve it with the remaining barbecue sauce alongside for dipping.

Notes

For even more flavor, try marinating the chicken overnight. Use a meat thermometer for perfect cooking. Let the chicken rest before slicing.

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