Easy BBQ Chicken Recipe
Juicy, smoky, and full of flavor, this Easy BBQ Chicken Recipe is perfect for any grill night or family dinner. Ready in just a few steps.
Ingredients
- About 3 pounds of bone-in skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks: These cuts are my favorite because they stay juicy and develop crispy skin.
- Dry spice mix:
- 1½ teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- Around ¾ cup of your favorite barbecue sauce: Whether homemade or store-bought this adds the perfect tangy, smoky finish.
Instructions
- Bring the chicken to room temperature. I usually take the thighs or drumsticks out of the fridge about 20–30 minutes before cooking. Pat them dry with a paper towel to help the spices stick better.
- Mix your seasoning blend. In a small bowl, combine sea salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, and freshly cracked black pepper. Sprinkle this evenly over the chicken and rub it in well, making sure every piece is coated thoroughly.
- Prepare your grill for two-zone cooking. Set up one side of your grill for direct high heat and leave the other side cooler for indirect cooking. If you’re using charcoal, bank the coals to one side, so you have a hot zone and a cooler zone to work with.
- Start grilling over indirect heat. Place the chicken on the cooler side of the grill, close enough to the heat to cook gently. Cover the grill and cook for about 25–30 minutes, flipping every 8–10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Check the temperature. When the chicken reaches around 155°F internally, it’s time to start adding that delicious BBQ sauce.
- Brush on the barbecue sauce. Generously coat the chicken with your sauce, then move the pieces over to the direct heat side. Grill for 3–5 minutes per side, flipping and brushing more sauce as you go, until the internal temperature hits about 175°F and the sauce is caramelized.
- Rest before serving. Take the chicken off the grill and give it a few minutes to relax before serving. This helps the chicken stay moist and lets all the flavors come together.
- Serve and enjoy! Plate your perfectly grilled BBQ chicken with extra sauce on the side if you like. Trust me, you’ll want every last bit.
Notes
Nutrition:
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 38 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Sugar: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fiber: 1 g