Delicious BBQ Chicken Recipe

Get ready to fire up the grill for some mouthwatering Finger-Lickin’ BBQ Chicken! This recipe is the epitome of comfort food with its juicy meat coated in a sticky sweet smoky glaze and that irresistible grilled crunch. Whether it’s a busy summer day or a cool autumn evening, this BBQ chicken has the power to steal the show at any family gathering.

I vividly remember the first time I mastered the art of grilling two temperature zones and created this finger-licking good BBQ chicken. The aroma of smoked paprika takes me back to cherished memories of summer holidays spent with my family around the grill. This recipe has become a favorite among my loved ones, with my niece always eager to savor every last bit and live up to its name by licking her fingers clean.

For a classic backyard BBQ experience, serve this delectable Finger-Lickin’ BBQ Chicken with creamy coleslaw, buttered corn, or roasted potatoes. Whether you’re grilling in the summer or baking in the winter, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So, gather your loved ones, fire up the grill, and get ready to indulge in this irresistible BBQ chicken that will have everyone coming back for more!

Quick Benefits

• Creates juicy, flavorful chicken with a sticky sweet smoky glaze
• Versatile recipe for all seasons – grill in summer, bake in winter, add fresh herbs in spring
• Leftovers stay delicious and can be used in sandwiches, bowls, or salads
• Easy to customize spice levels and pair with a variety of sides

Why You’ll Love This Delicious BBQ Chicken Recipe Recipe

• The juicy meat under a sticky sweet smoky glaze with a grilled crunch offers a comforting backyard-style meal that is perfect for any season.
• The hint of smoked paprika in the spice blend adds a distinct smoky flavor that brings back nostalgic memories of summer grilling.
• The recipe provides versatile options such as using boneless chicken, adjusting spice levels, and trying different BBQ sauces or glazes, making it customizable to individual preferences.
• Leftovers can be stored easily and are just as delicious the next day, making it a convenient dish for meal prep or gatherings.
• The recipe offers various cooking methods such as grilling, baking, or even using an air fryer, allowing flexibility based on the available equipment or weather conditions.
• The BBQ chicken pairs well with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted potatoes, creating a satisfying and complete meal for any occasion.
• The recipe’s popularity and the way it disappears quickly at gatherings showcase its crowd-pleasing appeal and the likelihood of becoming a requested favorite among friends and family.

Ingredients for Delicious BBQ Chicken Recipe

Chicken

• 3.5 to 4 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces

Seasonings

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika

Cooking Essentials

• 1.5 to 2 cups barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Pro Tips for Delicious BBQ Chicken Recipe

For the perfect Finger-Lickin’ BBQ Chicken, start by patting the chicken dry before seasoning with the flavorful rub. This will help the spices adhere and create a delicious crust. When grilling, cook the chicken over indirect heat after searing to ensure juicy and evenly cooked meat. Remember to let the chicken rest before serving to retain its juices and tenderness.

To enhance the flavors of your BBQ chicken, use brown sugar in the rub to add sweetness and help caramelize the exterior during grilling, giving it that irresistible sticky glaze. For optimal cooking, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the correct internal temperatures: 165°F for breasts and 170-175°F for thighs and drumsticks. If baking instead of grilling, finish the chicken under the broiler for crispy skin, applying layers of BBQ sauce for that authentic smoky flavor.

Pair your Finger-Lickin’ BBQ Chicken with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, or grilled vegetables for a well-rounded and delicious meal that will surely be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a backyard gathering or a cozy family dinner, this BBQ chicken recipe is sure to become a favorite for its sticky sweet smoky glaze and juicy meat that will have everyone coming back for more.

How to Make Delicious BBQ Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Use paper towels to dry chicken pieces thoroughly.

Step 2: Combine Dry Rub

Combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano in a medium bowl, mixing until evenly combined.

Step 3: Season Chicken

Drizzle chicken with olive oil and coat all sides evenly with dry rub, pressing to adhere.

Step 4: Marinate

For enhanced flavor, refrigerate seasoned chicken for 30 minutes to 4 hours. (Optional)

Step 5: Prepare Grill

Prepare a charcoal or gas grill for two-zone cooking by preheating to medium heat (350 to 400°F) with one side hotter than the other.

Step 6: Sear Chicken

Place chicken skin-side down on the hot side of the grill and sear for 3 to 5 minutes per side, turning once, until golden and crisp.

Step 7: Cook Over Indirect Heat

Transfer chicken to the indirect heat side of the grill, placing skin-side up. Cover with lid and cook for 30 to 45 minutes, ensuring temperature is constant.

Step 8: Glaze with Barbecue Sauce

Apply barbecue sauce to chicken every 5 to 7 minutes during the last 15 to 20 minutes of grilling, adding 2 to 3 layers in total.

Step 9: Check Doneness

Check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the breasts until it reaches 165°F, and thighs or drumsticks until they reach 170 to 175°F using an instant-read thermometer.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Rest chicken for 5-10 minutes before serving to retain juices.

Storage Tips

To store the finished BBQ chicken, allow it to cool completely before transferring leftovers to an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken can be stored for up to four days. When reheating, use the oven or a covered skillet to maintain the crispy skin texture.

For longer storage, individually wrap the cooled chicken pieces tightly or freeze them in a single layer in a large bag. The frozen chicken can be reheated directly from the freezer in the oven or air fryer until hot and sizzling.

BBQ chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, or grilled vegetables. Leftover chicken can be shredded and used in sandwiches, bowls, or salads for delicious meal variations. Adjust the spice levels to your preference by tweaking the chili and cayenne amounts, and consider adding fresh herbs or lemon zest for a bright twist in the spring.

Ingredient Substitutions

If bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces are not available, boneless, skinless chicken can be used with a slightly reduced cooking time to prevent overcooking. Regular paprika can be substituted for smoked paprika, resulting in a lighter flavor profile. Additionally, any preferred store-bought barbecue sauce or a honey mustard glaze can be used for brushing the chicken to suit personal taste preferences.

For different flavor variations, consider adjusting the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper to make the dish spicier or milder. In the winter months, baking the chicken at 400°F can be a suitable alternative to grilling. To enhance flavors in the spring, fresh herbs or lemon zest can be added, while apple wood chips can introduce a smoky note during the summer. These substitutions and variations allow for flexibility in adapting the recipe to seasonal ingredients and preferences while still achieving a delicious BBQ chicken dish.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive serving suggestion with this Finger-Lickin’ BBQ Chicken, consider setting up a DIY slider bar! Provide a variety of slider buns, coleslaw, pickles, and additional BBQ sauce for guests to create their own mini BBQ chicken sandwiches. The sliders can be a hit at parties or casual gatherings, allowing everyone to customize their perfect bite of tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors.

Another creative way to serve this BBQ chicken is to transform the leftovers into a delicious BBQ chicken pizza. Use pre-made pizza dough or flatbreads as the base, spread a layer of BBQ sauce, top with shredded BBQ chicken, red onions, and a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar. Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly for a tasty twist on traditional pizza night that will have everyone asking for seconds!

FAQs for Delicious BBQ Chicken Recipe

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken, but remember to reduce the cooking time slightly as they cook faster than bone-in pieces.

How can I store and reheat leftover BBQ chicken?

Let the chicken cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, use the oven or a covered skillet to retain the skin’s crunchiness.

What can I substitute smoked paprika with if I don’t have any?

If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can substitute it with regular paprika, although the depth of smoky flavor will be lighter in the dish.

Can I make this BBQ chicken recipe spicier or milder?

Yes, you can adjust the spiciness of the BBQ chicken by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper in the spice rub according to your preference.

Conclusion

As you take your last bite of this Finger-Lickin’ BBQ Chicken, I hope it leaves you with a smile on your face and a satisfied belly. The combination of smoky flavors, sticky sweet glaze, and that irresistible grilled crunch truly makes this recipe a winner. Whether you’re enjoying it at a family gathering, backyard barbecue, or just a cozy dinner at home, this BBQ chicken is sure to impress your taste buds and have you coming back for more.

Remember, don’t hesitate to make this Finger-Lickin’ BBQ Chicken your own by adding your favorite sides, adjusting the spice levels, or experimenting with different sauces. The beauty of barbecue chicken lies in its versatility and ability to bring people together over a delicious meal. So fire up that grill, gather your loved ones, and savor every finger-lickin’ moment with this mouthwatering dish. Cheers to good food, good company, and good times!