Here’s a juicy, classic Barbecue Chicken recipe 🍗🔥
Works on the grill, oven, or stovetop.
Classic Barbecue Chicken
Ingredients
- 2–3 lbs chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: ½ tsp smoked paprika or chili powder
Instructions (Grill Method – Best Flavor)
- Season chicken
Rub chicken with oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. - Preheat grill to medium heat (375–400°F).
- Grill first, sauce later
Grill chicken over indirect heat, covered, for 25–30 minutes, turning occasionally. - Add sauce
Brush with barbecue sauce and grill 5–10 more minutes, turning and basting, until caramelized. - Check doneness
Internal temp should reach 165°F (74°C). - Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Oven Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Place seasoned chicken on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake 35–45 minutes, flipping once.
- Brush with BBQ sauce and broil 2–3 minutes until sticky and charred.
Stovetop Method
- Sear seasoned chicken in a skillet until cooked through.
- Add BBQ sauce and simmer 5 minutes until glazed.
Tips & Variations
- Extra juicy: Brine chicken 30 minutes in saltwater
- Honey BBQ: Add 1–2 Tbsp honey to sauce
- Spicy: Mix BBQ sauce with hot sauce or cayenne
- Boneless option: Reduce cooking time
Serving Ideas
Great with corn on the cob, coleslaw, potato salad, or baked beans.
If you want, I can also share a slow cooker BBQ chicken, BBQ chicken sandwiches, or air fryer version 😊
