Dinner
BBQ Chicken
Tender chicken thighs and breasts brushed with tangy, caramelized barbecue sauce and grilled until the glaze is charred and sticky. This is the backyard standard: straightforward, foolproof, and deeply flavored.
✓ Macros from a nutrition database · per serving · developed by The Delicious Kitchen with AI assistance, not independently kitchen-tested · how we calculate this
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BBQ Chicken — common questions
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts?
Yes, but reduce cooking time to 12–15 minutes total (6–8 minutes per side) and brush with extra butter to prevent drying. Thighs and bone-in pieces stay moister and develop better flavor.
What's the best store-bought BBQ sauce?
Any mainstream brand works; look for one with tomato, vinegar, and molasses as the first ingredients. Homemade is easy: whisk 1 cup ketchup, 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and salt and pepper.
How do I avoid burnt sauce?
Apply barbecue sauce only in the last 3–4 minutes of cooking over medium or medium-low heat. The sugar burns quickly over direct flame, so glaze at the very end after the chicken is mostly cooked through.
Can I make this in the oven?
Yes: bake at 400°F for 35–40 minutes on a greased sheet pan, then brush with sauce and broil on high for 2–3 minutes until tacky and slightly charred, watching carefully so it doesn't burn.
What should I serve with BBQ chicken?
Coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, grilled corn, and potato salad are the classic sides that cut the richness and complement the sweet-smoky glaze.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes, or slice and warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to restore moisture.
More grill & bbq recipes
- Beer Can Chicken Recipe 75 min
- Chicken Kebabs Recipe 37 min
- Grilled Chicken Recipe 50 min
- Grilled Corn Recipe 25 min
- Grilled Pineapple Recipe 20 min
- Grilled Salmon Recipe 22 min
- Grilled Shrimp Recipe 21 min
- Grilled Steak Recipe 25 min
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