Get ready to fall in love with the irresistible flavors of Grilled BBQ Chicken! This classic dish is everything summer grilling should be—smoky, juicy, and kissed with the irresistible tang of barbecue sauce. Whether you’re serving it up at a backyard cookout or a fun family dinner, Grilled BBQ Chicken is the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table, eager for seconds (and thirds). With a simple marinade and a quick sizzle on the grill, each bite is tender, savory, and loaded with caramelized goodness. Let’s make a batch together—it’s easier than you think, and I promise, it’ll become a new favorite!

Grilled BBQ Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the gorgeous simplicity of these ingredients. Each one is a small but mighty player, working together to create that mouthwatering taste and signature sticky finish that makes Grilled BBQ Chicken so unforgettable. You probably have most of these in your pantry already!

Chicken tenderloins or boneless skinless chicken breasts: The foundation! Tenderloins are quick and juicy, while chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness, ensure every piece cooks perfectly.
Vegetable oil: Helps the marinade cling to the chicken and keeps it beautifully moist throughout grilling.
Minced garlic: A bold, aromatic punch that wakes up the whole marinade with its savory depth.
Salt: Don’t skimp! It highlights all the other flavors and ensures your chicken is perfectly seasoned throughout.
Light brown sugar: Adds a kiss of sweetness, helping the chicken caramelize and balance out the smoky spices.
Smoked paprika: This gives the chicken its warm color and subtle smokiness, echoing real barbecue pit flavor.
Ground cumin: Earthy and rich, cumin supports the BBQ backbone and adds complexity.
Chili powder: For a gentle heat and depth rather than a fiery punch—perfect for eaters of every age.
Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch for a little attitude! Adjust to your spice preference for a personal touch.
Barbecue sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce; this is what gives Grilled BBQ Chicken its irresistibly sticky, tangy finish.

How to Make Grilled BBQ Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If you’re using boneless skinless chicken breasts, here’s the little trick that guarantees even cooking: pop each breast into a zip-lock bag and use a meat mallet (or the bottom of a heavy pan!) to pound it to roughly ½-inch thickness. This step isn’t needed for tenderloins, but it makes all the difference for breasts—no more dry edges or undercooked centers, just juicy perfection in every bite.

Step 2: Mix Up the Marinade

Grab a big bowl and whisk together the vegetable oil, garlic, salt, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne until the mixture looks dreamy and fragrant. This is your flavor bomb! Drop in the chicken and toss with tongs until every piece is glossy and evenly coated. Cover it all up and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 6 hours, or as long as overnight for maximum flavor—think of the anticipation as building boldness with every minute!

Step 3: Grill to Perfection

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to high and give the grates a quick oiling (an oil-soaked paper towel and tongs do the trick). Lay the marinated chicken on the grates and let it sizzle, covered, for 2 to 3 minutes. Flip, brush with some of your favorite barbecue sauce, and grill for another 2 to 3 minutes. Tenderloins will cook even faster, so keep an eye out—no one wants to overdo all that tenderness! Look for caramelized edges and grill marks. It’s sensory heaven.

Step 4: Serve and Savor

Once your Grilled BBQ Chicken is glossy and cooked through, transfer it to a serving platter. Set out the rest of the barbecue sauce on the side for dipping, drizzling, or downright drenching! Your kitchen (and backyard) will smell like barbecue nirvana, and the chicken will practically sparkle with flavor.

How to Serve Grilled BBQ Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh herbs—think chopped parsley, cilantro, or thinly sliced green onions—adds a pop of color and instant garden-fresh vibes to your platter. You could also scatter a bit of flaky salt or even some diced red onion for crunch and extra zing.

Side Dishes

Grilled BBQ Chicken begs for classic sides: creamy coleslaw, buttery corn on the cob, and homemade potato salad are all winners. Or, lean into picnic style with baked beans, mac and cheese, or a refreshing watermelon salad. The sweet, smoky notes of the chicken play so well with a variety of textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling fun? Try slicing the chicken and serving it slider-style on mini buns, or tuck it into warm tortillas with slaw for BBQ chicken tacos. You can even toss leftover slices on top of a chopped salad for a weeknight dinner that’s as lively as it is simple. Grilled BBQ Chicken is endlessly versatile, so don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any extra Grilled BBQ Chicken will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let it cool to room temperature before storing, and keep any leftover barbecue sauce in a separate small jar for easy drizzling later.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, tuck fully cooled grilled chicken into freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator—super handy for meal prep or easy lunches.

Reheating

To keep that barbecue juiciness, reheat Grilled BBQ Chicken gently in a 325°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through. A quick brush of extra sauce before reheating helps restore its fresh-off-the-grill vibe. The microwave works too, but go slowly so the chicken stays nice and tender.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken for Grilled BBQ Chicken?

Absolutely! Drumsticks or bone-in thighs are fantastic on the grill—just remember to adjust your cooking time. Bone-in pieces usually take a bit longer, so use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F for safety and juiciness.

What’s the best way to prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?

Oiling the grill grates well and ensuring they’re preheated reduces sticking. Also, avoid moving the chicken too soon—once it’s got those signature grill marks, it should release easily!

Can I make my own barbecue sauce for this recipe?

Go for it! Homemade sauces are delicious and let you control the flavor profile. Try mixing ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard, and your favorite spices for a quick, customizable BBQ sauce.

Is it possible to make Grilled BBQ Chicken indoors?

Yes—if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, a stovetop grill pan or even your broiler will do the trick. Just watch your cooking times and flip the chicken for even charring and flavor.

Can I marinate the chicken for less than 6 hours?

If you’re short on time, even 1 to 2 hours of marinating will add nice flavor, but letting it go for the full 6 (or up to 24) hours yields the deepest infusion. The longer marinade is definitely worth it if you can swing it!

Final Thoughts

There’s a special kind of joy that comes from serving a platter of hot, juicy Grilled BBQ Chicken—every bite bursts with summer flavor and good memories. I hope this recipe brings just as much happiness to your table as it does to mine. Fire up that grill and let the deliciousness begin!

Grilled BBQ Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 20 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Grilled BBQ Chicken recipe is a delicious and easy dish that’s perfect for a backyard barbecue or weeknight dinner. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and then grilled to juicy perfection, topped with tangy barbecue sauce.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to ½-inch thickness if using. In a bowl, mix oil, garlic, salt, brown sugar, paprika, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne. Coat chicken with marinade and refrigerate for 6-24 hours.
Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill, oil grates. Grill chicken for 2-3 minutes, flip, brush with BBQ sauce, and cook for 2-3 minutes more.
Serve: Transfer chicken to a platter and serve with extra BBQ sauce.

Notes

For extra smoky flavor, try using hickory or mesquite wood chips on the grill.
Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American