Grilled BBQ chicken is a timeless favorite that combines smoky flavor with succulent, juicy meat. Perfect for any outdoor gathering or a special family dinner, this dish will become a staple in your recipe collection. The key to this delightful meal is a balance of proper seasoning and slow, careful grilling, combined with a rich barbecue sauce that caramelizes beautifully over the heat.
Photos of Grilled BBQ Chicken Recipe
When preparing this recipe, make sure you have barbecue sauce on hand, as it might not be a common pantry item. You can find a variety of barbecue sauces at your local supermarket, ranging from sweet to spicy. Choose a flavor that suits your taste preference to elevate the dish.
Ingredients For Grilled BBQ Chicken Recipe
Chicken: A whole bird is used for this recipe, ensuring there's a mix of white and dark meat.
Olive oil: This is used to help season the chicken and prevent it from sticking to the grill.
Salt: Basic seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.
Pepper: Adds a hint of spice and complements the other seasonings.
Barbecue sauce: A rich, flavorful sauce that will be brushed onto the chicken, giving it a caramelized, smoky finish.
One reader, Bonnibelle Guess says:
This grilled BBQ chicken recipe is fantastic! The chicken turned out juicy and flavorful, with a perfect smoky taste. The barbecue sauce added a delicious tangy sweetness. It was easy to follow and a hit at our family dinner. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required for Grilling BBQ Chicken
How to preheat a grill: Turn on your grill and set it to medium heat. Allow it to heat up for about 10-15 minutes until it reaches the desired temperature.
How to season chicken: Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the chicken, ensuring all sides are covered.
How to oil a grill grate: Use a brush or a paper towel dipped in olive oil to coat the grill grate lightly. This prevents the chicken from sticking.
How to check chicken temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast and thigh. The breast should reach 165 degrees F, and the thighs should reach 175 degrees F.
How to rest chicken: After removing the chicken from the grill, let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more flavorful and moist.
How To Make Grilled BBQ Chicken
Ready the grill and your favorite barbecue marinade because you’re in for a sticky and sweet treat from our grilled bbq chicken recipe.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1whole chickencut into pieces
- 2tbspolive oil
- salt & pepperto taste
- 2cupsbarbecue sauce
Instructions
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Preheat grill to medium heat.
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Season chicken with salt & pepper to taste.
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Cook chicken skin side down on an oiled grate for 15 minutes.
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Turn over, baste with barbecue sauce. Cook an additional 20 to 30 minutes continuing to brush with sauce (breast should reach 165 degrees F and thighs should reach 175 degrees F).
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Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 633.75kcal
- Fat: 35.22g
- Saturated Fat: 9.28g
- Trans Fat: 0.19g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 15.84g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.03g
- Carbohydrates: 38.87g
- Fiber: 0.86g
- Sugar: 31.69g
- Protein: 37.98g
- Cholesterol: 150.00mg
- Sodium: 1119.16mg
- Calcium: 53.51mg
- Potassium: 599.22mg
- Iron: 2.44mg
- Vitamin A: 92.49µg
- Vitamin C: 3.77mg
Grilling Technique Tip for Juicy BBQ Chicken
To ensure your chicken cooks evenly and remains juicy, consider spatchcocking it. This involves removing the backbone and flattening the chicken, which allows it to cook more uniformly on the grill. Additionally, let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking.
Time-Saving Tips for Grilling BBQ Chicken
Pre-cut the chicken: Ask your butcher to cut the chicken into pieces to save prep time.
Marinate in advance: Season and marinate the chicken the night before to enhance flavor and save time on grilling day.
Use a meat thermometer: Quickly check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly without overcooking.
Prepare the grill: Preheat and clean the grill while you season the chicken to streamline the process.
Batch cook: Grill extra chicken pieces for easy meals throughout the week.
Substitute Ingredients For Grilled BBQ Chicken Recipe
whole chicken - Substitute with chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are juicier and have a richer flavor, making them a great alternative for grilling.
whole chicken - Substitute with pork chops: Pork chops can absorb barbecue sauce well and provide a different but delicious taste.
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it suitable for grilling.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, perfect for grilling.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the taste of the grilled meat.
pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a spicy kick, providing a different flavor profile.
barbecue sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce offers a sweet and savory flavor, giving a different but delicious taste to the grilled chicken.
barbecue sauce - Substitute with honey mustard sauce: Honey mustard sauce provides a tangy and sweet flavor, making it a unique alternative for barbecue sauce.
Presentation Tips for Grilled BBQ Chicken
Select the finest whole chicken: Ensure the chicken is fresh and of the highest quality. A free-range or organic chicken will provide the best flavor and texture.
Season with precision: Rub the chicken with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. This will enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
Preheat the grill: Set your grill to medium heat, ensuring it is clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking and to achieve those perfect grill marks.
Grill to perfection: Place the chicken skin side down on the grill. Cook for 15 minutes to achieve a crispy, golden-brown skin.
Baste with barbecue sauce: Turn the chicken over and begin basting with your favorite barbecue sauce. Continue to cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, basting frequently to build layers of flavor.
Monitor internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken breast reaches 165 degrees F and the thighs reach 175 degrees F. This ensures the chicken is cooked safely and remains juicy.
Rest before serving: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more succulent bite.
Plate with elegance: Carve the chicken into portions and arrange artfully on a platter. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.
Serve with complementary sides: Pair the grilled BBQ chicken with sides such as grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, or a fresh salad to create a balanced and visually appealing dish.
Finish with a flourish: Drizzle a bit of extra barbecue sauce over the chicken and sides for added flavor and a polished presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Grilled BBQ Chicken
Grill: A cooking device that uses direct heat to cook food, perfect for achieving that smoky barbecue flavor.
Tongs: Essential for flipping the chicken and handling it safely without piercing the meat.
Basting brush: Used to apply the barbecue sauce evenly over the chicken while it cooks.
Meat thermometer: Ensures the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperatures (165°F for breasts, 175°F for thighs).
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for seasoning the chicken before grilling.
Chef's knife: Useful for any necessary trimming or cutting of the chicken before seasoning.
Mixing bowl: Handy for mixing olive oil, salt, and pepper before applying to the chicken.
Aluminum foil: Can be used to tent the chicken while it rests, keeping it warm and juicy.
Grill brush: Important for cleaning the grill grates before and after cooking to ensure a clean cooking surface.
Oven mitts: Protects your hands from the heat when handling the grill or hot tools.
Storing and Freezing Grilled BBQ Chicken
Allow the grilled chicken to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the meat from becoming soggy and help maintain its texture.
Wrap the cooled chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help prevent freezer burn and keep the meat fresh.
Place the wrapped chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to minimize the risk of freezer burn.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents. This will help you keep track of how long the chicken has been stored.
Store the grilled chicken in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you plan to keep it longer, it's best to freeze it.
When freezing, place the wrapped and sealed chicken in the coldest part of the freezer. This will help it freeze quickly and maintain its quality.
Grilled chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. After that, the quality may start to deteriorate, but it will still be safe to eat.
To thaw frozen grilled chicken, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw slowly overnight. This method is the safest and helps maintain the texture of the meat.
Reheat thawed chicken in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Be sure to reheat it thoroughly to ensure it's safe to eat.
If you plan to use the grilled chicken in a recipe that calls for cold meat, such as a salad or sandwich, you can thaw it directly in the refrigerator and use it once it's no longer frozen.
How To Reheat Leftover Grilled BBQ Chicken
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover grilled bbq chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Brush the chicken with a thin layer of barbecue sauce to help retain moisture. Cover the baking sheet with another piece of foil to prevent the chicken from drying out. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place the leftover grilled bbq chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. This will help keep the chicken moist during reheating. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes per piece, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the chicken to become rubbery.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your leftover grilled bbq chicken. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Brush with a thin layer of barbecue sauce. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the skin is crispy.
For a stovetop method, place the leftover grilled bbq chicken in a skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of water or chicken broth to the pan to create steam and prevent the chicken from drying out. Cover the pan with a lid and heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. You can also brush the chicken with additional barbecue sauce during the last minute of cooking for extra flavor.
Random Fact About Grilled BBQ Chicken
A random fact about this grilled bbq chicken recipe is that cooking the chicken skin side down first helps to render the fat and create a crispy, flavorful skin.
Is Making Grilled BBQ Chicken at Home Cost-Effective?
This grilled bbq chicken recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, including whole chicken, olive oil, and barbecue sauce, are relatively inexpensive and easily accessible. The preparation is straightforward, requiring minimal additional ingredients. For a household of 4, the approximate cost would be around $10-$15 USD, making it an affordable yet delicious option. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Is Grilled BBQ Chicken Healthy or Unhealthy?
The grilled BBQ chicken recipe is a healthier alternative to fried chicken, as grilling allows excess fat to drip away. However, the recipe still has some areas of concern from a nutritional standpoint:
- The recipe calls for a significant amount of barbecue sauce, which is often high in sugar and sodium. Consuming too much added sugar and sodium can contribute to health issues like obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
- The recipe doesn't include any vegetables or fruits, which are essential for a balanced diet. Incorporating a variety of colorful produce can provide important vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- While chicken is a lean protein source, the skin is high in saturated fat. Removing the skin before cooking can help reduce the overall fat content of the dish.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for a low-sugar, low-sodium barbecue sauce or make your own using natural ingredients like tomato paste, vinegar, and spices.
- Serve the grilled chicken with a side of colorful, grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions to boost the nutritional value of the meal.
- Remove the chicken skin before seasoning and grilling to reduce the saturated fat content.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as garlic, rosemary, or thyme, to add flavor without relying heavily on salt or sugar-laden sauces.
- Choose a whole grain bun or serve the chicken over a bed of leafy greens for added fiber and nutrients.
Editor's Thoughts on This Grilled BBQ Chicken Recipe
This grilled BBQ chicken recipe is straightforward and effective, perfect for a casual cookout. The use of a whole chicken ensures a variety of textures and flavors, while the olive oil and simple seasoning allow the barbecue sauce to shine. Cooking the chicken skin side down first helps achieve a crispy exterior. However, consider marinating the chicken beforehand for deeper flavor. Also, using a meat thermometer ensures precise doneness. Resting the chicken before serving is crucial for juiciness. Overall, it's a solid recipe with room for slight enhancements.
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Why trust this Grilled BBQ Chicken Recipe:
This grilled bbq chicken recipe is a surefire hit, combining simplicity with mouthwatering flavor. Using a whole chicken, seasoned perfectly with salt and pepper, and basted with rich barbecue sauce, ensures every bite is juicy and flavorful. The step-by-step instructions are easy to follow, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. Trust this recipe for a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal.
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