This BBQ chicken is super juicy and packed with flavor! With a tasty marinade and perfect grilling instructions, you’ll impress everyone at your next cookout.
You’ll love how easy it is to make this chicken. I usually whip up the marinade, let the chicken soak in it, and then grill away. Trust me, the smell alone will make you hungry! 🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I usually go for a mix of legs and thighs since they stay juicy while grilling. However, wings can be a fun option too! You can also use boneless chicken if you prefer or want it to cook faster.
BBQ Sauce: You can use any BBQ sauce you like! If you’re watching sugar intake, look for low-sugar versions. Homemade BBQ sauce can be made by mixing ketchup, vinegar, and spices to your taste.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds tanginess, but if you don’t have any, lemon juice is a good alternative that gives a similar zesty flavor.
Brown Sugar: If you’re out of brown sugar, you can substitute with white sugar; just add a little molasses if you have it, to mimic that rich flavor.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a nice smokiness, but regular paprika works too! If you like it spicy, add cayenne pepper for a kick or use chili powder instead.
How Do You Get the Perfect Grill Marks on the Chicken?
Achieving those beautiful grill marks while making sure the chicken is cooked through is key. Here are some easy tips:
- Always preheat your grill! This helps the chicken sear quickly, locking in moisture.
- Place the chicken skin-side down first; this gives more flavor and that crispy texture.
- Don’t flip too soon! Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes before turning. That helps form those perfect grill marks.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safety and ideal juiciness.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to grilling chicken that looks as good as it tastes!
The Best Ever Grilled BBQ Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of preparation time and a minimum of 1 hour for marinating. If you have more time, letting the chicken marinate overnight will enhance the flavor even more! The cooking time on the grill will take about 25-30 minutes. So, plan for about 1 hour and 45 minutes in total, or longer if you choose to marinate overnight.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything until it’s well combined and smooth. This will be the flavorful marinade for your chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each piece is fully coated with sauce. If you prefer, you can also transfer the chicken and marinade to a resealable plastic bag. Seal it up and give it a gentle shake. Then, place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, but for the best taste, let it soak overnight!
3. Prepare the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for around 350-400°F. If you’re using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals evenly for consistent cooking.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the marinade and let any excess sauce drip off. Place the chicken pieces skin-side down on the hot grill. Grill them for about 5-7 minutes before flipping to the other side. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until they begin to brown.
5. Baste with BBQ Sauce:
To lock in even more flavor, brush some additional BBQ sauce over the chicken. Grill for another 10-15 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally and basting with sauce. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F and get a nice charred look.
6. Rest and Serve:
Once grilled to perfection, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy! Before serving, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for that fresh touch. Enjoy your delicious and juicy grilled BBQ chicken!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use boneless chicken pieces! Just keep in mind that boneless chicken cooks faster, so check for doneness after about 10-12 minutes of grilling, making sure it reaches 165°F internally. Adjust the marinating time if needed; boneless chicken may need just 30 minutes to soak up the flavors.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for a minimum of 1 hour, but for the best flavor, aim for 6 to 12 hours. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes can give you a nice taste! Just don’t go beyond 24 hours, as the acid in the marinade can start breaking down the chicken and affect its texture.
What Should I Do With Leftover Marinade?
It’s best to discard any marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken to avoid foodborne illnesses. However, if you want to use it as a sauce, you can bring the remaining marinade to a boil for about 5 minutes to kill any harmful bacteria, then use it for basting towards the end of grilling or as a sauce when serving.
Can I Grill This Chicken in the Oven?
Absolutely! If grilling isn’t an option, you can bake the chicken in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F, place the marinated chicken on a lined baking sheet, and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Consider broiling it for the last few minutes for that delicious caramelized finish!