There is something about the smell of chicken sizzling over a backyard grill that immediately makes it feel like summer. It doesn’t matter if it’s a family reunion, a neighborhood cookout, or just dinner on a Saturday evening. BBQ chicken has a way of bringing everyone outside to gather around the grill before the first plate ever hits the table.

The secret isn’t using a complicated recipe. It’s getting juicy chicken with plenty of smoky flavor before brushing on a sweet, tangy barbecue sauce that caramelizes without burning. A little patience goes a long way, and the result is chicken that’s tender on the inside with sticky, flavorful bites in every piece.

Ingredients

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 cup favorite barbecue sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill for indirect heat, aiming for around 350 degrees.
2. Pat the chicken dry and coat lightly with olive oil.
3. Mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne together. Rub evenly over every piece.
4. Place the chicken on the cooler side of the grill and cook with the lid closed for about 30 minutes, turning every 10 minutes.
5. Move the chicken over direct heat and brush with barbecue sauce.
6. Grill another 8 to 10 minutes, turning and adding another layer of sauce until it becomes sticky and lightly caramelized.
7. Remove once the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Let rest for five minutes before serving.

Tips

Bone-in chicken stays juicier than boneless cuts on the grill. Wait until the final minutes before adding barbecue sauce since most sauces contain sugar that can burn over high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, adding a small chunk of hickory or apple wood gives the chicken even more smoky flavor.

What to Serve With

Serve with potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw, grilled corn, macaroni salad, or cornbread.

FAQ

Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time to prevent drying out.

Can this be baked?
Absolutely. Bake at 375 degrees until the chicken reaches 165 degrees, then broil for a few minutes after brushing with sauce.