Looking for the perfect grilling recipe? Try this simple and irresistible grilled BBQ chicken! Marinated in a delicious blend of spices and coated in a rich BBQ sauce, this BBQ chicken on the grill is guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Follow our step-by-step instructions and enjoy juicy and flavorful meat that melts in your mouth. This easy grilled chicken recipe with BBQ sauce is ideal for a family lunch or a summer party.
Grill bone-in BBQ chicken for about 30–40 minutes over medium heat, turning every 5–7 minutes and basting with sauce during the last 10–15 minutes. For boneless chicken breasts, grill for 6–8 minutes per side.
Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C). This ensures a juicy inside and nicely charred outside.
Apply BBQ sauce during the last 10–15 minutes of grilling to avoid burning the sugars in the sauce. Start grilling the chicken without sauce, then baste frequently near the end.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for chicken breasts and 175°F (79°C) for thighs and drumsticks
Try classic pairings like corn on the cob, coleslaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, or a crisp green salad.
It’s best to thaw chicken completely before grilling to ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, combine BBQ sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Place chicken breasts on the grill and brush generously with BBQ sauce mixture. Cook for 8-10 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
- Remove chicken from grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with additional BBQ sauce, if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious grilled BBQ chicken!
Notes
For the juiciest chicken, marinate it for at least 2–4 hours (or overnight!) to lock in flavor and moisture. 🍗 Preheat the Grill:
Make sure your grill is hot before placing the chicken on — this helps prevent sticking and creates beautiful grill marks. 🍗 Use Indirect Heat:
Cook the chicken over indirect heat first, then move it over direct heat to finish and caramelize the BBQ sauce without burning it. 🍗 Baste at the End:
Brush on BBQ sauce during the last 5–10 minutes of grilling to avoid burning the sugars in the sauce. 🍗 Check Internal Temperature:
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe, juicy results.
Nutrition
Yummy! Just had it with some mac n cheese on the side. Perfect summer meal!
What’s the point of grilling chicken? It’s already chicken, try roasting it for better flavor!
Grilling adds a nice smoky flavor that roasting just can’t replicate. Plus, it’s all about that grill mark aesthetic! 🍗🔥
How long does it take to grill frozen chicken? 🤔
It usually takes longer to grill frozen chicken, like around 15-20 minutes per side. But be careful, it can get dry! 🤷♂️
Easy to make! Just threw everything on the grill and it was delicious. Made it with corn on the side, yum! Will definitely repeat.
So basic. Just BBQ sauce and chicken. Where’s the creativity? I was hoping for something more exciting.
I added a bit of honey to the BBQ sauce and it came out great. Experimenting is the best!
Honey? Really? Isn’t that too sweet for BBQ sauce? I stick to the recipe as is.
I never thought of adding honey! Gonna try that next time. Sounds yummy!
I followed it pretty closely, but my sauce got a little too sticky and charred on the edges. Next time I’ll brush it later in the cook or thin the BBQ sauce a bit.
So good! Like, my kids ate it and asked for more 😅
This recipe is sooo good! The chicken turned out juicy and flavorful. Definitely a keeper!
Okay recipe, but why so much garlic? So overpowering.
I actually love garlic! It gives the chicken a nice flavor. Maybe just use less if you find it too much.
Too much garlic??? I thought it was 2 cloves. That’s not even a lot. You must be sensitive to it or something.