Fire up the grill for this Best-Ever Grilled BBQ Chicken, a juicy, smoky, and flavor-packed recipe that’s perfect for summer cookouts, family dinners, and backyard barbecues. A homemade spice rub and layers of tangy barbecue sauce create beautifully caramelized chicken with tender, juicy meat in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Juicy chicken with crispy, caramelized skin.
Homemade BBQ seasoning for incredible flavor.
Perfect for grilling season and family gatherings.
Easy to prepare with simple pantry spices.
Works with chicken thighs, drumsticks, or mixed pieces.
Delicious with your favorite barbecue side dishes.

Ingredients

Freshly grilled BBQ chicken served with extra barbecue sauce and chopped parsley. — Backyard barbecue chicken everyone will love.

Spice Rub

2 tablespoons packed light or dark brown sugar
1½ teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Chicken

2½ pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, drumsticks, or a combination
Vegetable or canola oil, for greasing the grill
½ cup tomato-based barbecue sauce, plus extra for serving

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, salt, chili powder, and black pepper.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Gently loosen the skin from the meat without removing it.
Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken, including underneath the skin for maximum flavor.
Let the chicken rest at room temperature for 20 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 350°F / 177°C).
Clean and lightly oil the grill grates.
Place the chicken skin-side down over direct heat.
Grill for 3–4 minutes until the skin develops grill marks and releases easily.
Flip the chicken and grill the other side for another 1–2 minutes.
Move the chicken to indirect heat or reduce the grill to low.
Brush the chicken with barbecue sauce.
Cover and grill for 5 minutes.
Flip, brush with more sauce, and continue cooking for another 10–15 minutes, brushing every 5 minutes until the Best-Ever Grilled BBQ Chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving with extra barbecue sauce.

Homemade grilled barbecue chicken featuring crispy skin, smoky seasoning, and rich barbecue glaze. — Crispy grilled chicken glazed with tangy BBQ sauce.

Tips & Tricks

Marinate the chicken overnight for even richer flavor.
Use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking.
Apply barbecue sauce during the final stage of grilling to avoid burning.
Cook over indirect heat after searing to keep the chicken juicy.
Allow the chicken to rest before serving so the juices redistribute.
Pair with grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, coleslaw, or baked beans.

Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 20 minutes to overnight
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour (including minimum resting time)
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes: Dairy-Free

Best-Ever Grilled BBQ Chicken with caramelized barbecue sauce and crispy skin served on a wooden platter. — Best-Ever Grilled BBQ Chicken with smoky homemade seasoning.

Notes

Chicken drumsticks, thighs, or leg quarters all work well.
Use your favorite tomato-based barbecue sauce.
For extra smoky flavor, add wood chips to a charcoal grill.
Finish with chopped parsley for a fresh garnish.

Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

Calories: 395
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 610mg

FAQ

What is the best chicken for grilling?

Bone-in, skin-on thighs and drumsticks stay juicy and develop crispy, flavorful skin while grilling.

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes. Boneless chicken thighs or breasts work well, but they require less cooking time.

Why should I cook over indirect heat?

Indirect heat allows the chicken to cook through without burning the barbecue sauce or drying out the meat.

How do I know when grilled chicken is done?

Use an instant-read thermometer. The thickest part of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. Season the chicken the night before and refrigerate until ready to grill.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Warm in a 325°F (163°C) oven until heated through or gently reheat on the grill.

Juicy grilled BBQ chicken thighs and drumsticks glazed with smoky barbecue sauce on an outdoor grill. — Juicy barbecue chicken perfect for summer grilling.

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