If you’re craving that delicious, smoky flavor of perfectly cooked BBQ chicken, then look no further! This article will guide you through the simple process of grilling BBQ chicken at home.
All you need is a grill, chicken pieces, and the right sauce and seasoning to create a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress. With our easy-to-follow recipe and expert tips, you’ll be able to master the art of grilling BBQ chicken in no time.
Table of Contents
Grilling Barbecue Chicken at Home: A Simple Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 lbs chicken (any parts, such as wings, drumsticks, breasts, thighs)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (honey or brown sugar-flavored sauces work well)
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon chicken seasonings or grill seasonings (optional)
How to Grill BBQ Chicken Step-by-Step
- Prepare the sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, ketchup, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Whisk all these ingredients together until they are thoroughly mixed and have an even consistency.
- Preheat the grill: Spray the rack of the grill with cooking spray. Turn the grill on to medium heat, and close the lid to allow the rack to heat up.
- Coat the chicken: Take a large plate or cookie sheet with the thawed chicken on it, along with the bowl containing the sauce mix, out to the grill (and also bring pepper and chicken seasonings). Either dip each piece of chicken in the sauce and work it around to get an even coating, or brush the sauce onto each piece of chicken and set each piece back on the plate or tray. When all of the chicken pieces are covered with sauce, sprinkle pepper and seasonings over the chicken.
- Grill the chicken: After allowing the grill and rack to warm up for a few minutes, open the lid and place the pieces of chicken on the grill. Close the lid and let the chicken cook. If a direct flame is below any piece of chicken, turn down the grill or move the piece to prevent flare-ups.
- Flip and baste: After about five minutes, turn each piece of chicken over to expose the other side. At this point, you may apply a new coating of sauce to each piece if desired (this will make the chicken sweeter). Continue to cook the chicken, flipping it every five minutes or so to ensure even cooking. Make sure to monitor the grill by listening for a loud sizzling sound and opening the grill every so often to check that no pieces are on fire.
Cooking Times for Chicken Pieces
- Smaller pieces of chicken, such as wings and drumsticks, should cook for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Larger parts, like thighs and breasts, may take up to half an hour to cook, depending on size and heat intensity.
Check larger pieces of chicken by removing them from the grill and cutting into them to see if they are thoroughly cooked. If they aren’t, return them to the grill. If they start to char, move them away from the fire so that the heat alone can cook them.
Once your chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving and enjoying!
This grilled BBQ chicken recipe is just one of many variations. You can experiment with different sauces or adjust the proportions of sauce ingredients to suit your taste. Regardless of the sauce you choose, the basic grilling technique remains the same. With a little practice and creativity, you can master the art of grilling BBQ chicken and create a dish that will have your friends and family asking for seconds.
Tips for Grilling BBQ Chicken Like a Pro
To make your BBQ chicken even better, consider these expert tips:
- Marinate the chicken: For an extra burst of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the sauce for a few hours or overnight before grilling. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat and creates a richer taste.
- Use a meat thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked to a safe temperature, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for all parts of the chicken.
- Experiment with wood chips: Adding wood chips to your grill can infuse your chicken with unique flavors. Popular choices include hickory, mesquite, and cherry wood chips.
- Rest the chicken: Letting your chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and flavorful bite.
- Serve with delicious sides: Pair your grilled BBQ chicken with tasty sides like corn on the cob, coleslaw, baked beans, or grilled vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
By following these tips and the step-by-step instructions provided in this article, you’ll be able to create a delicious, perfectly grilled BBQ chicken dish that is sure to impress your guests. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to become a BBQ chicken grilling master!
