15 BBQ Chicken Recipes for Your Next Grilling Adventure

BBQ chicken is a favorite for many, whether you’re grilling in the summer or baking in the oven during the colder months. It’s versatile, delicious, and easy to make, making it perfect for any occasion. From classic tangy flavors to sweet and spicy variations, there’s a BBQ chicken recipe that fits every taste and preference.

In this article, you’ll discover a variety of BBQ chicken recipes that are sure to please everyone at your table. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress your friends, these recipes provide simple steps to create mouthwatering chicken that’s perfect for any gathering.

1) Grilled BBQ Chicken with Sweet Glaze

Grilled BBQ chicken with a sweet glaze is a delicious choice for any gathering. The combination of smoky flavors and a sweet sauce makes it a favorite.

To start, you’ll want to prepare your chicken. Feel free to use bone-in pieces for more flavor. Marinate the chicken in your favorite BBQ sauce to soak in those tasty flavors.

Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 350°F (175°C).

Arrange the marinated chicken on the grill, cooking for about 8 to 10 minutes per side. This will ensure it’s cooked through and nicely caramelized.

Keep an eye on the chicken, turning it often to avoid burning. The result is juicy chicken with a sticky, sweet glaze that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in chicken pieces
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the grill to 350°F (175°C).
3. Place the chicken on the grill.
4. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes on each side.
5. Turn frequently to avoid burning and ensure even cooking.

2) Sticky Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken

Sticky oven-baked BBQ chicken is a tasty dish that’s easy to make. You can create a delicious homemade barbecue sauce that gives the chicken a sweet and sticky flavor.

First, you’ll need to season the chicken well before baking. This helps lock in the flavors as it cooks.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). You want the chicken to cook evenly and become juicy.

As the chicken bakes, the sauce thickens and sticks to the meat, making every bite full of flavor.

It’s perfect to serve with sides like rice or roasted veggies.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix ketchup, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic powder in a bowl.
3. Coat chicken with the sauce and place it in a baking dish.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, basting halfway through.
5. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

3) Spicy BBQ Chicken Wings

Spicy BBQ chicken wings are perfect for any occasion. They are flavorful and easy to prepare, making them a favorite at parties and gatherings. You can enjoy them with friends or during a cozy night at home.

For this recipe, start with fresh chicken wings. Marinating them in your favorite BBQ sauce adds great flavor. If you use frozen wings, be sure to thaw them completely.

Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Arrange the wings on a baking sheet lined with a wire rack. Bake for about 25–30 minutes until they are crispy and cooked through.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken wings
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Marinate the chicken wings in BBQ sauce for at least 20 minutes.
3. Place wings on a baking sheet with a wire rack.
4. Bake for 25–30 minutes until crispy.

4) Tangy Slow-Cooker BBQ Chicken

This tangy slow-cooker BBQ chicken is a dinner winner. It’s easy to prepare, and the slow cooking makes the chicken tender and full of flavor.

To make this dish, you’ll need just a few ingredients. You’ll combine BBQ sauce with some pepper, vinegar, and a few spices. The result is a delicious tangy sauce that complements the chicken perfectly.

Cooking is simple. You will cook it on low for about 4 to 6 hours (about 93 to 121 degrees Celsius) or on high for 2 to 3 hours (around 121 to 149 degrees Celsius).

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (0.9 kg) boneless chicken breasts
• 1 cup (240 ml) BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and pepper.
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours.
5. Shred the chicken with forks and mix it back into the sauce before serving.

5) Classic Southern BBQ Chicken

Classic Southern BBQ chicken is a delightful dish that brings comfort to any meal. This recipe focuses on simplicity and rich flavors that everyone will love.

You start by preparing your chicken, ensuring it’s dry. A light coating of canola oil helps the seasoning stick. You’ll want to sprinkle on a generous amount of your favorite BBQ seasoning.

Next, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 300-350°F (150-180°C).

Place the chicken on the grill and close the lid. Cook it for around 30-40 minutes, regularly basting with BBQ sauce for extra flavor.

Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. Enjoy this delicious dish with your favorite sides.

Ingredients

• Chicken parts
• Canola oil
• BBQ seasoning
• BBQ sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Pat the chicken dry and coat it lightly with canola oil.
2. Sprinkle BBQ seasoning generously on the chicken.
3. Preheat the grill to 300-350°F (150-180°C).
4. Grill the chicken with the lid closed for 30-40 minutes.
5. Baste the chicken with BBQ sauce every 10-15 minutes.
6. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

6) Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs

Honey BBQ chicken thighs are delicious and easy to make. They are perfect for a quick weeknight meal. The sweet and tangy glaze adds great flavor to the juicy meat.

You can bake or grill chicken thighs. Baking them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) gives a nice caramelized finish. If you prefer grilling, the smoky flavor enhances the dish.

Serve your honey BBQ chicken thighs with sides like roasted veggies or potatoes. This meal is sure to please your family or guests.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in or boneless
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix honey and BBQ sauce.
3. Rub chicken thighs with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Brush the honey BBQ mixture on the thighs.
5. Place the thighs in a baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes.
6. Check the internal temperature; it should be 165°F (74°C).

7) Smoky BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Smoky BBQ chicken drumsticks are a delicious treat that anyone can make. They are perfect for gatherings and can be enjoyed by all ages.

To start, you will need to season the chicken drumsticks. Use your favorite dry rub or a mix of spices for a flavorful kick. You can even use applewood or hickory chips for a deeper smoky flavor when cooking.

Set your smoker to 250°F (120°C) for the best results.

Place the drumsticks inside and smoke them for about 1 to 1.5 hours. If you want to add BBQ sauce, brush it on during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Those crispy, smoky skins will be hard to resist. Enjoy your meal!

Ingredients

• Chicken drumsticks
• BBQ dry rub
• Applewood or hickory chips
• BBQ sauce (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your smoker to 250°F (120°C).
2. Season the drumsticks with dry rub.
3. Place the drumsticks in the smoker.
4. Smoke for 1 to 1.5 hours.
5. Brush with BBQ sauce for the last 15 minutes, if desired.

8) Sweet and Spicy Peach BBQ Chicken

Sweet and Spicy Peach BBQ Chicken combines juicy chicken with a tasty peach sauce. The blend of sweet peaches and spicy flavors creates a delicious dish that you’ll love.

Start by heating some olive oil in a pan. Add diced onions and fresh peaches, cooking until soft. Then mix in your favorite BBQ sauce for that extra kick.

You can grill, bake, or use a slow cooker for this recipe. If you use a slow cooker, let it cook on low for several hours for tender and flavorful chicken.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup diced peaches
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add diced onions and peaches; cook until soft.
3. Stir in BBQ sauce and mix well.
4. Cook chicken using your chosen method until fully cooked.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

9) Tender BBQ Chicken Breasts

Making tender BBQ chicken breasts is easy and rewarding. Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best results. Marinating the chicken for several hours helps lock in moisture and flavor.

Use your favorite BBQ sauce to coat the chicken. You can grill it or bake it in the oven. If baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for juicy and tender results.

Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for at least 1 hour.
2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or prepare the grill.
3. Place the chicken on a baking sheet or grill.
4. Cook for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

10) Easy BBQ Chicken Tacos

Easy BBQ chicken tacos are a delicious way to enjoy a quick meal. You can use grilled chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience. Simply combine cooked chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce to add flavor.

Prepare your tacos by filling tortillas with the BBQ chicken mixture. Add toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream to make them extra tasty. You can also try adding black bean salsa for a twist.

These tacos come together quickly and are perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Enjoy the grill taste right at home!

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken (grilled or shredded)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• Tortillas
• Lettuce, chopped
• Tomatoes, diced
• Cheddar cheese, shredded
• Sour cream

Cooking Instructions

1. If using grilled chicken, preheat the grill to medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C). Cook chicken until done.
2. Mix the cooked chicken with BBQ sauce in a bowl.
3. Warm tortillas in a pan or microwave for a few seconds.
4. Fill each tortilla with the BBQ chicken mixture.
5. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream. Enjoy!

11) Maple-Glazed BBQ Chicken

Maple-glazed BBQ chicken is a delicious twist on the classic barbecue favorite. The sweet and sticky glaze adds a rich flavor that you will love.

To start, season your chicken with salt and pepper. In a bowl, mix together pure maple syrup, garlic, and a little vinegar for a great glaze.

You can grill the chicken over medium heat or bake it in the oven. If grilling, brush the glaze on the chicken and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

This dish pairs well with sides like coleslaw or grilled vegetables.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken pieces (breasts or thighs)
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat or the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
3. In a bowl, mix maple syrup, garlic, and vinegar.
4. Brush glaze on chicken pieces.
5. Grill or bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.

12) Garlic and Herb BBQ Chicken

Garlic and herb BBQ chicken is a tasty twist on your regular barbecue. This recipe is simple and brings great flavor to your chicken. The marinade is a mix of garlic, herbs, and oil.

You’ll start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This helps the chicken absorb all the delicious flavors. Grill it over medium heat until it is cooked through.

For this recipe, you can use either chicken breasts or thighs. Both options work well and become juicy and flavorful when grilled.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts or thighs
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Coat the chicken in the marinade and let it sit for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
4. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.

13) BBQ Chicken Skewers with Vegetables

BBQ chicken skewers with vegetables are perfect for grilling season. They are easy to prepare and fun to eat. You can mix your favorite veggies with tender chicken for a tasty meal.

Start by cutting chicken breast and vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion into similar-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly on the grill.

Marinate the chicken in your favorite BBQ sauce for added flavor. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 10 minutes to prevent burning.

When you’re ready, thread the chicken and veggies onto the skewers. Grill them over medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C) for around 10-15 minutes.

Make sure to turn them halfway through to get a nice char. Enjoy your delicious BBQ chicken skewers!

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast
• 1 bell pepper
• 1 zucchini
• 1 red onion
• BBQ sauce
• Wooden skewers

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut chicken and vegetables into pieces.
2. Marinate chicken in BBQ sauce.
3. Soak wooden skewers in water.
4. Thread chicken and vegetables onto skewers.
5. Grill at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes.
6. Turn skewers halfway through cooking.

14) Quick BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Quick BBQ chicken sandwiches are a tasty and easy meal option. You can whip them up in no time, making them perfect for busy days. This recipe is great for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

To start, you’ll need some cooked chicken. You can use leftovers or make quick pulled chicken using a stovetop method. Add your favorite barbecue sauce for flavor.

Typically, these sandwiches are served on soft buns. You might want to add some pickles or coleslaw for extra crunch.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 4 sandwich buns
• Optional: pickles, coleslaw

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the shredded chicken in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Stir in the barbecue sauce until well combined.
3. Toast the sandwich buns if desired.
4. Assemble by placing the BBQ chicken on the buns. Add pickles or coleslaw if you like. Enjoy!

15) Lemon-Pepper BBQ Chicken

Lemon-pepper BBQ chicken is a tasty choice for your grilling nights. The fresh flavors of lemon and pepper make this dish bright and delicious. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for family dinners or backyard gatherings.

For this recipe, you’ll need chicken pieces, like breasts or drumsticks. A simple lemon-pepper seasoning adds that lovely zest. Marinate the chicken to let the flavors soak in.

Grill your chicken on medium heat, around 350°F (175°C), until it’s fully cooked. The outside should be golden brown with a juicy inside.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts or drumsticks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 lemons (juice and zest)
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, pepper, salt, and garlic powder in a bowl.
2. Coat the chicken with the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat your grill to medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
4. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side or until done.