Are you looking for an easy and delicious best grilled BBQ chicken recipe? Look no further than this guide!
Some days call for a classic grilled barbecue chicken recipe. Whether it’s for a backyard cookout or just for a weeknight family dinner, you can never go wrong with this crowd-pleasing dish. It’s always sure to be a hit!
With that in mind, let’s get grilling! This easy-to-follow recipe includes 10 simple steps that are guaranteed to make your barbecue chicken taste like it was barbecued by the pros. From prepping the chicken to marinating and finally grilling, these instructions contain all the tips and tricks you need to know.
Get your tongs out and fire up the grill; in no time you’ll have savory and succulent BBQ chicken guaranteed to please even the most discerning palate.
1. Preparing the BBQ Chicken
Getting delicious, juicy grilled BBQ chicken to the table is a lot easier than you think. With our easy 10-step guide, you’ll be ready to fire up the grill in no time.
First things first: Preparing the BBQ chicken. Start by creating a marinade of your favorite ingredients, like olive oil, garlic, herbs, and spices. Coat the chicken with this marinade and let it refrigerate overnight so that it can absorb all the flavors and become juicy and succulent. This marinating also helps tenderize the meat and make sure it’s loaded with flavor once it hits the grill.
When you’re ready to start grilling, take your marinated chicken out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before placing it on the preheated grill. Cooking at high temperatures will help seal in moisture, so be sure to preheat your grill to about 400°F (or 200°C).
2. Which Marinade to Use?
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, the next step is to choose the right marinade for your grilled BBQ chicken. A marinade will provide a delicious and flavorful coating that will keep your chicken moist and tender as it grills.
When it comes to marinades, there are many options – you can use oil-based marinades like an olive oil-based marinade with garlic and herbs, or you can use a tangy vinegar-based marinade such as a balsamic vinegar sauce. There’s also the option of using sweet fruit juices like pineapple juice or mango juice to give the chicken an extra zing. You can even mix and match different flavors to find the right combination that best suits your taste.
Whichever type of marinade you decide to go with, make sure to cover the chicken completely in it and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before you place it on the grill. This will give your grilled BBQ chicken that perfect flavor and texture that everyone is sure to love.
3. Essential BBQ Grilling Tips to Make the Best Grilled BBQ Chicken Recipe
One of the most important tips to keep in mind when grilling your BBQ chicken is to ensure you have all the right tools on hand. Having the right tools will make your barbecuing experience much easier and help you get that perfect culinary result. Some essential pieces include a charcoal chimney starter and long-handled tongs or spatula, as well as a good-quality thermometer.
You’ll also want to make sure your grill is properly preheated before adding any chicken. You want the grill to be nice and hot — around 350°F — before you start cooking. This will help seal in the flavors and prevent sticking.
After that, it’s time to fire up that grill! To add smoky flavor to your BBQ chicken, use wood chips like hickory or applewood to your charcoal or gas grill. Soak them in water for about an hour before adding them directly on top of the coals for indirect heat-cooking. The chips should create smoke that infuses the food with flavor.
Once you’ve added all those flavorful elements, you’ll be ready to put your chicken on the grill! Keep an eye on it and move it around occasionally so it doesn’t burn or stick too much, as well as monitor its temperature using a thermometer inserted into each piece’s thickest part until they reach an internal temperature of 175°F.
4. The Best Grill Temperature for Grilled BBQ Chicken
Getting the grill temperature just right is key for mouth-watering, juicy grilled BBQ chicken. To achieve the optimal grilled BBQ chicken, you should aim for a medium-high heat of 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
It’s important to make sure the flames are not too close to the chicken when grilling. You should instead keep the flame at least 2 inches away from the chicken and keep adjusting and readjusting it as needed.
You can also use indirect heat if your grill has two burners: Keep one on high and one on low and place the chicken over the low burner so that it cooks without getting charred. This method helps ensure that your grilled BBQ chicken will be cooked through but still juicy.
5. How Long Does It Take to Grill BBQ Chicken?
Now that the chicken is properly marinated and pre-cooked, the next step is to know how long to grill it. Depending on the size of the chicken, it could take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes.
The best way to test if your grilled BBQ chicken is cooked and ready for consumption is by using a thermometer. The minimum safe temperature for consumption should be 165 Fahrenheit or 73 Celsius. If your chicken is not at this temperature, you should keep grilling it until it’s fully cooked.
You can also check if the outside of your chicken appears crisp and golden—if the juices run clear when you pierce into it with a fork, then you know that your grilled BBQ chicken recipe is ready!
6. Basting and Turning Your Chicken
Basting and turning your chicken is an important step to make sure that it cooks evenly and stays juicy. To do this, you’ll need a brush and a pair of tongs. As you grill the chicken, use the brush and your favorite BBQ sauce to baste the bird every couple of minutes.
Once you’ve basted the chicken, use the tongs to flip it over and baste the other side. Depending on how hot your grill is, you may have to turn it a few times – just make sure not to overcook it! If you notice that it’s starting to blacken too quickly, just lower the temperature of your grill or adjust its distance from the flame.
Follow these steps and you’ll be enjoying delicious BBQ chicken in no time!
7. Avoiding Overcooking Your Chicken
Now for the tricky part: avoiding over-cooking your BBQ chicken. This could mean the difference between great BBQ chicken and a dry, overcooked mess.
The key is to cook the chicken on low heat for a longer period of time, which allows it to stay juicy and moist.
Low and Slow Cooking
When grilling your BBQ chicken, you want to keep the temperature at around 200°F (93°C). Cooking too fast means that the outside could get charred while the inside is still raw—not ideal! The slower you cook it, the better taste you’ll get.
Internal Temperature
You also need to use a thermometer to measure the internal temperature of your cooked chicken. When it hits 165°F (73°C), it’s cooked through and safe to eat.
By following these simple instructions, you can ensure that your grilled BBQ chicken turns out perfectly every time. Enjoy!
8. Spotting Doneness in BBQ Chicken Breasts
Spotting doneness in BBQ chicken breasts during grilling is one of the key steps to making your grilled BBQ chicken recipe the best.
The trick is to look for two key things: temperature and color. To get that perfectly cooked, juicy piece of grilled chicken, you’ll want to get the temperature right and the color right. Here’s how:
Temperature
Using a food thermometer, you’ll want to check that your BBQ chicken breasts have reached an internal temperature of 165°F. That’s the sweet spot where your chicken will be safe from any bacteria but still retain its juiciness.
Color
When it comes to color, you’ll want to look for a golden brown hue on both sides of your BBQ chicken breasts. This usually takes 8-10 minutes per side on medium heat, depending on how thick your pieces are. If at any point you find that the outside of your BBQ chicken is looking too browned and dry, just lower your heat or move it away from the direct flame to avoid overcooking.
9. Let the Meat Rest Before Serving
Before you dig in, you’re going to need to let the meat rest. This is key because it helps the juices redistribute throughout the chicken, meaning that each bite is juicier and tastier. It also increases the safety of consuming poultry because it allows for enough time for any bacteria on the surface or interior of the chicken to be killed before consumption.
So how long should you let your grilled BBQ chicken rest? Well, it’s recommended to let your chicken rest for at least 10 minutes before serving; this will ensure that all of that deliciousness hasn’t gone anywhere! Make sure you’re covering the pan with aluminum foil so that your chicken stays hot until it’s ready to be served. Enjoy!
10. The Perfect Sides to Match Your Grilled BBQ Chicken
Another thing you may not have thought about is the perfect sides for your grilled BBQ chicken. Of course, everyone loves classic sides like coleslaw and potato salad, but there are plenty of other unique ideas to choose from.
Sides to Match Your Grilled BBQ Chicken
- Baked Mac & Cheese – This cheesy side dish goes perfectly with grilled BBQ chicken, and is easy to make ahead of time.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Sweet potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser and can brighten up any meal! Roast them in the oven or on the grill for an even more delicious flavor.
- Cornbread – This Southern classic can be made in a cast-iron skillet (or muffin tins if you’re feeling adventurous!) and goes great with grilled BBQ chicken.
- Grilled Vegetables – For a healthy option, grab some of your favorite vegetables (like bell peppers, onions, and summer squash) and toss them on the grill for a few minutes to get that smoky flavor without overloading on calories.
- Coleslaw – A picnic isn’t complete without coleslaw! This cool combination of cabbage and mayonnaise is an easy addition to any meal that needs an extra crunch factor.
With these sides as part of your recipe lineup, you’re sure to have one of the best grilled BBQ chicken meals ever!
Conclusion
With just 10 easy steps, you can create the most delicious and succulent grilled BBQ chicken that your family and friends will always talk about! From the marinade to the BBQ sauce, all the flavors and aromas from the grilled chicken will make your taste buds dance in delight.
Follow all the steps carefully, and you won’t be disappointed. Experiment with different spices and herbs to discover new flavors. With everyone’s help, this classic grilled BBQ chicken recipe can become a staple in your home, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
Now grab your tongs, and let’s get started!
