Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Marinate Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
Total Time: 45–75 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Main
Cuisine: American

Introduction

BBQ Chicken is a backyard classic that never goes out of style. With juicy chicken pieces coated in smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet barbecue sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—whether you grill it outdoors or roast it in your oven.
This version keeps the flavor bold and the process simple, so you can enjoy BBQ night any time of year. We make it all summer long, but honestly, I’ll throw this in the oven on a winter Tuesday, too.

Why I Love This BBQ Chicken Recipe

This BBQ chicken turns out finger-lickin’ good every single time. The sauce caramelizes just enough to stick to the chicken, creating that irresistible glaze. And it’s just as easy to scale up for a party or pack into meal prep containers.

Bold BBQ flavor – Sticky, smoky, sweet with just a hint of heat
Easy cooking options – Grill or oven—it’s perfect both ways
Juicy every time – Dark or white meat stays moist and flavorful
Crowd-friendly – Perfect for game day, potlucks, and backyard dinners
Customizable – Use your favorite BBQ sauce or spice it up

Key Ingredients

2½ lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks – These cuts stay juicy and flavorful
1¼ cups BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade) – Choose your favorite sweet, smoky, or spicy blend
1 tbsp olive oil – Helps the skin crisp and lock in moisture
1 tsp smoked paprika – Adds smoky flavor even if you’re baking
1 tsp garlic powder – Enhances the savory notes
½ tsp onion powder – Adds subtle sweetness
Salt and black pepper, to taste – Essential for seasoning the meat before saucing
Optional: ½ tsp cayenne pepper – For a kick of heat

How to Make This BBQ Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Place in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 2: Marinate (Optional but Recommended)
Let the chicken sit for 30 minutes at room temp or up to 8 hours in the fridge to soak in the flavor. Bring to room temperature before cooking if chilled.

Step 3: Preheat Grill or Oven
For the grill: Preheat to medium (around 375°F). Oil the grates.
For oven: Preheat to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.

Step 4: Start Cooking
Grill method: Place chicken skin-side down. Grill covered 5–6 minutes per side.
Oven method: Arrange chicken on rack. Roast for 20 minutes.

Step 5: Add BBQ Sauce
Brush chicken generously with BBQ sauce. Continue grilling or roasting for another 10–15 minutes, flipping once and basting again, until internal temp hits 165°F and sauce is caramelized.

Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let chicken rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Brush with extra warm sauce if desired.

Chef’s Tips & Variations

Use these ideas to make this BBQ chicken even more your own:

Use boneless chicken – Reduce cook time to ~20 minutes total
Switch sauces – Honey BBQ, Carolina gold, chipotle—anything goes
Don’t skip the dry rub – Adds flavor under the sauce
Add wood chips to the grill – For extra smoky depth
Double the sauce – Warm extra sauce on the side for dipping
Bake covered, finish uncovered – For super tender oven-baked results

What to Serve With BBQ Chicken

This BBQ chicken shines with both classic and fresh sides:

Corn on the cob or elote – Charred and sweet
Creamy coleslaw – Crunchy contrast to saucy chicken
Macaroni and cheese – Rich and comforting
Potato salad or baked beans – Summer staples
Grilled veggies or green salad – Lighten things up

WPRM Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Marinate Time: 30 minutes (optional)
Total Time: 45–75 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Main
Cuisine: American
Calories: ~420 per serving (varies by cut and sauce)

Ingredients

2½ lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks – Juicy, flavorful cuts perfect for grilling or roasting
1¼ cups BBQ sauce – Choose your favorite brand or make your own; sweet and smoky work great
1 tbsp olive oil – Helps create crispy skin and keeps the chicken moist
1 tsp smoked paprika – Adds that essential BBQ smokiness
1 tsp garlic powder – Deepens the savory flavor profile
½ tsp onion powder – Adds a hint of sweetness
Salt and pepper, to taste – Adjusted depending on sauce saltiness
Optional: ½ tsp cayenne pepper – Adds spicy kick if desired

Equipment

Grill or oven – Either method delivers juicy, flavorful results
Tongs – For flipping the chicken
Basting brush – For saucing the chicken
Meat thermometer – To ensure safe cooking (165°F)
Foil-lined baking sheet and wire rack (if baking) – Promotes airflow for crispier skin

Method

Prepare the chicken: Pat chicken dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using).
Marinate (optional): Let chicken rest at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
Preheat grill or oven: Grill: heat to medium (~375°F) and oil grates. Oven: preheat to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil.
Begin cooking:
- Grill method: Place chicken skin-side down. Grill covered 5–6 minutes per side.
- Oven method: Place chicken skin-side up on rack and roast for 20 minutes.
Apply BBQ sauce: Brush chicken with BBQ sauce. Continue grilling or roasting 10–15 more minutes, flipping once and basting again. Cook until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
Rest and serve: Remove from heat and let rest 5–10 minutes. Brush with warm BBQ sauce and serve with sides.

Notes

To reheat: Warm in a 325°F oven covered with foil or microwave gently with extra sauce
Leftovers are great in wraps, sandwiches, or salads
Chicken can be fully cooked, cooled, and reheated with fresh sauce for parties
If using skinless chicken, reduce cook time slightly to prevent drying out