The Best BBQ Chicken Recipe for Gas and Charcoal Grills
The smell of smoky, flame-kissed chicken always puts me in a good mood, especially when I’m outside grilling with friends or family. Over a bunch of grilling seasons, I’ve tweaked my recipe until the chicken comes out juicy, flavourful, and just a little sticky every time. Whether I’m firing up a gas grill or stacking coals, this recipe doesn’t let me down.
I like keeping things practical and low stress; no fancy marinades or strange gadgets needed. The method works great for bone-in chicken pieces or boneless thighs and breasts if you want something quick. With a simple homemade spice rub, a tangy BBQ sauce, and a few easy grilling tricks, I get that barbecue flavour everyone seems to come back for.
Why This BBQ Chicken Recipe Works
- Easy for any skill level. The steps are straightforward and don’t require much prep.
- Packed with flavour. The spice rub and sauce combo give the chicken a sweet, smoky bite.
- Works for both gas and charcoal grills. I’ll talk about my best tips for both setups.
- Great for meal prep or cookouts. You can grill a big batch, and leftovers taste awesome.
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken
These are my go-to ingredients for delicious grilled chicken:
- 8 pieces of chicken (drumsticks, thighs, and/or bone-in breasts)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika (smoked if you have it)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (use a bottled favourite or check out my easy homemade version below)
Quick Homemade BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Just mix everything in a bowl and use right away. This keeps well in the fridge, too. If you want a smokier flavour, you can even add a dash of liquid smoke or toss in a splash of hot sauce for heat.
How to Grill Chicken on Gas or Charcoal
1. Prep the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken dry with some paper towels. This helps the skin (if you’re using skin-on chicken) get a bit crispier. Brush each piece lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle the spice mix evenly on all sides. I rub it in a little to help the flavours stick. If you’ve got time, let the seasoned chicken sit for 30 minutes before grilling to let everything soak in.
2. Get the Grill Ready
- Gas Grill: Preheat to medium (about 350°F to 375°F). Once heated, leave one side set to low or off for indirect cooking.
- Charcoal Grill: Arrange the coals on one side of the grill for a two zone fire; one hot side for searing, one cooler side for finishing the chicken.
3. Start Grilling
Set the chicken pieces skin side down over the direct heat area. You should hear a nice sizzle. Grill for about 2-3 minutes to get a bit of char, then flip and char the other side the same way. If your chicken has gotten a little smoky from the grill, that just adds extra flavour.
Next, move the chicken to the indirect heat zone (cooler side of the grill), close the lid, and continue cooking. This slower method keeps the chicken super juicy and helps cook it through without burning the outside. Remember, patience pays off when grilling chicken.
4. Sauce and Finish
After about 15-20 minutes (for smaller pieces; breasts might take closer to 25 minutes), check with a meat thermometer. The thickest part should reach 165°F. Brush BBQ sauce all over the chicken during the last 5 minutes of grilling, flipping and saucing the other side too. This way, the sauce gets caramelized and sticky without burning.
5. Rest and Serve
Transfer the finished chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before eating. This really locks the juices in and makes each bite more flavourful. Serve right off the grill with your favourite side dishes like grilled corn or a fresh salad.
Handy BBQ Chicken Tips and Variations
- Use bone-in, skin-on pieces for max flavour, but boneless cuts cook faster if you’re short on time.
- If using a charcoal grill, add a handful of soaked wood chips to the coals for extra smoke. Cherry or hickory work great.
- Try a honey or maple based BBQ sauce for a sweet twist, or add cayenne pepper if you want more heat. Mixing in a bit of mustard can give a tangy edge, too.
- For crispy skin, avoid brushing on sauce too early. Saucing just before the chicken’s done keeps it from burning.
- You can prep the chicken and rub a day ahead for even more flavour. Just refrigerate until you’re ready to grill.
If you like a stronger char, you can move the chicken briefly back over high heat right before serving. For grilled veggies or other proteins, use the same spice rub for a quick, eye-catching feast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use this recipe with boneless chicken breasts or thighs?
Absolutely. Just lower the cooking time since boneless pieces cook quicker. Watch closely to avoid drying them out and aim for an internal temp of 165°F.
Q: Should I leave the lid open or closed when grilling chicken?
Closing the lid while using indirect heat helps the chicken cook evenly without flare-ups. Keep the lid open when searing on high heat for more control.
Q: How do I keep chicken from sticking to the grill?
Preheat the grill, brush with a little oil, and don’t move the chicken too soon after placing it. That way, you’ll get clean grill marks and easy release.
Q: Can I use store bought BBQ sauce, or do I need to make my own?
You can absolutely use your favourite store bought sauce. For a homemade touch, the quick BBQ sauce recipe above is easy to whip up as well.
Share Your BBQ Chicken Experience
This BBQ chicken recipe brings out the smoky flavours I love every time, and it’s pretty flexible depending on what grill, sauce, or cuts you have on hand. I always look forward to hearing about any tweaks or favourite side dishes you like to serve alongside grilled chicken. Get grilling, enjoy, and share your results. Backyard BBQ season is always better with new ideas to try! If you have a secret ingredient or a family trick you want to share, don’t be shy. Leave your comments and let’s keep the BBQ magic going all summer long.