Grilled BBQ Chicken Recipe For Juicy Bites Every Time

After about ten minutes on the grill, this Grilled BBQ Chicken Recipe starts to give off that smoky aroma that makes everyone hang around outside. The meat gets a perfect char while staying juicy on the inside, and every bite picks up the flavor of the sauce you brush on. It’s simple enough for a weeknight cookout but turns out like something from a summer barbecue spot.

You can make it with boneless or bone-in chicken, but the trick is slow heat and layering the barbecue sauce near the end so it thickens just right without burning.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Servings: 4

Course: BBQ, Dinner, Main Course, Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Video Notes

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts or thighs boneless or bone-in
1 cup barbecue sauce homemade or your favorite brand
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ TSP garlic powder
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
1 TBSP lemon juice

Method

Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and place it in a large bowl.
Add olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, pepper, salt, and lemon juice. Toss to coat everything evenly.
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Clean and lightly oil the grates.
Grill the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side if boneless, or 7–8 minutes for bone-in.
Start brushing barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of grilling, flipping once so both sides get coated.
Cook until the internal temperature hits 75°C (165°F).
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving so the juices stay inside.

Video

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking chicken, and it dries out fast once it passes 165°F.
If you’re using bone-in chicken, cook it on indirect heat first, then sear it over direct heat at the end.
You can use spicy, smoky, or honey BBQ sauce depending on what you like.