Looking for the perfect grilling recipe? Try this simple and irresistible grilled BBQ chicken! Marinated in a delicious blend of spices and coated in a rich BBQ sauce, this BBQ chicken on the grill is guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Follow our step-by-step instructions and enjoy juicy and flavorful meat that melts in your mouth. This easy grilled chicken recipe with BBQ sauce is ideal for a family lunch or a summer party.
Grill bone-in BBQ chicken for about 30–40 minutes over medium heat, turning every 5–7 minutes and basting with sauce during the last 10–15 minutes. For boneless chicken breasts, grill for 6–8 minutes per side.
Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C). This ensures a juicy inside and nicely charred outside.
Apply BBQ sauce during the last 10–15 minutes of grilling to avoid burning the sugars in the sauce. Start grilling the chicken without sauce, then baste frequently near the end.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for chicken breasts and 175°F (79°C) for thighs and drumsticks
Try classic pairings like corn on the cob, coleslaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, or a crisp green salad.
It’s best to thaw chicken completely before grilling to ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, combine BBQ sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Place chicken breasts on the grill and brush generously with BBQ sauce mixture. Cook for 8-10 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
- Remove chicken from grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with additional BBQ sauce, if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious grilled BBQ chicken!
Notes
For the juiciest chicken, marinate it for at least 2–4 hours (or overnight!) to lock in flavor and moisture. 🍗 Preheat the Grill:
Make sure your grill is hot before placing the chicken on — this helps prevent sticking and creates beautiful grill marks. 🍗 Use Indirect Heat:
Cook the chicken over indirect heat first, then move it over direct heat to finish and caramelize the BBQ sauce without burning it. 🍗 Baste at the End:
Brush on BBQ sauce during the last 5–10 minutes of grilling to avoid burning the sugars in the sauce. 🍗 Check Internal Temperature:
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe, juicy results.
Nutrition
How long does it take to grill frozen chicken? 🤔
It usually takes longer to grill frozen chicken, like around 15-20 minutes per side. But be careful, it can get dry! 🤷♂️
This recipe is sooo good! The chicken turned out juicy and flavorful. Definitely a keeper!
Okay recipe, but why so much garlic? So overpowering.
I actually love garlic! It gives the chicken a nice flavor. Maybe just use less if you find it too much.
Too much garlic??? I thought it was 2 cloves. That’s not even a lot. You must be sensitive to it or something.
BBQ sauce doesn’t belong on chicken! Real BBQ is smoked, not grilled. Come on, seriously?
Only took me 20 minutes! Perfect for weeknights. Nice cooking instructions too, easy to follow.
I totally agree! This is a lifesaver for busy nights! Plus, who doesn’t love BBQ chicken? Yum!
20 minutes? Really? That sounds quick, but mine always takes longer. Maybe I’m just slow. 😂
I think I can make this without a grill? Just bake in the oven or what? 🤷♂️
Baking? I thought grills were the only way. 🤔 Hope it turns out good, but it won’t be the same, right?
Yeah, you can definitely bake it! Just use a baking dish at around 375°F. It’ll still be tasty.
Ugh, my grill caught fire! Now I have no chicken and a big mess… I think I’ll just order takeout next time.
Yummy! I added some cayenne for a kick and it was perfect. Thanks for sharing!
Cayenne sounds like a great idea! I love a bit of spice in my meals. Thanks for the tip!
Quick and easy! I love BBQ chicken, and this was perfect for our family BBQ. Two thumbs up!
Chicken was delish! My kids didn’t complain for once! 10/10 would cook again.
Fantastic! Best BBQ chicken ever! 🤤
This is the simplest recipe I have ever tried. Grill on, folks! 👍
Looks easy and all but I wonder if it’s really that simple. What if the chicken burns? 🤔
I totally agree! This recipe is foolproof! Had it for dinner last night and my family loved it! ❤️
I used a different brand of BBQ sauce and it came out kinda weird. Stick with your fav, I guess.
I don’t know why, but my chicken was so dry. Followed the recipe exactly. Maybe my grill is too hot?
This was super easy to make and tasted amazing! My family loved it.
Easy? I thought it would be complicated. Do you really think it tastes that good?
I’m glad you liked it! BBQ chicken is always a hit. 🥳
I don’t know about this. My chicken was dry and the sauce just didn’t work for me. Maybe I did something wrong.
I’m sorry to hear that! Maybe it was just the cooking time. Try marinating the chicken next time; it helps keep it moist!
I don’t get what you mean, the sauce is the best part! Just gotta keep an eye on the chicken while cooking. Mine turned out perfect!
Easy, tasty, and quick. Just what I needed after a long day!
This recipe looks delicious! Can’t wait to try it myself. Thanks for sharing!