Grilling barbecue chicken is a classic summer activity that brings families and friends together. The smoky aroma of the grill combined with the tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy homemade BBQ sauce creates a mouth-watering dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, celebrating a holiday, or just enjoying a sunny day, this grilled barbecue chicken recipe is sure to be a hit. The key to perfect barbecue chicken lies in the balance of flavors in the sauce and the grilling technique, ensuring juicy and flavorful meat every time.
Ingredients for Grilled Barbecue Chicken with Homemade BBQ Sauce
For the Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Homemade BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Grilled Barbecue Chicken with Homemade BBQ Sauce
Preparing the Chicken
- Season the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This step is essential for getting crispy skin. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and rub it in to ensure even coverage.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F (190-200°C). If using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals on one side of the grill to create a two-zone cooking area.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces on the grill, skin side down, over direct heat. Grill for about 5-7 minutes or until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Flip the chicken and move it to the indirect heat side of the grill. Continue grilling with the lid closed, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), about 25-30 minutes.
Making the Homemade BBQ Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: While the chicken is grilling, prepare the homemade BBQ sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Basting the Chicken
- Baste the Chicken: During the last 10 minutes of grilling, baste the chicken with the homemade BBQ sauce. Use a brush to generously coat each piece, turning the chicken as you baste to ensure even coverage.
- Caramelize the Sauce: Move the chicken pieces back to direct heat and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes per side. This will allow the sauce to caramelize and create a sticky, flavorful glaze on the chicken.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring moist and tender chicken.
About the Main Ingredients
Chicken
Chicken is a versatile and lean protein that is perfect for grilling. The bone-in, skin-on pieces used in this recipe ensure that the meat remains juicy and flavorful. The skin crisps up nicely on the grill, adding a delightful texture and extra flavor. Chicken breasts, thighs, and drumsticks each bring different qualities to the dish. Breasts are lean and meaty, thighs are rich and juicy, and drumsticks are fun and easy to eat.
Homemade BBQ Sauce
The homemade BBQ sauce is the star of this recipe, combining a balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Ketchup serves as the base, providing a thick and slightly sweet foundation. Apple cider vinegar adds tanginess and helps to tenderize the meat. Brown sugar and honey contribute sweetness and create a beautiful caramelized glaze when grilled. Worcestershire sauce adds depth and umami, while Dijon mustard gives a slight tang and complexity. Smoked paprika imparts a subtle smokiness that enhances the grilled flavor. Garlic and onion powders add savory notes, and cayenne pepper offers an optional kick of heat.
This sauce is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. For a spicier sauce, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce. For a sweeter sauce, add more brown sugar or honey. This homemade BBQ sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it a convenient option for busy grilling days.
Grilled barbecue chicken with homemade BBQ sauce is a quintessential summer dish that brings people together. The combination of juicy, flavorful chicken and a perfectly balanced BBQ sauce creates a memorable meal that everyone will love. By following these steps and using high-quality ingredients, you can elevate your grilling game and impress your guests with this delicious recipe. Enjoy your barbecue chicken with a side of coleslaw, grilled vegetables, or cornbread for a complete and satisfying meal. Happy grilling!
