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Grilled BBQ Chicken Recipe

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3.9 from 13 reviews

This Grilled BBQ Chicken recipe features juicy, flavorful chicken pieces charred to perfection over direct heat and then slow-cooked with a smoky barbecue sauce over indirect heat. Perfect for a summer cookout or casual dinner, it uses simple ingredients and grilling techniques to deliver tender, saucy chicken with the ideal balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken wings, thighs, legs, or boneless thighs and/or breasts

Seasoning

  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt

BBQ Sauce

  • 1½ cups BBQ sauce, homemade or store-bought

Instructions

  1. Heat the grill: Preheat your grill by heating one side to high heat (around 400°F). This setup will create both direct and indirect heat zones for cooking the chicken.
  2. Season the chicken: Sprinkle kosher salt evenly all over the chicken pieces to enhance flavor before cooking.
  3. Char the chicken: Place the chicken skin-side down on the hot, direct heat side of the grill. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes, until the chicken gets a nice char and grilled marks. This step adds smoky flavor and texture.
  4. Baste with BBQ sauce: Brush the chicken all over with half of the BBQ sauce, coating each piece generously. This helps the sauce caramelize and build layers of flavor during the next cooking phase.
  5. Move to indirect heat: Transfer the chicken to the cooler side of the grill away from the direct flame. This allows the chicken to cook through without burning the sauce or drying out.
  6. Cook covered: Cover the grill and cook the chicken for 15-20 minutes to allow it to cook slowly and absorb smoky flavors.
  7. Turn and baste again: Flip the chicken pieces and brush evenly with the remaining BBQ sauce. Cover the grill again and continue cooking for another 15-30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F, ensuring it is fully cooked and safe to eat. Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness.

Notes

  • Cooking times may vary depending on the size and type of chicken pieces used; always verify doneness with a meat thermometer for safety.
  • Using bone-in and skin-on chicken yields the juiciest and most flavorful results.
  • If you prefer less char, reduce the time over direct heat but don’t skip the initial searing step as it adds essential flavor.
  • For a smoky flavor boost, add wood chips to your grill if using charcoal or a smoker box with gas grills.

Find it online: https://recipefeastful.com/grilled-bbq-chicken-recipe/