If you’re looking to add some sizzle to your summer barbecues, look no further! In this article, we’ve rounded up some of the most popular BBQ chicken recipes that are sure to impress your guests and have them coming back for seconds. From tangy honey mustard glazed chicken to spicy sriracha chicken skewers, these recipes offer a wide range of flavors to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Get ready to fire up the grill and elevate your BBQ game with these mouthwatering chicken recipes.
1. Classic BBQ Chicken
Nothing beats the classic BBQ chicken recipe that brings together the smoky flavors and juicy tenderness that we all love. To achieve this, you will need the following marinade ingredients for a delicious flavor infusion:
- 1 cup of BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Once you have gathered all your marinade ingredients, it’s time to marinate the chicken. Start by placing the chicken pieces – whether it’s drumsticks, thighs, or breasts – in a large resealable bag. Pour the marinade mixture over the chicken, making sure to coat each piece thoroughly. Seal the bag and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal for the flavors to really penetrate the meat.
When it comes to grilling BBQ chicken, there are a few techniques that will help you achieve the best results. Firstly, preheat your grill to medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Make sure to baste the chicken with any leftover marinade during the cooking process to enhance the flavors and keep the meat moist.
To serve your classic BBQ chicken, you can garnish it with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. Pair it with your favorite BBQ side dishes like coleslaw, corn on the cob, or baked beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
2. Spicy BBQ Chicken Skewers
If you’re looking to spice up your BBQ chicken game, these spicy BBQ chicken skewers are just the recipe for you. For the marinade, you will need the following ingredients:
- ½ cup of BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 tablespoon of sriracha sauce (adjust to your preferred spice level)
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
To prepare the skewers, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. Meanwhile, cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients and mix well. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
When it’s time to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char on the outside.
To serve these spicy BBQ chicken skewers, you can sprinkle some chopped green onions or fresh cilantro on top for added freshness. Pair them with a cooling cucumber yogurt sauce or serve them over a bed of rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
3. Smoky Honey BBQ Chicken
For a mouthwatering BBQ chicken recipe with a touch of smoky sweetness, try making this smoky honey BBQ chicken. To create the flavorful marinade, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup of honey
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
To add a smoky element to the chicken, you will need a smoker or a grill with a smoking feature. Prepare your smoker or grill for indirect cooking with a steady temperature of around 225°F (107°C).
To apply the honey glaze on the chicken, start by brushing a thin layer of the marinade on the chicken pieces. Place the chicken on the smoker or grill and let it cook low and slow for about 1-2 hours, depending on the size of the chicken pieces, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
For garnish and presentation, you can sprinkle some smoked paprika or chopped fresh parsley on top of the smoky honey BBQ chicken. Serve it alongside grilled vegetables or roasted potatoes for a well-rounded meal that combines smoky, honeyed flavors with tender and juicy chicken.
4. Sweet and Tangy BBQ Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are a classic finger food that can be taken to the next level with a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. To make the delicious sauce, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of ketchup
- ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
To coat and bake the wings, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients and mix well to form a smooth consistency. Take a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper and place the chicken wings in a single layer. Pour the sauce over the wings, ensuring they are evenly coated. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through, until they are crispy and cooked through.
To make a tangy dipping sauce to accompany the wings, you can mix equal parts of BBQ sauce and mayonnaise. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. Serve the wings hot, along with the tangy dipping sauce on the side. To get creative with plating, you can garnish the wings with chopped scallions or sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
5. Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Transport your taste buds to the tropical islands with this Hawaiian BBQ chicken recipe that combines sweet and savory flavors. To create the marinade, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of pineapple juice
- ½ cup of soy sauce
- ¼ cup of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
To add a Hawaiian twist to the dish, you will need fresh pineapple chunks and bell peppers. Start by marinating the chicken pieces in the pineapple juice marinade for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, in the refrigerator.
When it’s time to grill, you can skewer the marinated chicken pieces, alternating with pineapple chunks and bell peppers for a colorful presentation. Grill the skewers over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice caramelized glaze.
To serve this Hawaiian BBQ chicken, you can garnish the skewers with fresh cilantro or basil leaves. Pair them with a side of coconut rice or grilled vegetables to fully embrace the tropical flavors. Don’t forget to drizzle any remaining marinade over the grilled chicken for an extra burst of sweetness.
6. BBQ Chicken Pizza
Combine two beloved favorites, BBQ chicken and pizza, with this delicious BBQ chicken pizza recipe. To make the pizza base, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ¾ cup of water
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
To prepare the smoky tomato sauce, you will need:
- 1 cup of tomato sauce or pizza sauce
- 1 tablespoon of BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon of onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the toppings and cheese, gather:
- Cooked and shredded BBQ chicken
- Sliced red onions
- Sliced bell peppers
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
To assemble the pizza, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the water and olive oil, stirring until a smooth dough forms. Roll out the dough onto a lightly floured surface into your desired shape and thickness. Transfer the dough onto a baking sheet or pizza stone.
In another bowl, combine all the ingredients for the smoky tomato sauce and mix well. Spread the sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Top with shredded BBQ chicken, sliced red onions, bell peppers, and a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. Once cooked, slice the pizza into wedges and serve it hot.
7. Korean BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
For a flavorful twist on traditional BBQ chicken, try making these Korean BBQ chicken drumsticks. To create the marinade, gather the following ingredients:
- ¼ cup of soy sauce
- ¼ cup of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons of rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
To marinate and glaze the chicken, place the drumsticks in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
When it comes to cooking the chicken, you have the option of grilling or baking. If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the drumsticks for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and have a sticky glaze. If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the drumsticks on a lined baking sheet. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, turning them halfway through and basting them with the leftover marinade.
To enhance the flavors of this Korean BBQ chicken, serve it with traditional accompaniments and side dishes such as kimchi, pickled vegetables, steamed rice, and Korean-style sauces like gochujang or soy garlic dipping sauce.
8. BBQ Chicken Salad
For a lighter option that still packs a punch of BBQ flavor, try making this BBQ chicken salad. Gather the following ingredients to make the salad:
- Mixed salad greens or your favorite lettuce
- Cooked and sliced BBQ chicken breasts
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced cucumbers
- Sliced red onions
- Avocado slices
- Crumbled feta or blue cheese
- Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
To grill and chop the chicken, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any additional BBQ seasoning of your choice. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for approximately 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
For the dressing, mix together the following ingredients:
- ¼ cup of BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, sliced BBQ chicken, diced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, sliced red onions, avocado slices, crumbled feta or blue cheese, and chopped fresh cilantro or parsley. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Serve the BBQ chicken salad immediately, and if desired, you can also add additional BBQ sauce as a finishing touch or serve it with a side of cornbread for a complete and satisfying meal.
9. BBQ Chicken Sliders
For a handheld and shareable BBQ chicken delight, whip up these BBQ chicken sliders. Gather the following ingredients for the sliders:
- Mini hamburger buns or slider buns
- Seasoned ground chicken or small chicken patties
- Slider-friendly condiments such as BBQ sauce, mayonnaise, mustard, or ketchup
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced red onions
Season and shape the ground chicken into mini patties or use pre-made small chicken patties. Season the patties with salt, pepper, and any additional BBQ seasoning of your choice. Grill or pan-sear the patties over medium heat for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
To assemble the sliders, split the mini hamburger buns or slider buns in half. Spread your desired condiments on each bun half. Place a cooked chicken patty on the bottom buns. Top with lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes, and red onions. Finish it off by placing the remaining bun half on top.
To present the sliders, you can use toothpicks or mini skewers to hold them together and prevent them from falling apart. Serve these BBQ chicken sliders at your next gathering or as a fun party appetizer that everyone will enjoy.
10. Cajun BBQ Chicken Thighs
For a southern-inspired twist on BBQ chicken, try making these Cajun BBQ chicken thighs. To make the flavorful rub, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of paprika
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pat dry the chicken thighs with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Rub the Cajun seasoning mixture all over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Let the chicken thighs marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best flavor infusion.
When it comes to cooking the chicken thighs, you have the choice of smoking or grilling. If smoking, prepare your smoker for indirect cooking at a temperature of approximately 225°F (107°C). Place the chicken thighs on the smoker grates and let them smoke for about 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs directly on the grill grates and cook for approximately 10-12 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Make sure to keep an eye on the thighs, as the Cajun seasoning may cause them to darken quickly.
To complete the Cajun BBQ chicken thighs experience, serve them with Cajun-inspired sides such as cornbread, coleslaw, collard greens, or dirty rice. This bold and flavorful dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for a taste of the south.
With these 10 popular BBQ chicken recipes, you have a variety of options to choose from whether you prefer the classics or want to explore different flavors and cooking techniques. Fire up your grill or prepare your oven, and get ready to enjoy a finger-licking, BBQ-infused meal that will surely impress your family and friends.