Get ready to fire up the grill and satisfy your taste buds with the juiciest and most delicious BBQ chicken recipes around. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a beginner cook, these popular recipes are sure to impress your family and friends at any backyard gathering. From tangy and sweet honey BBQ chicken to spicy and smoky chipotle grilled chicken, these dishes will have everyone asking for seconds. So grab your apron and get ready to elevate your BBQ game with these mouthwatering recipes!
Classic BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the chicken breasts with the barbecue sauce mixture, making sure to coat both sides.
- Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips and variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in the barbecue sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
- Try using different flavors of barbecue sauce, such as sweet and smoky or spicy and tangy.
- If you prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can still use this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Honey BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the chicken thighs with the honey barbecue sauce mixture, making sure to coat both sides.
- Place the chicken thighs on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips and variations
- For a spicier version, add some chili powder or cayenne pepper to the honey barbecue sauce mixture.
- Serve the honey barbecue chicken with some grilled pineapple for a sweet and tangy twist.
- If you don’t have bone-in chicken thighs, you can use boneless, skinless thighs or even chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Spicy BBQ Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, hot sauce, melted butter, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken wings in a large bowl and pour the barbecue sauce mixture over them, making sure to coat all sides.
- Arrange the chicken wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the chicken wings in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until they are crispy and cooked through.
- Serve the spicy barbecue chicken wings with some ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Tips and variations
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce according to your preference for spiciness.
- If you prefer grilling the chicken wings, preheat your grill to medium heat and grill them for about 6-8 minutes per side.
- Sprinkle some chopped fresh cilantro or green onions on top of the wings before serving for added freshness.
Tangy BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken drumsticks in a large bowl and pour the barbecue sauce mixture over them, making sure to coat all sides.
- Transfer the chicken drumsticks to a baking dish or a rimmed baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
- Bake the chicken drumsticks in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Baste the drumsticks with the remaining barbecue sauce mixture during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Let the tangy barbecue chicken drumsticks rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips and variations
- For a tangier flavor, add some extra apple cider vinegar or Worcestershire sauce to the barbecue sauce mixture.
- If you want a smokier taste, substitute the smoked paprika with some liquid smoke.
- Garnish the tangy barbecue chicken drumsticks with some chopped fresh parsley or cilantro before serving for added freshness.
BBQ Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, olive oil, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Thread the chicken, bell peppers, and red onion onto skewers, alternating between the ingredients.
- Brush the barbecue sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables on the skewers, making sure to coat all sides.
- Place the BBQ chicken kabobs on the preheated grill and cook for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Remove the BBQ chicken kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips and variations
- Soak the wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes before using them to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Add some pineapple chunks to the skewers for a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Serve the BBQ chicken kabobs with some grilled corn on the cob or a side of rice for a complete meal.
BBQ Chicken Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 prepared pizza crust
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the pizza crust package.
- Spread the barbecue sauce evenly over the prepared pizza crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the barbecue sauce.
- Top the cheese with the shredded chicken, sliced red onion, and chopped fresh cilantro.
- Season the pizza with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Place the pizza on a baking sheet or a pizza stone and bake it in the preheated oven according to the instructions on the pizza crust package, usually around 12-15 minutes.
- Remove the BBQ chicken pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips and variations
- Use store-bought or homemade pizza dough for the crust. You can also try using naan or flatbread as a base.
- Add some sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes if you like your pizza spicy.
- Drizzle some ranch dressing or barbecue sauce on top of the cooked pizza for extra flavor.
BBQ Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup corn kernels, cooked
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, sliced chicken breasts, cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, black beans, sliced red onion, and chopped fresh cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well coated.
- Serve the BBQ chicken salad immediately as a main course or a side dish.
Tips and variations
- Add some avocado slices or crumbled feta cheese for extra creaminess and tanginess.
- If you prefer a lighter dressing, substitute the barbecue sauce with a balsamic vinaigrette or a citrusy dressing.
- Serve the BBQ chicken salad in tortilla bowls or tortilla wraps for a fun and portable meal.
BBQ Chicken Sliders
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns
- 2 cups shredded BBQ chicken (leftover or prepared using any of the BBQ chicken recipes above)
- 1/2 cup coleslaw
- Pickle slices, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Slice the slider buns in half horizontally.
- Place the bottom halves of the slider buns on a baking sheet.
- Divide the shredded BBQ chicken evenly among the bottom halves of the slider buns.
- Top the chicken with a spoonful of coleslaw on each slider.
- Place the top halves of the slider buns on the coleslaw.
- Bake the BBQ chicken sliders in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until the buns are lightly toasted and the chicken is heated through.
- Remove the BBQ chicken sliders from the oven and serve them warm with pickle slices, if desired.
Tips and variations
- Use store-bought coleslaw or make your own by combining shredded cabbage, grated carrots, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, drizzle some hot sauce or sriracha on top of the shredded BBQ chicken before adding the coleslaw.
- Feel free to add additional toppings such as cheese, sliced red onion, or avocado slices to customize your BBQ chicken sliders to your liking.
Sticky BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small saucepan, whisk together the barbecue sauce, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the barbecue sauce mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish and pour the barbecue sauce mixture over them, making sure to coat all sides.
- Bake the sticky barbecue chicken thighs in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the sauce has thickened and caramelized.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Sprinkle the sticky barbecue chicken thighs with sesame seeds before serving.
Tips and variations
- You can also prepare the sticky barbecue chicken thighs on the grill. Just brush the chicken with the barbecue sauce mixture and grill them over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Add some chopped green onions on top of the sticky barbecue chicken thighs for added freshness and crunch.
- Serve the sticky barbecue chicken thighs with rice or roasted vegetables for a satisfying meal.
BBQ Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded BBQ chicken (leftover or prepared using any of the BBQ chicken recipes above)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for a few seconds until soft and pliable.
- Divide the shredded BBQ chicken evenly among the tortillas.
- Top each taco with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced red onion, and chopped fresh cilantro.
- Drizzle some sour cream or Greek yogurt over the toppings.
- Squeeze a lime wedge over each BBQ chicken taco for a burst of citrus flavor.
- Serve the BBQ chicken tacos immediately while warm.
Tips and variations
- Spice up your BBQ chicken tacos by adding some sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
- Replace the flour tortillas with corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
- Customize your BBQ chicken tacos with your favorite taco toppings, such as shredded cheese, guacamole, or salsa.
With these delicious BBQ chicken recipes, you can satisfy your cravings for flavorful and juicy chicken dishes. Whether you prefer classic barbecue flavors, sweet and tangy combinations, or spicy and sticky options, there’s a recipe here for you. From classic BBQ chicken breasts to creative dishes like BBQ chicken pizza and tacos, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from for your next barbecue or weeknight dinner. So fire up the grill or preheat the oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy some mouthwatering BBQ chicken. Happy cooking!