Description
Fire up the grill and get ready for the juiciest, stickiest Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken you’ve had all year. Tender bone-in chicken pieces are rubbed with smoky spices, soaked in a tangy marinade, and finished with layers of glossy barbecue sauce that caramelize into a finger-licking glaze. It’s an easy recipe that works for quick dinner ideas, laid-back weekend cookouts, and meal prep when you need simple food ideas that still taste special. Whether you’re hunting for an easy dinner, new chicken dinner ideas, or just a reliable backyard favorite, this healthy-ish comfort food checks every box and proves that a satisfying meal doesn’t need to be complicated.
Ingredients
3 pounds bone-in skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup thick barbecue sauce plus extra for serving
Instructions
1. Pat the chicken thighs and drumsticks dry with paper towels, trimming any excess skin or large pockets of fat so the pieces cook evenly and the skin can crisp.
2. In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
3. Place the chicken in a large bowl or zip-top bag, drizzle with the olive oil, and toss to coat. Sprinkle the spice mixture all over the chicken, massaging it into every side of each piece.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce, then pour it over the seasoned chicken and toss again. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours to marinate.
5. When ready to cook, preheat the grill to medium or medium-high heat, setting up a two-zone fire if possible so you have one hotter side for searing and a cooler side for finishing the chicken.
6. Oil the grill grates lightly, then arrange the chicken skin-side down over the hotter side of the grill. Sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until nicely browned with grill marks.
7. Move the chicken to the cooler side of the grill, close the lid, and continue cooking, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches about 150 to 155°F, 15 to 20 minutes depending on piece size.
8. Begin brushing the chicken with barbecue sauce in thin layers, turning and glazing every few minutes so the sauce bubbles and caramelizes without burning, until the chicken reaches 175 to 185°F and the juices run clear.
9. Transfer the cooked chicken to a platter, tent loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
10. Brush with a little extra warm barbecue sauce just before serving and garnish with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Letting the chicken marinate for a few hours (or overnight) deepens the flavor and helps keep the meat extra juicy, especially when grilling over higher heat.
For easy cleanup and extra insurance against burning, keep a cooler zone on the grill or finish sauced chicken over indirect heat, adding thin layers of barbecue sauce instead of one thick coat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 980
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 38
- Cholesterol: 145
Keywords: mouthwatering bbq chicken, grilled chicken, bbq chicken recipe, easy dinner, summer cookout, chicken dinner ideas, weeknight dinner