Hey guys! Who doesn't love some good ol' BBQ chicken? The smoky flavor, the tangy sauce, that perfect char... it's a classic for a reason. But nailing BBQ chicken can be a bit tricky. You want it juicy, flavorful, and cooked all the way through without being burnt to a crisp. That's where this guide comes in! We're going to break down how to BBQ chicken with BBQ sauce, step-by-step, so you can become a BBQ master in your own backyard.

Getting Started: Choosing Your Chicken and BBQ Sauce

Before we even fire up the grill, let's talk chicken and sauce. The type of chicken you choose will affect the cooking time and overall flavor. And, of course, the BBQ sauce is key to that signature BBQ taste. The first step in how to BBQ chicken is selecting the perfect ingredients.

Chicken Choices

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces: This is the classic choice for BBQ chicken. Think chicken thighs, drumsticks, and bone-in chicken breasts. The bone and skin help to keep the chicken moist and add tons of flavor. Plus, the skin gets nice and crispy on the grill. When selecting your chicken, look for pieces that are relatively uniform in size so they cook evenly. Fresh, plump chicken is always best! Try to avoid chicken pieces that look pale or have any off-putting odors. If you're buying frozen chicken, make sure it's fully thawed before grilling. You can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the cold water method for faster thawing. Just be sure to change the water every 30 minutes to keep the chicken at a safe temperature.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These are a leaner option, but they can also dry out more easily on the grill. If you're using boneless, skinless breasts, be extra careful not to overcook them. Marinating them beforehand can also help to keep them juicy. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook evenly. This will prevent the edges from drying out before the center is cooked through. You can also butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally almost all the way through and then opening them up like a book. This will create a larger surface area for the BBQ sauce and help the chicken cook more quickly.
• Whole chicken: Grilling a whole chicken is a great way to feed a crowd. It takes a bit longer to cook, but it's definitely worth the effort. Spatchcocking the chicken (removing the backbone and flattening it out) will help it cook more evenly. When grilling a whole chicken, it's important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that it's cooked to a safe internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, making sure not to touch the bone. The chicken is done when the thermometer reads 165°F (74°C).

BBQ Sauce Selection

• Store-bought: There are tons of great store-bought BBQ sauces out there, from sweet and smoky to tangy and spicy. Experiment to find your favorite! When choosing a store-bought BBQ sauce, check the ingredients list. Look for sauces that use natural ingredients and avoid those with artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Some popular brands include Sweet Baby Ray's, Kraft, and Stubbs. But don't be afraid to try smaller, local brands too! You might discover your new favorite sauce.
• Homemade: If you're feeling ambitious, why not make your own BBQ sauce? It's easier than you think, and you can customize it to your exact taste. A basic BBQ sauce recipe usually includes ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. There are countless variations online, so find one that sounds good to you and give it a try. Making your own BBQ sauce allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the flavors to your liking. You can add more spice, sweetness, or tanginess depending on your preference. Plus, it's a great way to impress your friends and family at your next BBQ.

Prepping Your Chicken for BBQ Glory

Okay, you've got your chicken and your sauce. Now it's time to get that chicken ready for the grill. This involves trimming, seasoning, and maybe even a little marinating. All of these elements contribute to a great final dish in how to BBQ chicken.

Trimming and Seasoning

• Trim excess fat: Nobody wants to bite into a chunk of flabby chicken skin. Trim off any excess fat from your chicken pieces. This will also help the skin to get nice and crispy on the grill. Use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to trim the fat. Be careful not to remove too much skin, as it helps to keep the chicken moist.
• Season generously: Don't be shy with the seasoning! A good dry rub will add tons of flavor to your chicken. You can use a pre-made BBQ rub or make your own. A simple mix of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder works great. For best results, season the chicken at least 30 minutes before grilling, or even better, the night before. This will give the flavors time to penetrate the meat. When applying the dry rub, make sure to coat all sides of the chicken evenly. You can also lift up the skin and rub some of the seasoning directly onto the meat for even more flavor.

Marinating (Optional, but Recommended)

• Why marinate? A marinade will add flavor and moisture to your chicken. It's especially helpful if you're using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which tend to dry out more easily. A simple marinade can be made with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, and spices. There are also tons of great BBQ marinades available online. Marinating your chicken for at least 30 minutes will make a noticeable difference in the flavor and texture. For even better results, marinate it overnight in the refrigerator. Just be sure to discard the marinade after use to prevent the spread of bacteria.

Grilling Time: Achieving BBQ Chicken Perfection

Alright, the moment we've all been waiting for! Let's get that chicken on the grill and transform it into BBQ perfection. This is where the magic happens in how to BBQ chicken.

Setting Up Your Grill

• Gas or charcoal? You can use either a gas or charcoal grill for BBQ chicken. Charcoal will give you a more smoky flavor, but gas is more convenient and easier to control the temperature. If you're using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals for indirect heat. This means piling the coals on one side of the grill and leaving the other side empty. This will allow you to cook the chicken more slowly and evenly without burning it. If you're using a gas grill, preheat it to medium heat.
• Clean your grates: Before you start grilling, make sure your grates are clean. Use a grill brush to remove any leftover food or debris. This will prevent the chicken from sticking and ensure that it cooks evenly.
• Oil the grates: Lightly oil the grates with cooking oil to prevent sticking. You can use a grill spray or brush the grates with oil using a heat-resistant brush.

Grilling Techniques

• Indirect heat is key: The key to juicy, perfectly cooked BBQ chicken is indirect heat. This means cooking the chicken away from the direct flame. This will allow it to cook slowly and evenly without burning. If you're using a charcoal grill, place the chicken on the side of the grill without the coals. If you're using a gas grill, turn off one or two of the burners and place the chicken on the side with the burners turned off.
• Maintain a consistent temperature: Aim for a grill temperature of around 325-350°F (160-175°C). Use a grill thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust the heat as needed. Maintaining a consistent temperature is crucial for even cooking.
• Flip frequently: Flip the chicken every 10-15 minutes to ensure that it cooks evenly on all sides. This will also help to prevent it from sticking to the grates.
• Basting with BBQ sauce: Start basting the chicken with BBQ sauce during the last 15-20 minutes of grilling. This will give the sauce time to caramelize and create that signature BBQ glaze. Baste the chicken every 5-7 minutes, making sure to coat all sides evenly. Be careful not to baste too early, as the sauce can burn if exposed to high heat for too long.

Checking for Doneness

• Use a meat thermometer: The best way to ensure that your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, making sure not to touch the bone. The chicken is done when the thermometer reads 165°F (74°C).
• Visual cues: If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can also check for doneness by looking for visual cues. The juices should run clear when you pierce the chicken with a fork, and the meat should be opaque throughout. Avoid cutting into the chicken to check for doneness, as this will release the juices and dry it out.

Serving and Enjoying Your BBQ Chicken

Congratulations, you've just grilled up some amazing BBQ chicken! Now it's time to serve it up and enjoy the fruits of your labor. This is the best part of learning how to BBQ chicken!

Resting the Chicken

• Let it rest: Before you slice or serve the chicken, let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. Tent the chicken with foil to keep it warm while it rests.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic sides: BBQ chicken goes great with classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, corn on the cob, and baked beans.
• Creative options: Get creative with your sides! Try grilled vegetables, mac and cheese, or even a watermelon salad.
• Garnishes: Garnish your BBQ chicken with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips and Tricks for BBQ Chicken Success

• Don't overcrowd the grill: Overcrowding the grill will lower the temperature and prevent the chicken from cooking evenly. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Use a marinade: Marinating your chicken will add flavor and moisture, especially if you're using boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
• Baste with BBQ sauce during the last 15-20 minutes of grilling: This will give the sauce time to caramelize and create that signature BBQ glaze. Remember our how to BBQ chicken tips!
• Use a meat thermometer: The best way to ensure that your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature is to use a meat thermometer.
• Let the chicken rest before serving: This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.

Conclusion

So there you have it! A complete guide on how to BBQ chicken with BBQ sauce. With a little practice, you'll be grilling up mouthwatering BBQ chicken like a pro in no time. Remember to choose quality chicken and sauce, season generously, grill over indirect heat, and use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness. Now go fire up that grill and get cooking! Your friends and family will thank you for it.