15 BBQ Chicken Recipes That’ll Make You Famous

Did you know that over 70% of Americans say barbecue is their favorite cooking method? If you’re looking to join the ranks of backyard grill masters and elevate your culinary game, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog, you’ll discover 15 mouthwatering BBQ chicken recipes that are not only easy to make but also guaranteed to impress friends and family, making your dishes the talk of the summer cookouts!

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Fame-Worthy Sticky BBQ Chicken

This Fame-Worthy Sticky BBQ Chicken recipe boasts a perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors that will elevate your dinner to celebrity status.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the sauce mixture.

4. Place the coated chicken thighs in a baking dish, skin side up, and pour any remaining sauce over the top.

5. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

6. For a sticky glaze, broil the chicken for an additional 3-5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

7. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before cooking.
• Serve with coleslaw and cornbread for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Smoky Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken

This Smoky Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken recipe combines smoky flavors with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making it irresistible for any barbecue lover.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. In a bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

3. Rub the olive oil over the chicken breasts and coat them with the BBQ mixture.

4. Place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

5. During the last few minutes of cooking, brush more BBQ sauce on the chicken for added flavor.

6. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• For extra smokiness, consider adding wood chips to your grill.
• Letting the chicken marinate in the BBQ sauce for a few hours can intensify the flavors.
• Serve with coleslaw or cornbread for a complete meal.

Celebrity-Style Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken

This Celebrity-Style Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken recipe is special for its perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that create a mouthwatering experience.

Ingredients:

• 4 pieces chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to create the marinade.

2. Place the chicken thighs in a zip-lock bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and massage the chicken to ensure it is well-coated, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and brush the grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.

4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess marinade. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

5. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
• Pair with grilled vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
• Adjust the level of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.

Tangy Citrus BBQ Grilled Chicken

This Tangy Citrus BBQ Grilled Chicken recipe combines zesty citrus flavors with a smoky BBQ twist, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any summer gathering.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, BBQ sauce, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

2. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over the chicken.

3. Seal the bag and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.

4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and brush the grill grates with olive oil.

5. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the remaining marinade.

6. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

7. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, consider adding citrus zest to the marinade.
• Serve with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Legendary 3-Ingredient BBQ Chicken Wings

This Legendary 3-Ingredient BBQ Chicken Wings recipe combines bold flavors and effortless cooking to create a finger-licking delight that will impress any crowd.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds chicken wings
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon paprika

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with the paprika until they are well coated.

3. Place the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

4. Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, turning halfway through for even cooking.

5. Remove the wings from the oven and brush them generously with BBQ sauce.

6. Return the wings to the oven, and bake for an additional 5 minutes to caramelize the sauce.

7. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious BBQ chicken wings!

Tips:

• You can marinate the wings in BBQ sauce for a few hours before baking for added flavor.
• For extra crispiness, broil the wings for an additional 2-3 minutes after saucing.
• Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces for unique flavor profiles.

Boss BBQ Chicken Thighs with a Kick

This recipe for Boss BBQ Chicken Thighs with a Kick is special because it combines smoky flavors with a spicy twist that will elevate your barbecue experience.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, hot sauce, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.

3. Add chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them evenly with the sauce mixture.

4. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs before placing them on the grill.

5. Grill the chicken thighs for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

6. Brush additional BBQ sauce on the thighs during the last few minutes of grilling for extra flavor.

Tips:

• For extra tenderness, marinate the chicken thighs in the sauce mixture for a few hours beforehand.
• Adjust the amount of hot sauce according to your spice preference.
• Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after grilling before serving to lock in the juices.

Ultimate BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Delight

Indulge in the smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors of the Ultimate BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Delight, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite for any cookout.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds chicken drumsticks
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.

3. Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the spice mixture.

4. Place the drumsticks on the grill and cook for about 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

5. During the last 5 minutes of grilling, brush the BBQ sauce over the drumsticks, allowing it to caramelize slightly.

6. Remove the drumsticks from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for an added touch.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, marinate the drumsticks in the spice mixture for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your heat preference.
• Serve with classic sides like coleslaw or corn on the cob for a complete BBQ experience.

Southern BBQ Glazed Chicken Breasts

This Southern BBQ Glazed Chicken Breasts recipe is special for its mouthwatering blend of sweet and smoky flavors that will delight your taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. In a bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar.

3. In another bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt, then rub this mixture onto the chicken breasts.

4. Brush olive oil over the chicken breasts to prevent sticking.

5. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side.

6. During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the BBQ glaze over the chicken to create a delicious coating.

7. Ensure the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

8. Remove from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the spice rub for a few hours or overnight.
• Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey to the BBQ glaze.
• This dish pairs beautifully with coleslaw or cornbread for a complete Southern meal.

International BBQ Chicken Skewers

These International BBQ Chicken Skewers bring together a fusion of flavors from around the globe, making them a delicious and unique addition to any cookout.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 bell pepper, cut into pieces
• 1 onion, cut into pieces
• 8 skewers (wooden or metal)

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Instructions:

1. Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and place them in a bowl.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt to create the marinade.

3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, stirring to coat evenly, and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.

4. Thread the marinated chicken, bell pepper, and onion pieces onto the skewers, alternating between ingredients.

5. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

6. Grill the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.

7. Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips:

• Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference, such as zucchini or mushrooms.
• For added flavor, brush the skewers with extra marinade during the last few minutes of grilling.

Sweet and Smoky Pineapple BBQ Chicken

Indulge in the tropical blend of sweet and smoky flavors that make this Pineapple BBQ Chicken a crowd-pleasing delight.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. In a bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, diced pineapple, brown sugar, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until well combined.

3. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

4. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

5. During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the pineapple BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken to glaze.

6. Remove the chicken from the grill, let it rest for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before grilling.
• Serve with a side of grilled vegetables to complement the meal.
• Leftover chicken can be sliced and used in salads or wraps for a delicious lunch option.

BBQ Chicken Sliders for the Spotlight

These BBQ Chicken Sliders are a mouthwatering delight with savory flavors of smoky barbecue, tender chicken, and a hint of sweetness, perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound cooked shredded chicken
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 12 slider buns
• 1 cup coleslaw mix
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken and BBQ sauce, mixing until well coated.

2. In another bowl, prepare the coleslaw by mixing together the coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

3. Preheat a grill or skillet over medium heat.

4. Place the slider buns on the grill or skillet, cut side down, and toast them for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

5. Assemble the sliders by placing a generous amount of the BBQ chicken mixture on each bottom bun, followed by a spoonful of coleslaw, and then topping with the top bun.

6. Serve immediately and enjoy your BBQ Chicken Sliders!

Tips:

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for a few hours before cooking.
• Feel free to add your favorite toppings, such as pickles or jalapeños.
• These sliders can be made in advance; just reheat the chicken before assembling.

Maple Mustard BBQ Chicken Surprise

This Maple Mustard BBQ Chicken Surprise offers a delightful blend of sweet maple syrup and tangy mustard that elevates traditional barbecue chicken into a flavorful experience.

Ingredients:

• 4 pieces chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill or oven to medium heat (about 375°F).

2. In a bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to create the marinade.

3. Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

4. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.

5. Grill the chicken thighs for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, brushing with any remaining marinade during the last few minutes.

6. Remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
• Serve with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Adjust the amount of Dijon mustard to taste for spicier or milder flavor.

Epic BBQ Chicken and Bacon Wraps

These Epic BBQ Chicken and Bacon Wraps are a mouthwatering blend of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and tangy barbecue sauce wrapped in a soft tortilla, making them irresistible for any gathering.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1/2 cup lettuce, shredded
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill or skillet over medium heat.

2. In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and barbecue sauce, mixing well.

3. Lay out each tortilla on a flat surface and evenly distribute the chicken and bacon mixture, followed by the shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions.

4. Roll the tortillas tightly, tucking in the sides as you go to secure the filling.

5. Brush the outside of each wrap with olive oil, then place them on the grill or skillet seam-side down.

6. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until the wraps are golden brown and crispy.

7. Remove from heat, slice in half, and serve warm.

Tips:

• For added flavor, marinate the chicken in barbecue sauce before cooking.
• Customize your wraps by adding or substituting ingredients like avocado or jalapeños.
• Serve with extra barbecue sauce for dipping.

Chipotle BBQ Chicken with a Twist

This Chipotle BBQ Chicken recipe adds a delightful twist with smoky chipotle flavors and a hint of sweetness that will elevate any meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup chipotle barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat.

2. In a bowl, mix together the chipotle barbecue sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

3. Coat the chicken breasts with olive oil and then brush the sauce mixture generously over each piece.

4. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, basting with more sauce as desired, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

5. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

6. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with your favorite sides.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce mixture for a few hours before grilling.
• Serve with coleslaw or cornbread for a perfect summer meal.
• Leftover chicken can be used in tacos or on salads.

Famous Last Meal BBQ Chicken Bites

These Famous Last Meal BBQ Chicken Bites pack a punch with smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that make them the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.

3. In a large bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.

4. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss until fully coated in the sauce.

5. In another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.

6. Taking each piece of chicken, coat it with the breadcrumb mixture and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

7. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken bites for added crispiness.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown.

9. Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the barbecue sauce for a few hours or overnight.
• Serve with additional barbecue sauce for dipping.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of barbecue sauce for unique taste profiles.