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BBQ Chicken

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This BBQ chicken is tender, flavorful, and coated in a sticky, smoky barbecue sauce. Whether you grill it outdoors or bake it in the oven, it’s a classic comfort food that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, cookouts, or summer parties. Serve it with your favorite sides like corn on the cob, coleslaw, or baked beans.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ to 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (legs, thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1 ½ cups barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)


Instructions

  1. Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 375°F).

  2. Pat the chicken dry and rub with olive oil. Mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly over the chicken.

  3. Place chicken on the grill, skin-side down. Grill for 6–8 minutes per side with the lid closed, turning as needed to prevent burning.

  4. Begin brushing with BBQ sauce during the last 10–15 minutes of cooking. Flip and baste a few times to build up a sticky glaze.

  5. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (use a meat thermometer).

  6. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Season chicken as above and place on a foil-lined baking sheet.

  3. Bake for 35–40 minutes, then brush with BBQ sauce and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, broiling at the end for a sticky finish.

Notes

  • Bone-in, skin-on chicken keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.

  • For homemade BBQ sauce, combine ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, and spices to taste.

  • Leftovers are great for sandwiches, salads, or wraps!