Fire Up the Grill for Irresistible Grilled Barbecue Chicken
There’s something about the smell of grilled chicken sizzling away on a summer evening that brings the whole family together. I remember the first time I tried making grilled barbecue chicken—it was a fun experiment that turned into a tradition! With juicy, tender meat coated in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, this dish quickly became a favorite at our family gatherings and casual get-togethers. It’s easy to make, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll impress everyone with your grilling skills. So, let’s get ready to fire up that grill and create a mouthwatering masterpiece!
Why make this recipe?
This Grilled Barbecue Chicken recipe is a winner for so many reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly delicious! You get that perfect balance of smoky, tender chicken paired with a rich barbecue sauce that keeps you coming back for more.
What makes it even better is how quick and simple it is. In under an hour and just a few ingredients, you’ll have a dish worthy of a summer cookout. It’s also budget-friendly, making it a great option for family dinners or friendly gatherings without breaking the bank. Plus, kids love it! They can enjoy biting into flavorful chicken that’s fun to eat. All in all, this recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
How to make Grilled Barbecue Chicken
Preparing this grilled chicken is a breeze. It takes about 45 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cooking time. You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a grill and some basic utensils. The only special tool you may want is a non-stick grill spray to keep any chicken drippings from causing a mess. Trust me, everyone will be asking for your secrets once they take a bite!
Ingredients:
- 4 Chicken Quarters (or chicken pieces of your choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- KC Masterpiece Hickory Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce
Step-by-step directions
Now, let’s dive into the easy steps to create this mouthwatering dish.
- First, heat your grill to high. This step ensures you get that perfect sear on the chicken.
- Spray the grill with non-stick grill spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Sear the chicken on both sides for about two minutes until you see those lovely grill marks form.
- After searing, turn your grill down to low. Cook the chicken using direct heat for 30 minutes on each side.
- During the last 10 minutes, baste both sides with the barbecue sauce, allowing it to caramelize nicely. Cook for an additional five minutes per side.
How to serve Grilled Barbecue Chicken?
Now that your chicken is perfectly grilled and smelling delicious, it’s time to think about how to serve it. This barbecue chicken goes incredibly well with various side dishes. Some of my favorites include classic coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, or a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
For a touch of color, sprinkle some chopped parsley or chives over the chicken for garnish. If you want a bit of crunch, serve it with some homemade potato wedges or sweet potato fries. Your family and friends will be raving about this delightful meal!
How to store Grilled Barbecue Chicken?
If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt you will), storing them is simple. Place the chicken in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to four days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat in the microwave or pop it back on the grill for about 5-10 minutes to warm it up and get that grilled texture back.
You can also freeze the leftovers. Wrap them tightly in foil or use freezer-safe bags, and they’ll keep well for about three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to eat.
Tips for perfect Grilled Barbecue Chicken
- Patience is key: Resist the urge to flip the chicken too soon. Allow it to form a beautiful sear before turning it over.
- Quality barbecue sauce: Using a flavorful barbecue sauce like KC Masterpiece can elevate this dish significantly. Choose one you love!
- Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. No one likes undercooked chicken!
- Resting time: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making for incredibly tender meat.
- Don’t skip the basting: Basting the sauce during the last few minutes creates a sticky, caramelized glaze that’s irresistible!
Variations
Feel free to mix things up with this recipe! Here are a few variations to inspire your culinary creativity:
- Spice it up: For a kick of heat, add some cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the barbecue sauce.
- Herb-infused: Mix fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into your barbecue sauce for a fresh, aromatic twist.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute chicken with portobello mushrooms for a hearty, umami-packed grilled dish. Marinate the mushrooms in barbecue sauce and grill them until tender.
FAQs about Grilled Barbecue Chicken
Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Absolutely! You can use chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks in place of quarters. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the size of the pieces.
What if I don’t have a grill?
You can still enjoy this delicious chicken by using a grill pan on the stove. Follow the same steps and cook over medium to high heat for a similar smoky flavor.
Will reducing the amount of sauce affect the taste?
If you’re counting calories or watching your sugar intake, feel free to reduce the amount of barbecue sauce. The chicken will still have great flavor, but make sure to baste at least once for that extra zing.
With these instructions and tips, you’re all set to impress your family and friends with your amazing Grilled Barbecue Chicken! So, gather around the grill and enjoy the joy of cooking together. Happy grilling!
Print
Grilled Barbecue Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Juicy and tender grilled chicken coated in sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 Chicken Quarters (or chicken pieces of your choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- KC Masterpiece Hickory Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce
Instructions
- Heat your grill to high.
- Spray the grill with non-stick grill spray.
- Sear the chicken on both sides for about two minutes until grill marks form.
- Turn your grill down to low and cook the chicken using direct heat for 30 minutes on each side.
- Baste both sides with barbecue sauce during the last 10 minutes and cook for an additional five minutes per side.
Notes
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking for juicier meat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: grilled chicken, barbecue chicken, summer recipes, family dinner, grilling tips