Barbecue chicken is a classic summer staple. When cooking chicken on the grill, seasoning is key for adding flavor. With the right blend of spices and sauces, you can take your barbecue chicken from bland to bold and delicious. Here are some tips on how to perfectly season barbecue chicken.
Why Seasoning is Important for BBQ Chicken
Seasoning is a must for chicken cooked on the grill. Plain chicken cooked over an open flame can quickly become dry and flavorless. The high heat of the grill tends to intensify flavors, so chicken benefits from extra seasoning.
Seasoning adds back moisture, keeping the meat juicy. It also forms a flavorful crust on the outside. Simply salting and peppering chicken is not enough for standout barbecue flavor. You need a blend of spices, herbs, and sauces. With the right combination, the chicken takes on the smoky essence of the grill.
Best Dry Rubs for BBQ Chicken
Dry rubs give barbecue chicken a flavor boost by coating the meat in spices before grilling. Here are some classic dry rub combinations:
BBQ Chicken Rub
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Jerk Chicken Rub
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Lemon-Herb Chicken Rub
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
To use a dry rub, coat the chicken pieces thoroughly on all sides. Let sit for 10-30 minutes before grilling to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Best Wet Marinades for BBQ Chicken
Wet marinades are another great way to infuse barbecue chicken with flavor. The acidic ingredients help tenderize the meat. Here are flavorful marinade recipes:
Classic BBQ Marinade
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Greek Yogurt Marinade
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Ginger Soy Marinade
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
For wet marinades, cover the chicken and let sit for 30 minutes to overnight in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful.
Sauces for Serving BBQ Chicken
Having a sauce on hand is crucial for serving grilled chicken. Brush sauce on in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to lightly glaze the chicken. Here are some easy sauce ideas:
- BBQ sauce: Classically tangy, sweet and smoky. Use your favorite brand.
- Honey mustard: Whisk together 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 1 minced garlic clove.
- Chimichurri: Mix 1 cup packed parsley leaves, 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt in a food processor.
- Peanut sauce: Whisk together 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, 1/4 cup coconut milk, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger and 1 minced garlic clove.
- Pesto: Use store-bought or homemade basil pesto.
Having the right combination of seasonings and sauces is key for juicy, flavorful grilled chicken. Experiment with wet and dry seasoning methods and flavors to find your perfect barbecue chicken recipe.
FAQs About Seasoning BBQ Chicken
What is the best seasoning for basic barbecue chicken?
For classic barbecue flavor, coat the chicken in a dry rub of brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt and pepper.
Should you marinate chicken before barbecuing?
Yes, marinating is highly recommended. It tenderizes the meat and infuses flavor. Let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes up to overnight.
What is the best sauce for grilled barbecue chicken?
Classic barbecue sauce has the ideal tangy-sweet flavor, but honey mustard, chimichurri, peanut sauce and pesto also make great sauces for serving.
How long does it take to grill chicken thighs and breasts?
Boneless chicken breasts take 12-15 minutes. Bone-in breasts and thighs take 18-22 minutes. Cook over direct medium heat until 165°F internal temperature.
Can you use the same seasoning for chicken wings?
Absolutely! The dry rubs and marinades suggested above work great for chicken wings too. Cook wings over direct heat for 18-25 minutes.
What seasoning goes well with spicy barbecue chicken?
For spicy chicken, add 1 teaspoon cayenne or chipotle chili powder to the dry rub or marinade. Cajun seasoning also provides a nice kick.
Get Creative With Seasonings for BBQ Chicken
The possibilities are endless when seasoning barbecue chicken. Consider rubbing the chicken with fresh rosemary, oregano and thyme. Spanish smoked paprika provides rich flavor. Italian dressing makes a fast, flavorful marinade.
If grilling chicken kebabs, try seasoning with curry powder, ginger and garlic. Lemongrass and lime juice give a Thai twist. Use Cajun spices for a blackened taste.
The grilled flavor already elevates simple chicken to new heights. Take it further with the perfect blend of herbs, spices, sauces and other seasoning to make your barbecue chicken irresistible.