Barbecue chicken is a classic summertime favorite. When cooked properly, barbecue chicken is juicy, tender and packed with smoky, sweet and spicy flavors. While grilling is a popular method, barbecue chicken can also be prepared in the oven with equally delicious results. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make barbecue chicken at home.
Ingredients
- Whole chicken or chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, drumsticks)
- Barbecue sauce or marinade
- Vegetable or olive oil
- Spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper
- Wood chips or chunks (optional)
Equipment
- BBQ grill or oven
- Basting brush
- Meat thermometer
- Aluminum foil or pan
Preparing the Chicken
Clean and Pat Dry
Rinse the chicken under cold running water and pat dry completely with paper towels. Make sure to remove any excess moisture, as this can prevent the spices and sauce from adhering properly.
Apply Spice Rub
Coat the chicken evenly on all sides with olive oil first. This helps the spice rub stick to the skin. Mix together smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper and generously season the chicken. Rub the spices into the skin. Refrigerate for 30-60 minutes.
Make Barbecue Marinade/Sauce
Whisk together barbecue sauce, olive oil, spices like chili powder and thyme, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, etc. Reserve a portion to baste the chicken while cooking.
Poke Holes
Use a fork to poke holes all over the chicken. This helps the marinade penetrate deeper.
Marinate the Chicken
Place chicken in a baking dish and coat all over with the barbecue sauce marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful the chicken.
How to Cook Barbecue Chicken
Oven Method
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Place chicken on a foil lined baking sheet. Reserve leftover marinade to baste.
Bake for 60-75 minutes, basting every 15 minutes with the leftover marinade until cooked through and skin is crispy.
Internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Grill Method
Preheat grill to medium high heat.
If using a charcoal grill, let the coals get very hot. Add wood chips or chunks to the coal for extra smoke flavor.
Place chicken skin-side down first. Grill for 12-15 minutes per side with the lid closed as much as possible. Baste frequently with leftover marinade.
Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Finish on Higher Heat
At the end, move the chicken to direct high heat for 2-3 minutes per side to get a nice char. Brush with sauce during the last few minutes only since any longer can burn.
Let It Rest
Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute through the meat.
Tips for Best Results
- Brine the chicken in saltwater first for extra moist, seasoned meat.
- Slash bone-in chicken pieces to the bone so marinade can penetrate.
- Use your favorite store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce.
- Add smoked flavor with wood chips – try hickory, apple, mesquite.
- Roasting whole chicken upright on a beer can stand adds extra flavor.
- Cook boneless skinless breasts much quicker than bone-in thighs.
- Get crispy skin by finishing chicken directly over the fire.
- Insert herbs under the skin along with spices for added flavor.
Barbecue chicken done right turns out super juicy and flavorful every time. The smoky, sweet and spicy flavors are always a hit at barbecues and picnics. Experiment with different barbecue sauces and spice rubs until you find your ideal combination.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to cook barbecue chicken?
- Bone-in chicken pieces take 60-90 minutes in the oven at 375°F. Boneless breasts take only 30-40 minutes. On the grill, bone-in chicken cooks for around 40-60 minutes total, turning halfway.
What is the best wood for smoking chicken?
- Hickory, apple, cherry, pecan, and mesquite are popular wood chips for smoking chicken. Hickory provides the strongest, bacon-like flavor. Sweeter fruit woods like apple and cherry provide a milder smoke flavor.
Can you oversmoke chicken?
Yes, it is possible to give chicken too strong of a smoky flavor. As a general rule, use wood chips just during the first half to two-thirds of the grilling time. This allows the smoke to penetrate without overpowering.
Should barbecue chicken be marinated?
Marinating is highly recommended for extra juicy, flavorful barbecue chicken. The acid in the marinade tenderizes the meat and allows the seasonings to permeate deeply. Marinate for at least 2 hours but preferably overnight.
What is the best barbecue chicken recipe?
There are limitless options when it comes to sauces and spice rubs for barbecue chicken. Classic barbecue sauce flavors include tangy, sweet and spicy, or smoky. Feel free to get creative and use your favorite flavors and ingredients.
Conclusion
Barbecue chicken is one of the most beloved backyard cookout foods. The secret is letting the chicken marinate sufficiently in a flavorful sauce so the meat soaks up all the flavors. Whether you grill it or bake it in the oven, follow these tips for finger-lickin’ good barbecue chicken every time. Experiment with different marinades and spice rubs until you find your signature barbecue chicken recipe.