BBQ Chicken
Juicy, tender chicken pieces grilled to perfection over hot coals, infused with a rich smoky aroma and glazed with a thick, beautifully caramelized BBQ sauce.
50 min
Medium
Americana / Parrilla
4 servings
The story behind
Barbecue chicken is the undisputed ruler of weekend backyard gatherings. This recipe was perfected to achieve the ultimate prize: incredibly tender, moist meat beneath a shiny, sweet, and savory glazed skin. Cooking the chicken over live charcoal briquettes sears the exterior beautifully while allowing the woodsmoke to deeply penetrate the meat. The best part is the final stretch—slathering a brush loaded with rich BBQ sauce over the sizzling chicken and watching it bubble and reduce into a sticky, finger-licking coating. It's a fun, messy, and deeply satisfying dish meant to be shared with good company. Pair it with grilled vegetables, cornbread, or dynamic baked potatoes for the perfect cookout experience.
Instructions
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1Prepare your outdoor grill by lighting the charcoal, establishing a two-zone fire for both direct medium-high heat and indirect heat.
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2Pat the chicken pieces completely dry using paper towels, then brush them lightly on all sides with the vegetable oil.
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3In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season the chicken pieces evenly with the dry rub.
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4Place the chicken skin-side down on the grill directly over the hot coals. Sear for 3-4 minutes until golden-brown with distinct grill marks.
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5Move the chicken pieces over to the indirect heat zone. Close the grill lid and cook for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, ensuring the meat cooks safely through without charring the outside.
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6During the final 5-7 minutes of grilling, begin basting the chicken pieces generously with the BBQ sauce using a pastry brush. Flip and baste a couple of times so the sugars glaze and caramelize beautifully.
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7Remove the chicken from the grill once it is fully cooked and tender. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the natural juices to lock in.
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8Serve the smoky chicken hot on a rustic platter or wooden board, accompanied by an extra dipping bowl of warm BBQ sauce.
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