Barbecue Chicken

Chef John’s Barbecue Chicken is a flavorful grilled dish that delivers a perfect balance of a crispy skin and a sticky, sweet glaze. The key to success with this recipe is brushing the barbecue sauce on while the chicken is cooking, ensuring the sauce never touches the grill surface, which helps prevent it from burning. With a unique blend of spices and a careful cooking technique, this barbecue chicken recipe is sure to become a favorite at your next grill-out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This barbecue chicken recipe stands out because it gives you all the delicious flavors you love from barbecue without the risk of burnt sauce. By carefully applying the glaze as the chicken cooks, you’ll achieve that perfect, sticky, caramelized finish every time. The spices used in the marinade—along with the vinegar, garlic, and cayenne pepper—add depth and complexity to the flavor profile. Whether you’re a fan of smoky barbecue or juicy chicken with a kick, this recipe checks all the boxes!

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken, cut into halves

• ¼ cup rice vinegar

• 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed

• 1 tablespoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

• ½ cup barbecue sauce (or as needed)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cut 1/2-inch deep slashes in the skin-side of each chicken half: two cuts in each breast, two in each thigh, and one in each leg. Remove the wing tips.

2. Whisk rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce, and garlic together in a large bowl.

3. Place the chicken halves in the bowl and turn to coat. Arrange chicken halves in the bowl with the cut sides down, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.

4. Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.

5. Remove the chicken from the bowl, pat dry with paper towels, and discard any remaining marinade.

6. Place the chicken halves, skin-side up, on a plate and season with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.

7. Cook the chicken, skin-side down, on the preheated grill until grill marks appear (about 3 to 4 minutes).

8. Turn the chicken over, close the grill lid, and cook, basting with remaining barbecue sauce every 6 minutes, until no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear (about 35 minutes).

9. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh should read 165°F (74°C).

10. Remove the chicken from the grill, let it rest for a few minutes, and serve hot!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Preparation time: 20 minutes

• Marinating time: 1 hour

• Grill time: 35 minutes

• Total time: 2 hours

Variations

• Spicy Barbecue Chicken: Add extra cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to your marinade for a spicier version.

• Use Bone-In Chicken Pieces: If you prefer to grill individual pieces instead of a whole chicken, you can use bone-in chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks. Adjust the cooking time as necessary.

• Smoky Flavors: For a smoky twist, try using a smoker or add wood chips to your grill for that authentic BBQ flavor.

• Vegetarian Option: Try grilling vegetables like portobello mushrooms or cauliflower, seasoned with the same spices and barbecue sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover barbecue chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat it on the grill for a few minutes to maintain its crispy skin.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts or other cuts of chicken, but the cooking time will be shorter. Be sure to adjust accordingly and check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

How do I prevent the barbecue sauce from burning?

To avoid burning the barbecue sauce, make sure to apply it in stages while the chicken is cooking on a covered grill. Never put the sauce directly on the grill surface, as it can burn quickly due to the sugar content.

Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of on the grill?

Yes, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). To get a crispy skin, broil the chicken for the last 5 minutes.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and the juices run clear. A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh near the bone is the most accurate way to check.

Can I make this barbecue chicken recipe in advance?

The chicken can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance. After cooking, you can store the chicken in the refrigerator and reheat it when ready to serve.

What should I serve with barbecue chicken?

Barbecue chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, such as coleslaw, cornbread, grilled vegetables, or roasted potatoes.

Can I use homemade barbecue sauce?

Absolutely! Homemade barbecue sauce will work perfectly in this recipe and can add a unique touch to your grilled chicken.

Is there a way to make this chicken less spicy?

Yes, you can reduce or eliminate the cayenne pepper from the seasoning to make it milder. You can also use a milder barbecue sauce.

Can I use boneless chicken pieces for this recipe?

While bone-in chicken is ideal for grilling, boneless chicken can also work. Just be sure to adjust the grilling time, as boneless pieces will cook faster.

How do I make sure the chicken stays juicy?

The key to juicy chicken is cooking it over medium-high heat with the grill lid closed. Basting with sauce during grilling also helps keep the chicken moist.

Conclusion

Chef John’s Barbecue Chicken is a delicious and foolproof recipe for grilling up a perfectly glazed, tender chicken. By using a careful cooking technique and the right blend of seasonings and sauce, this recipe ensures a flavorful and juicy chicken with a sticky glaze that will impress at any cookout. Whether you’re a grilling novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to be a hit at your next barbecue!