Summer is made for grilling. It’s the best way to make a simple dinner bursting with flavor. BBQ Chicken is such a classic, and it’s my personal summer fav. It’s smokey, saucy, and juicy. This bone-in chicken recipe is easy enough for a quick dinner on a busy night and fancy enough for your big summer cookout. If you love this simple grilled chicken recipe, try this beer can chicken, grilled spatchcock chicken, Peruvian chicken recipe, or this easy Mexican chicken marinade. Are you planning the menu for a 4th of July Celebration? Check out this gorgeous red, white and blue cake!
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
Ingredients Used
Whole chicken: I like to use a whole chicken for this budget-friendly recipe. When I have the time, I always use a simple chicken brine! It adds so much flavor and moisture deep into the chicken. Olive oil: For the crispiest chicken skin, use a little olive oil before grilling! It also helps the seasonings stick to the bird. Salt and pepper: I keep it simple with this seasoning to let the BBQ sauce shine. However, I always add salt and pepper to my meat before grilling. Barbecue sauce: You can use your favorite sauce, whether it’s store-bought or homemade.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
How to Make Grilled BBQ Chicken
Follow these steps for the best BBQ chicken on the grill for the summer:
Tips and Tricks
Grilling can be daunting, but it’s so easy to master if you follow a few simple tips:
Use your oven. Out of charcoal? Sudden rain storm? You can easily convert this to an oven-baked recipe! I like to sear it on the stovetop before finishing the chicken in the oven. Once it’s about halfway cooked, baste it in BBQ sauce and cook until done. Marinate it. This 5-ingredient recipe is great, but a simple marinade can make it even better! Marinating chicken in a simple mix of oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and some seasonings adds even more flavor deep into the meat. You can marinate chicken up to overnight.Prep your grill. This simple step is one of the most important! You always want to grill on perfectly cleaned grates to avoid that burnt flavor. I always oil my grates, too, to keep the skin from sticking and ripping when I flip the chicken. Use multiple heat zones. The best BBQ chicken needs high and low heat to get that beautiful char without drying out. Start with your high, direct heat section, then move the chicken to a lower heat to roast until done. This keeps the juices trapped in the chicken and out of your fire.
What to Serve with BBQ Chicken
I love iced tea, and this strawberry iced tea is my summer staple! It’s made with all natural ingredients and is so refreshing. I also love a light, fruity appetizer. This fruit salsa with homemade cinnamon chips is so easy to make! Everyone at your pool party will love this dip recipe. While you’re grilling, let your guests munch on this easy shrimp ceviche. Succulent shrimp are marinated in fresh citrus juice for a simple summer appetizer that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Make easy side dishes like Cauliflower Steaks, Creamy Cucumbers or Tuna Pasta Salad. Or serve it with a simple pasta salad as I did in the picture below. For dessert, I suggest Blackberry Cobbler. It’s so perfect for summer when the berries are fresh!
Other Easy Recipes I Love
Smoked TurkeyCaesar Pasta SaladGrilled SteakSummer ColeslawSmoked Brisket
You’re ready to impress your guests at the next pool party with this amazing grilled chicken recipe! No matter what summer side dishes you serve with it, everyone loves a great BBQ chicken dinner. Make sure to Pin this recipe so more people can enjoy it too! © Little Sunny Kitchen
