Oh, BBQ chicken—just saying those two words brings me right back to a balmy summer evening in my backyard, the air filled with smoky goodness and laughter. My very first memorable BBQ chicken experience wasn’t actually on a grill—it was a bit of a happy accident. I was determined to master the perfect barbecue chicken recipe for a family get-together but, of course, things didn’t go exactly as planned. I ended up with a saucy mess instead of beautifully grilled chicken, but the flavor? Oh, it was so good my family begged for more! From that moment, BBQ chicken became a staple in our home, weaving itself into my busy family’s meal rotations and special celebrations alike.
I remember standing over the coals, tuning in to the aromas as the barbecue chicken sauce caramelized slowly on the skin. The smell was intoxicating, the blend of smoky, tangy, and just a hint of sweetness. It made the whole backyard dinner feel like a cozy festival. The trick for me was learning the balance of that BBQ chicken marinade—not too watery, not overly spicy, just right to cling lovingly to every piece of chicken before it hit the grill.
If you’ve ever felt frustrated with soggy BBQ chicken or the elusive perfect char during your grilled chicken barbecue adventures, trust me, I’ve been there. It took some trial and error—and a lot of taste testing—to get the method down just right for my busy household. This recipe fits seamlessly into hectic weeknight dinners and weekend cookouts, proving that delicious BBQ chicken doesn’t require hours or complicated techniques. You might even be surprised how easy it is to whip up a saucy, smoky chicken feast that brings everyone running to the table.
One of my favorite things about this particular BBQ chicken recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re using a smoked chicken BBQ approach or a quick grill, the barbecue chicken sauce is always the star that makes it sing. And for those days when time’s tight, a well-prepared BBQ chicken marinade can do all the heavy lifting before you even light the grill.
Oh—and before I forget! If you want to see more comforting chicken recipes that fill the kitchen with warmth, try my turmeric chicken soup or the parmesan mushroom chicken soup—both family favorites on chilly days. And for something a little different, my spicy buffalo chicken mac and cheese is a real treat the kids adore.

Ready to get started? Whether you want a juicy BBQ chicken recipe that comes together quickly like the one at Juicy BBQ Chicken Recipe (30 Minutes!) – foodiecrush, or prefer trying a slow-cooked flavor with Pulled Chicken (Crock Pot BBQ Chicken) – Sugar Spun Run, this guide will set you up for success. For a superb barbecue chicken marinade, the tips from Barbecue Grilled Chicken Marinade – The Kitchen Magpie can really elevate your game.
Get your grill ready, set out your favorite side dishes, and let’s get you set up for a BBQ chicken experience that’s as joyful to prepare as it is to eat. You’ll be surprised how quickly this barbecue chicken recipe becomes your family’s go-to for flavorful, fuss-free meals. Ready to dive into the smoky, juicy world of BBQ chicken? Let’s do it together!

Tips for the perfect BBQ chicken:
- Marinate the chicken well in advance to absorb the flavors fully.
- Control the heat on the grill to avoid burning the sauce while achieving the right char.
- Let the chicken rest after grilling to lock in the juiciness.
BBQ chicken
This BBQ chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken grilled to perfection and coated in a smoky, tangy barbecue sauce, making it a perfect dish for any casual gathering or weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the chicken breasts with the olive oil mixture on both sides.
- Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- During the last 3 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken generously with barbecue sauce, turning to coat both sides well.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in barbecue sauce for 1-2 hours before grilling, and serve with grilled vegetables or coleslaw for a complete meal.

