Best BBQ Chicken

Best BBQ Chicken

5 servings
BBQ chicken, seasoned with an easy brown sugar rub, is grilled and basted with homemade BBQ sauce until deliciously smoky, succulent, and juicy!

Ingredients

  • brown sugar
    2 tbsp
  • cloves cloves garlic
    2 large
  • salt
    2 tsp
  • black pepper
    1 tsp
  • chicken drumsticks
    10
  • vegetable oil
    2 tbsp
  • onion
    ½ c
  • ketchup
    ¾ c
  • white wine vinegar
    2 tbsp
  • Worcestershire sauce
    2 tbsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Mash brown sugar, garlic, salt, and pepper together in a mortar and pestle to form a paste. Spoon paste into a resealable plastic bag. Add chicken, coat with paste, squeeze out excess air, and seal the bag. For best results, marinate in the refrigerator at least 1 hour to overnight.

  2. 2

    When ready to cook, heat oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in ketchup, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook until flavors blend, about 10 minutes.

  3. 3

    Meanwhile, preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat and lightly oil the grate. Remove chicken from the bag.

  4. 4

    Cook chicken on the preheated grill until brown, 3 to 5 minutes, turning once halfway through. Turn off one of the burners and move chicken over indirect heat. Maintain the temperature at 300 to 350 degrees F (150 to 175 degrees C).

  5. 5

    Cook chicken for 20 minutes, turning halfway through. Baste with sauce, then continue to cook, basting every 10 minutes, until chicken is no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, 20 to 25 more minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Best BBQ Chicken

Best BBQ Chicken

120 min5 servings424 cal

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About this Recipe

Get Ready for the Best BBQ Chicken You'll Ever Make!

Prepare to elevate your summer grilling with this incredible Best BBQ Chicken recipe! Forget dry, bland chicken – we're talking about incredibly succulent and juicy BBQ chicken infused with a mouthwatering smoky flavor. This recipe stands out with its simple yet powerful easy brown sugar rub and a rich, tangy homemade BBQ sauce that truly sets it apart.

The Secret to Perfectly Grilled BBQ Chicken

What makes this BBQ chicken truly the best? It all starts with the brown sugar rub, a quick mix of brown sugar, garlic, salt, and pepper that penetrates the chicken, creating a deep, caramelized crust as it grills. As your chicken drumsticks sizzle on the grill, the magic happens. The heat transforms the rub into a sticky, sweet exterior, while the homemade BBQ sauce is brushed on during the final stages, building layers of flavor and ensuring every bite is moist and utterly delicious. The slow basting over indirect heat allows the sauce to thicken and cling, delivering that irresistible, slightly charred, smoky BBQ chicken finish.

Tips for Juicy Results & Delicious Variations

To achieve that perfect juicy grilled chicken, aim for a consistent medium heat on your grill. Baste generously with the homemade BBQ sauce in the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to prevent burning while building that beautiful glaze. Don't rush it – the reward is incredibly tender meat.

  • Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to your brown sugar rub or homemade BBQ sauce for a fiery kick.
  • Herbaceous Twist: Incorporate dried oregano or thyme into your rub for an aromatic touch.
  • Serving Suggestions: This easy BBQ chicken pairs wonderfully with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, potato salad, or a fresh green salad. It's perfect for backyard BBQs, family dinners, or any occasion that calls for fantastic food!

Enjoy creating this truly memorable Best BBQ Chicken that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Frequently Asked Questions