Introduction
BBQ chicken is a must-have at any cookout. It’s juicy, flavorful, and always a hit. Whether you’re planning a weekend picnic or a quick weeknight dinner, these recipes will make it easy.
This post brings you the top 10 summer BBQ recipes you need to try. From smoky grilled chicken to sweet and spicy wings, there’s something for everyone. Don’t worry if you don’t have a grill—you’ll find oven-baked BBQ chicken ideas and even slow-cooked meals that are full of flavor.
These recipes are simple to make. They use basic tools like a grill, oven, or slow cooker. Plus, you probably have most of the ingredients at home already, either in your kitchen cabinets or refrigerator. If you’re looking for easy BBQ chicken ideas or backyard grilling favorites, this list has you covered.
Get ready to enjoy bold flavors, tender meat, and smoky sauces. These dishes are perfect for family gatherings, cookouts, or just a cozy summer night at home. Let’s dive in!
There are many more chicken recipes we suggest here:
- Crispy Hash Browns and Juicy Chicken Breast Recipe
- Grilled Chicken with Roasted Garlic Aioli and Charred Vegetables
- Juicy Brined and Roasted Whole Chicken Recipe
- Chicken Mexican Breakfast Burrito with Sour Cream
- Mexican Chicken Soup: The Perfect Lunch Recipe for Any Day
- Easy Chicken Tagine Recipe with Lemons and Olives
Classic BBQ Chicken Recipes for the Grill
These classic BBQ chicken recipes bring bold, smoky flavors to your grill. They’re simple, full of flavor, and perfect for summer. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or a weekend party, these recipes never fail.
Classic Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs
These thighs are juicy, sweet, and full of sticky BBQ goodness. The honey glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness. Grill until the skin is crisp and golden.
Smoky Charcoal-Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
The rich, smoky flavor from real charcoal gives these chicken drumsticks an unbeatable taste. They’re juicy on the inside and have a crisp, tasty skin—just right for any summer barbecue.
Simple BBQ Chicken with Homemade Sauce
This one’s a go-to. Use a homemade BBQ sauce made with ketchup, brown sugar, and spices. It’s easy, quick, and full of rich flavor.
Backyard Grilled Chicken Breasts with Dry Rub
Lean, tasty, and quick to cook. Rub the breasts with a mix of paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper. Grill until juicy and serve with your favorite sides.
Traditional BBQ Chicken Legs with Hickory Smoke
These legs are packed with classic BBQ flavor. Hickory wood gives them a deep, smoky taste. They’re great for outdoor grilling and always a crowd-pleaser.
Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken Combos
If you love bold flavors, these sweet and spicy BBQ chicken recipes are made for you. They mix heat and sweetness in the best way. Ideal for anyone who enjoys a bit of heat in their BBQ dishes.
Spicy Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken
This recipe brings the heat and the sweet. Honey and garlic balance the spice, making every bite rich and sticky. Great on the grill or in the oven.
Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken Wings
Crispy wings covered in sweet chili sauce? Yes, please. These wings are tangy, spicy, and perfect for parties or weeknight dinners.
Maple Sriracha BBQ Chicken
Maple syrup and sriracha make an unforgettable combo. It’s sweet, smoky, and just spicy enough. Grill until the edges caramelize.
Brown Sugar Bourbon BBQ Chicken Thighs
These chicken thighs are bold and juicy. The brown sugar adds sweetness while the bourbon brings deep, rich flavor. A must-try for BBQ lovers.
Jalapeño Mango BBQ Chicken Skewers
Tender mango chunks and spicy jalapeños come together on the grill for a bold flavor combo. These skewers are lively, tasty, and exciting to eat. Enjoy them right off the skewer while they’re still hot.
Oven-Baked and Indoor-Friendly BBQ Chicken
No grill? No problem. These indoor BBQ chicken recipes bring the smoky flavor inside. Use your oven, skillet, or air fryer to get tasty results without stepping outdoors. They’re easy, quick, and perfect all year round.
Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
These drumsticks come out tender and juicy. Coat them in your favorite BBQ sauce and bake until the skin turns crispy. Great for weeknight meals.
BBQ Chicken Breasts in a Cast Iron Skillet
Start by browning the chicken in a heated skillet, then transfer it to the oven to finish cooking. The cast iron helps seal in flavor and keeps the chicken moist. Pair it with a crisp salad or some roasted potatoes.
Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken with Veggies
This single-pan dish is packed with flavor and simple to clean up. Cook BBQ chicken in the oven along with onions, bell peppers, and corn. It’s an effortless, all-in-one meal.
BBQ Chicken in a Dutch Oven
Slow-roast the chicken in a Dutch oven for rich flavor and fall-apart tenderness. Use thick BBQ sauce for deep, smoky taste. It’s comfort food done right.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings
Want crispy wings without deep frying? The air fryer does it fast and easy. Coat the wings in BBQ sauce and air fry them until they turn golden and nicely glazed.
Bold Marinades and Unique Twists
Ready to try something new? These unique BBQ chicken recipes use bold marinades and global flavors. They add variety to your grill and make every bite exciting. Perfect for food lovers who enjoy mixing things up.
Mediterranean Herb BBQ Chicken
This recipe is fresh and full of flavor. Use olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs like oregano and thyme. Grill or bake for a light Mediterranean twist on BBQ.
Pineapple-Teriyaki BBQ Chicken Skewers
Sweet pineapple and savory teriyaki sauce make these skewers pop. The flavors blend beautifully on the grill. Great for summer parties and family dinners.
Coffee-Rubbed BBQ Chicken
A bold coffee spice rub gives this chicken a deep, smoky flavor. It’s perfect for grilling and adds a rich taste you won’t forget.
Mustard BBQ Chicken Thighs
This recipe, inspired by Southern flavors, combines yellow mustard, vinegar, and brown sugar. It’s zesty, rich, and simple to prepare. Cook it on the grill or in the oven until the skin is nicely crisped.
Indian-Style Tandoori BBQ Chicken
Create a rich marinade with yogurt, garlic, ginger, and traditional tandoori spices. Then grill or roast the chicken for a tender, flavorful dish bursting with vibrant color and aroma.
Slow-Cooked and Meal-Prep BBQ Chicken
Need something easy and make-ahead? These slow-cooked BBQ chicken recipes are perfect for busy days. They work great for meal prep, lunch boxes, or stress-free dinners. Simply prepare it, let it cook, and savor the rich BBQ taste.
Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Toss chicken in your slow cooker with BBQ sauce and spices. Let it cook low and slow until it shreds easily. Serve on buns or in wraps for a simple meal.
BBQ Chicken Sandwiches with Slaw
Load tender pulled BBQ chicken onto fluffy buns and add a layer of crisp slaw for extra crunch and contrast. This go-to pairing is a crowd-pleaser every time.
BBQ Chicken Meal Prep Bowls
Prep chicken ahead and serve it with rice, roasted veggies, or corn. These bowls are tasty, easy to store, and perfect for lunch or dinner.
Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Thighs
Need dinner fast? Use your Instant Pot to cook chicken thighs in minutes. They turn out tender, juicy, and full of BBQ flavor.
BBQ Chicken Tacos with Corn Salsa
Shred BBQ chicken and fill warm tortillas. Add corn salsa for a fresh, sweet crunch. These tacos are quick, colorful, and full of flavor.
Spicy BBQ Chicken Drumettes Recipe
Spicy BBQ Chicken Drumettes Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 kg about 2.2 lbs chicken drumettes
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp hot sauce like Sriracha or Frank’s RedHot
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) or heat your grill to medium-high.
- Pat dry the drumettes with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, mix BBQ sauce, hot sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Toss chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Arrange on a baking sheet (or place on grill). Leave space between pieces.
- Bake or grill for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through and nicely charred.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.
FAQs
1. What is the best cut of chicken for BBQ?
Thighs, drumsticks, and wings are great for grilling. They stay juicy and absorb flavor well. Boneless breasts work too, but can dry out if overcooked.
2. How long should I marinate It?
Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes. For a deeper flavor, leave it overnight in the fridge.
3. How do I keep It from drying out?
Use bone-in, skin-on cuts. Don’t overcook, and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
4. What sides go well with It?
Popular choices include coleslaw, baked beans, grilled corn, mac and cheese, and potato salad.
5. What’s the difference between BBQ sauce types?
BBQ sauces vary by region. Some are sweet (with honey or brown sugar), others are tangy (vinegar-based), mustardy, or spicy.
BBQ chicken is always a summer favorite. It’s bold, easy to make, and full of flavor. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or slow cooking, these BBQ chicken recipes make every meal feel special.
Conclusion:
Pair your favorite dish with classic summer sides like corn on the cob, creamy coleslaw, or baked beans. These combos are perfect for any cookout or picnic.
Want to try more tasty ideas? Check out our effortless salmon recipes to impress dinner guests—they’re just as simple and satisfying. But when it comes to smoky, sticky, finger-licking good meals, BBQ chicken still leads the way.
So, which recipe will you try first?
Drop a comment and share your favorite!
Don’t forget to pin this post for your next cookout or save the printable recipe card below.
Need more inspiration? Visit our post on 10 Easy Summer Side Dishes to complete your plate.
Get ready to fire up the grill, turn on the oven, or slow-cook your way to delicious results. Because with the right recipe, every meal can be a backyard BBQ favorite.
For more recipes try our: