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Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This mouthwatering BBQ chicken recipe features juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks generously coated with a flavorful spice rub and tenderly cooked either on the grill or in the oven, finished with a rich caramelized BBQ sauce glaze. Perfect for a family dinner or weekend cookout, this recipe delivers a smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor with succulent, crispy skin.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Spice Rub

  • 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

BBQ Sauce

  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry thoroughly using paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up well during cooking.
  2. Make the Spice Rub: In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to create a balanced sweet and smoky spice mixture.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss them thoroughly to coat evenly with the spice rub.
  4. Massage and Rest: Drizzle olive oil over the coated chicken and massage the rub into the meat. Let the seasoned chicken rest for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  5. Grill Method – Initial Sear: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken skin-side down on the grill for 5-6 minutes to crisp the skin.
  6. Grill Method – Indirect Cooking: Flip the chicken and move it to an area of indirect heat. Continue grilling for about 20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Oven Method – Sear: If using the oven, begin by searing the chicken in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side to develop color and flavor.
  8. Oven Method – Bake: Transfer the seared chicken to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20 minutes.
  9. Apply BBQ Sauce: In the final 5 minutes of cooking (whether on the grill or oven), brush BBQ sauce generously over the chicken. Let it caramelize for a rich glaze.
  10. Flip and Glaze Other Side: Flip the chicken pieces and brush the other side with BBQ sauce, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to caramelize.
  11. Rest Before Serving: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute for maximum juiciness.

Notes

  • For best results, use bone-in skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks for maximum flavor and moisture retention.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity based on your preferred spice level.
  • Using a meat thermometer ensures the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
  • If grilling, monitor the grill heat carefully to avoid flare-ups from dripping marinade or oil.
  • You can substitute the BBQ sauce with your favorite homemade or store-bought variety for customizing flavor.

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Find it online: https://athleticcupping.com/mouthwatering-bbq-chicken-recipe/