BBQ chicken is a staple dish in many households and a beloved favorite of meat lovers worldwide. Whether you prefer a charcoal grill’s smoky flavor or a gas grill’s ease, there’s nothing quite like biting into a juicy, flavorful piece of perfectly cooked BBQ chicken. However, with so many different methods and techniques, finding the perfect recipe can be overwhelming. If you’re on the hunt for a foolproof and delicious BBQ chicken recipe that is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress, you’re in luck. In this blog, we’ll walk you through creating a mouth-watering BBQ chicken that will have your taste buds singing with delight. Get ready to learn the tips and tricks to making the best BBQ chicken you’ve ever tasted!

Can we make BBQ sauce at home?

Yes, you can definitely make BBQ sauce at home. You can try many different recipes and experiment with different ingredients to create your own blend. However, most homemade BBQ sauce is a mixture of:

• 1 ½ cups Ketchup
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup vinegar
• ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 2 tbsp mustard powder
• 1 tbsp paprika powder
• 2 tbsp garlic powder
• Water as required

Why is brining BBQ chicken crucial?

You might find brining an unnecessary step in making BBQ chicken, but when you brine chicken, you can feel the difference in its texture and flavor. Here is why you should brine your chicken:

• The brine helps to break down the proteins in the chicken, which allows the meat to absorb more moisture and flavor. This helps to keep the chicken moist during cooking, even at high temperatures.
• The brine can also help to add flavor to the chicken, as the seasoning in the brine will penetrate the meat. This means that even if you use a simple seasoning rub or sauce on the outside of the chicken, the meat itself will still be flavorful.
• Brining can also help ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. The brine can help to kill off any bacteria that may be present on the surface of the chicken.

Why do we baste BBQ sauce over chicken?

Basting BBQ sauce over chicken while cooking is a crucial step in creating the perfect BBQ chicken. There are a few reasons why:

• Basting helps to add flavor to the chicken. As the BBQ sauce is brushed onto the chicken, it seeps into the meat and infuses it with flavor.
• Basting helps to keep the chicken moist. BBQ chicken can easily dry out during the cooking process, especially if it’s being cooked over high heat. By basting the chicken with sauce, you help to lock in moisture and prevent the meat from becoming dry and tough.
• Basting helps to create a beautiful, caramelized crust on the chicken. As the sauce cooks, it caramelizes and creates a sticky, crispy exterior on the chicken.

BBQ Chicken– The recipe

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Additional Time: 12 hours

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Total time: 12 hours 30 minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients

4 lb. skinless & bone-in chicken thighs, excess fat trimmed

2 cups BBQ sauce

Salt to taste

For the brine:

2 cups beer of choice

1 tbsp. salt

For the dry rub:

3 tbsp. brown sugar

1 ½ tsp. chili powder

1 ½ tsp. ground cumin

1 ½ tsp. garlic powder

1 ½ tsp. mustard powder

1 ½ tsp. onion powder

1 ½ tsp. smoked paprika

½ tsp. ground black pepper

BBQ chicken Preparation

1. To prepare dry rub, add brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, mustard powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl, mix well, and set aside.
2. Pour beer into a plastic bag with Ziploc, add salt, and mix well. Then add chicken to the bag and ensure the beer mixture fully covers the chicken. Could you leave it to Brine for at least 12 hours?
3. Prepare the gas grill and preheat the direct and indirect sides for 15 minutes. If you are using a charcoal grill, preheat it for 30 minutes.
4. Once the grill is ready, take the chicken out of the brine; pat dry using a paper towel and season generously with salt and dry rub.
5. Place the seasoned chicken on the indirect side of the grill, close to the fire but not over direct heat. Grill the chicken for 15 to 40 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 150 degrees F while turning it 180 degrees every 15 minutes.
6. Move the chicken to the grill’s direct heat side, baste the BBQ sauce onto the chicken using a pastry brush, and cook for 2 minutes.
7. Flip the chicken, baste the second side with BBQ sauce, and cook for another 2 minutes. Repeat basting and cooking 2 to 3 times until desired char and sauce level is achieved and the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F.
8. Once the chicken is ready, take it off the grill and leave it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Then serve the chicken with extra BBQ sauce and your favorite side dishes.