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Delicious grilled barbecue chicken on a plate with sauce and herbs

Grilled BBQ Chicken

A delightful BBQ chicken recipe that transforms ordinary chicken into a flavor-packed, smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy experience perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 6 hours
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Barbecue
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken and Marinade Ingredients
  • 1.75 lbs chicken tenderloins or boneless skinless chicken breasts The star of the dish, tender and juicy, these cuts absorb marinades beautifully.
  • 0.25 cup vegetable oil Helps to seal in moisture and enhance the flavors.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Aromatic and flavorful, elevates the dish.
  • 1.25 teaspoons salt Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.
  • 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements.
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika Imparts a warm, smoky flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin Adds depth to the marinade.
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder For a mild kick that complements the other spices.
  • 0.125 teaspoon cayenne pepper Just a hint of heat to awaken the palate.
  • 1 cup store-bought barbecue sauce or homemade BBQ sauce The finishing touch, sweet and tangy.

Method
 

Preparation of Chicken
  1. If using boneless skinless chicken breasts, pound each breast to an even thickness of ½ inch. Skip this step for chicken tenderloins.
Marinade the Chicken
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, minced garlic, salt, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Add chicken and toss until coated. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 6 hours or up to 24 hours.
Preheat and Prepare the Grill
  1. Preheat the grill to a high setting, ensuring the grates are oiled to prevent sticking.
Grilling the Chicken
  1. Place chicken on the grill and cover for 2-3 minutes. Flip the chicken and brush one side with barbecue sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Serve
  1. Transfer grilled chicken to a serving platter and serve immediately with remaining barbecue sauce on the side.

Notes

For quicker results, marinate for at least 30 minutes. Adjust spices to taste and consider using a smoker for an extra smoky flavor.