Grilled BBQ Chicken with Chipotle BBQ Sauce Recipe
Smoky, spicy and tangy, this Grilled BBQ Chicken with Homemade BBQ Sauce is mouthwatering! The BBQ Sauce can be made from scratch or use store-bought for a quick version.
How to Make the Best Grilled BBQ Chicken with Chipotle BBQ Sauce
Nothing says summer quite like the smoky aroma of grilled BBQ chicken wafting through the backyard. This recipe pairs perfectly seasoned bone-in chicken with a tangy chipotle BBQ sauce that brings just the right amount of heat and sweetness to every bite.
The secret to incredible BBQ chicken on the grill is the two-zone cooking method—starting with a hot sear to get that beautiful char, then finishing low and slow to let the meat cook through without burning the sauce. This technique ensures your chicken is perfectly caramelized on the outside while staying incredibly juicy on the inside.
Whether you’re hosting a Fourth of July cookout or just craving some classic American BBQ, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results every time. Make a batch of homemade chipotle BBQ sauce to take it to the next level, or save time with your favorite store-bought brand—either way, you’re in for a treat.
Grilled BBQ Chicken with Chipotle BBQ Sauce
Smoky, spicy and tangy, this Grilled BBQ Chicken with Homemade BBQ Sauce is mouthwatering! The BBQ Sauce can be made from scratch or use store-bought for a quick version.
Ingredients
BBQ Chicken
BBQ Sauce
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken on all sides with salt and pepper. If possible, season a day in advance and refrigerate overnight for best results.
Grill the Chicken
- Heat grill to medium-high and grease the grates. If using a coal grill, place hot coals on one side, leaving one side free of coals to create a hot side and a cool side.
- Lay the chicken skin side down on the hot grill, turning as needed to get a good sear on all sides. Be careful not to burn—this should take about 20 minutes.
- Turn the grill to low, or move the chicken pieces to a cooler spot on the grill. Cover and let cook low and slow for 30-40 minutes, turning and basting with a thin layer of BBQ sauce, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches 185F-200F. Baste again.
- Turn the grill up to high and give the skin side one quick hot sear to crisp it up. Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a quick cheater version, use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce instead of homemade.
- The low and slow method ensures the chicken stays juicy while developing that signature smoky BBQ flavor.
- Internal temperature should reach 185F-200F for fall-off-the-bone tender chicken.
