Too hot to turn on the oven? This one is for you. Nothing beats a summer evening spent by the grill. But dry chicken can ruin the fun. This extra-juicy grilled BBQ chicken is the solution you need. It makes every bite tender and full of flavor. You will love how easy it is to make. Get ready for the best chicken of your life.
You want dinner to be easy and delicious. This recipe delivers on both counts. It is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any July 4th party. Your family will enjoy the golden skin and tender meat. It is a simple way to upgrade your cookout. Let us get grilling together today.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
The secret is the simple wet brine. It locks in moisture before the chicken hits the heat. This recipe is perfect for busy summer nights. Your family will love the sweet and smoky glaze. It delivers restaurant-quality results at home. You will never have dry chicken again. The brine does all the hard work for you. It is a total game changer for beginners.
This chicken is also very budget-friendly. Thighs and drumsticks are affordable and flavorful. They stay moist better than chicken breasts. You can feed a large group without stress. It is a reliable dish for any summer gathering. Everyone will be asking for your secret recipe.
Simple Cooking Steps
You will start by soaking the chicken in a simple brine. Then, you grill it until the skin is perfectly crispy. A quick glaze at the end adds amazing color. Even beginners can master this easy method. It is simple and stress-free cooking for anyone. You do not need any fancy equipment. Just a grill and some basic pantry staples.
What You Need
Most of these items are likely in your pantry already. Fresh chicken and simple spices make a huge impact.
- 4 lbs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
- 4 cups cold water
- 0.25 cup kosher salt
- 0.25 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp black peppercorns
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Step-by-Step
- In a large container, whisk water, salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, and garlic until solids are dissolved.
- Submerge chicken pieces in brine, cover, and refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Remove chicken from brine, pat completely dry with paper towels, and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400°F) and oil the grates.
- Place chicken skin-side down on the grill for 5 to 7 minutes until skin is crispy and browned.
- Flip chicken and move to a lower heat zone; cook for another 10 to 15 minutes.
- Whisk BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika in a bowl.
- Brush chicken with glaze during the final 5 minutes of cooking, flipping once to caramelize without burning.
- Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a probe thermometer.
- Rest chicken for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this chicken warm right off the grill. It goes great with corn on the cob. Add a fresh coleslaw for a crunch. Set the picnic table and enjoy the sun. This is summer dining at its best for families. You can also serve it with potato salad. Cold watermelon is a perfect dessert pairing. Light a candle and enjoy a lovely evening.
Keep It Fresh
Store any leftovers in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for three days. Reheat them in the oven to keep the skin crispy. You can even shred the meat for salads. It makes easy weekday lunches for everyone. Do not use the microwave if you want crispy skin. A quick toast in the oven works wonders. It tastes just as good the next day.
Tips for Best Results
Make It Your Own
Common Questions
How long should I brine the chicken?
Two hours is the sweet spot for flavor. Do not go over four hours. The texture can become too soft if left longer. It is the perfect amount of time for moisture.
Can I use a gas grill?
Yes, you can use gas or charcoal. Just keep the heat steady at 400 degrees. Move the chicken to the cooler side once browned. It works perfectly on any grill type.
Will kids like this recipe?
Most kids love the sweet BBQ glaze. It is a very kid-friendly dinner option. You can use a mild sauce for them. They will love the tender, juicy meat.
I hope this recipe brings your family together this summer. There is nothing like a good backyard BBQ. Give it a try and enjoy every juicy bite.
— Lidia
Extra-Juicy Grilled BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 lbs bone -in skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
- 4 cups cold water
- 0.25 cup kosher salt
- 0.25 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp black peppercorns
- 2 cloves garlic , smashed
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a large container, whisk water, salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, and garlic until solids are dissolved.
- Submerge chicken pieces in brine, cover, and refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Remove chicken from brine, pat completely dry with paper towels, and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400°F) and oil the grates.
- Place chicken skin-side down on the grill for 5 to 7 minutes until skin is crispy and browned.
- Flip chicken and move to a lower heat zone; cook for another 10 to 15 minutes.
- Whisk BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika in a bowl.
- Brush chicken with glaze during the final 5 minutes of cooking, flipping once to caramelize without burning.
- Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a probe thermometer.
- Rest chicken for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
