Name: Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 lb chicken drumsticks and thighs bone-in skin-on; 1 cup barbecue sauce plus more for serving; 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 2 tablespoons light brown sugar packed; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for heat; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for greasing grill grates

Sticky, smoky, and perfectly charred, this Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken is what summer cookouts and easy weeknight dinners are all about. Every bite is juicy inside with caramelized edges on the outside, thanks to a simple marinade that does the heavy lifting for you.

Whether you’re firing up the grill for a backyard party or just craving classic comfort food without turning on the oven, this BBQ chicken delivers big flavor with very little fuss. Pair it with simple sides, pile it on a bun, or enjoy it straight off the plate—no fancy tools required.

Why You’ll Love This Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken

This recipe hits that sweet spot between easy and impressive. The marinade uses pantry staples you probably already have, but the final flavor tastes like you fussed for hours. Smoky paprika, tangy vinegar, and a touch of brown sugar create a rich sauce that clings to the chicken and turns glossy on the grill.

It’s also incredibly versatile. Use drumsticks, thighs, or a mix of both. Cook it on a gas grill, charcoal grill, or even a grill pan on the stove. You can keep the heat mild for kids or add a little cayenne for a kick that BBQ lovers will appreciate.

What Makes This BBQ Chicken So Juicy?

The secret is a quick marinade plus bone-in, skin-on chicken. The marinade seasons the meat all the way through while the skin protects it from drying out on the grill. As the chicken cooks, the fat under the skin renders and bastes the meat, keeping it tender.

Finishing with layers of BBQ sauce toward the end of cooking also helps. Brushing it on gradually lets the sugars caramelize without burning, building that sticky, finger-licking crust you see in the photo.

Ingredients for the Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken

Before you head to the grill, it’s helpful to understand what each ingredient is doing in this recipe. These simple pantry staples work together to create a balanced, bold BBQ flavor.

Chicken drumsticks and thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
Dark meat stays juicy on the grill and the skin crisps up beautifully while protecting the meat from drying out.

Barbecue sauce
Your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce forms the base of the marinade and glaze, adding sweetness, smokiness, and that familiar BBQ flavor.

Apple cider vinegar
A splash of acidity brightens the sauce and helps tenderize the chicken, keeping each bite flavorful instead of heavy.

Light brown sugar
Adds extra sweetness and encourages caramelization so you get those gorgeous charred, sticky bits on the outside.

Worcestershire sauce
Brings a deep savory note and umami that makes the chicken taste more complex and restaurant-worthy.

Dijon mustard
Gives the sauce a subtle tang and helps emulsify the marinade so it clings nicely to the chicken.

Smoked paprika
Infuses the chicken with a warm, smoky backbone even if you’re cooking on a gas grill instead of charcoal.

Garlic powder
Adds garlicky depth throughout the meat without the risk of fresh garlic burning on the grill.

Onion powder
Rounds out the flavor and adds a mellow sweetness that pairs perfectly with BBQ sauce.

Kosher salt
Essential for seasoning the chicken all the way through and bringing all the flavors into focus.

Freshly ground black pepper
Adds a gentle heat and earthy depth that keeps the sauce from tasting too sweet.

Cayenne pepper (optional)
For those who like a little kick, a pinch of cayenne wakes everything up without overpowering the smoky sweetness.

Vegetable oil
Used to lightly grease the grill grates or pan so the chicken doesn’t stick and the skin can crisp instead of tear.

How To Make the Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken

Once your ingredients are ready, the rest is all about a simple marinade and patient grilling. Take your time with the heat and let the sauce slowly caramelize for the best flavor.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Pat the chicken drumsticks and thighs dry with paper towels and trim any excess skin or large pockets of fat. Drying the surface helps the marinade cling better and encourages browning on the grill.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne if you’re using it. The mixture should taste slightly bold and tangy—some of that intensity mellows as it cooks.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour most of the marinade over them, reserving a small portion for basting later. Toss or massage until every piece is coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 4: Preheat and Oil the Grill

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium or medium-high heat. Clean the grates well, then lightly oil them with vegetable oil using tongs and a folded paper towel. This step prevents sticking and helps you get those beautiful grill marks.

Step 5: Grill the Chicken Low and Slow-ish

Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on the grill over direct heat, skin side down. Cook, turning every few minutes, until the skin begins to crisp and you see some charred spots. Move the pieces to a slightly cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat to medium so the chicken can cook through without burning.

Step 6: Baste With Sauce and Finish Cooking

During the last 10–15 minutes of grilling, begin brushing the chicken with the reserved marinade or extra BBQ sauce, turning and basting in layers. Continue grilling until the thickest part of each piece reaches 165°F and the sauce is glossy and caramelized.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Transfer the cooked chicken to a platter and let it rest for 5–10 minutes so the juices can redistribute. Serve warm with extra BBQ sauce on the side and plenty of napkins—this is delightfully messy chicken.

How to Serve and Store Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken

This recipe is designed to feed about 6 people, making it perfect for a family dinner or a small backyard gathering. You can easily scale the ingredients up or down depending on how many guests you’re feeding.

Serve the chicken hot off the grill alongside your favorite summer sides—think corn on the cob, potato salad, grilled veggies, pasta salad, or a crisp green salad. It’s also fantastic sliced off the bone and piled into sandwiches, wraps, or over rice bowls.

To store leftovers, let the chicken cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a 325°F oven, air fryer, or covered skillet with a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist. Cooked chicken can also be removed from the bone, shredded, and frozen for up to 2 months for quick future meals.

What to Serve With Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken?

Classic Creamy Coleslaw

A cool, crunchy coleslaw balances the smoky, sticky chicken and adds a refreshing bite to your plate.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Brush corn with butter, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and grill until lightly charred for a simple side everyone loves.

Garlic Butter Texas Toast

Thick slices of buttery garlic toast are perfect for soaking up extra BBQ sauce and juices.

Creamy Mac and Cheese

A scoop of ultra-cheesy mac and cheese turns this BBQ chicken into the ultimate comfort food dinner.

Baked Beans

Sweet and smoky baked beans match the BBQ vibes and make the meal feel like a true cookout spread.

Crisp Garden Salad

A simple salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette keeps the plate from feeling too heavy.

Watermelon or Fresh Fruit Salad

Juicy fruit adds a burst of natural sweetness and helps cool things down if you added extra cayenne.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken is your kind of meal, you’ll love exploring more chicken recipes that bring big flavor to the table:

Try the extra cheesy comfort of Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken for a restaurant-style dinner at home.
Warm up with the creamy, cozy goodness of Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan on cooler evenings.
Keep the grill theme going with Homemade Pollo Loco Juicy Chicken Recipes when you’re craving a citrusy twist.
For a hands-off option, make tender, saucy Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes that practically cooks itself.
Switch things up on weeknights with hearty, flavor-packed Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine the whole family will devour.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time you’re planning a cookout or an easy grilled chicken night.

And when you make it, let me know how it turned out. Did you keep it mild or go big with the cayenne? Did you cook it on charcoal, gas, or a grill pan indoors?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Questions are always welcome—let’s help each other cook smarter, not harder.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and even more everyday dinner inspiration on Nora Nosh Recipes. For fresh meal ideas every week, follow along on Pinterest at Nora Nosh Recipes.

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