The Tastiest BBQ Chicken (Easy Recipe with Classic Flavors!) Recipe is the perfect way to bring people together over a meal that bursts with smoky, sweet, and savory goodness. Imagine tender pieces of chicken, marinated in a vibrant mix of spices and sweet BBQ sauces, grilled to perfection alongside colorful peppers and onions. This recipe combines classic BBQ flavors with a simple, straightforward method that guarantees juicy, flavorful chicken every time you fire up the grill. Whether you’re a backyard BBQ master or a first-time griller, this recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential for capturing the true essence of this BBQ chicken wonder. Each ingredient adds its own unique touch, from seasoning that creates depth of flavor, to fresh vegetables that bring color and crunch, and the BBQ sauce that ties everything together with its sweet and smoky magic.
- 7 chicken breasts: Trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces, these form the hearty protein base for the dish.
- 1 yellow pepper: Bright and slightly sweet, adding vibrant color and a fresh crunch to the skewers.
- 1 red pepper: Adds a pop of color and a subtly sweeter pepper flavor that balances beautifully with the chicken.
- 1 large red onion: Provides a savory bite and caramelizes slightly on the grill for extra flavor complexity.
- 1 tbsp salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors in the dish.
- 1 tbsp Mrs. Dash Seasoning: A salt-free blend that adds fragrant herbs and spices for a balanced taste.
- 1 tbsp Grill Mates Smokehouse Maple Seasoning: Introduces a smoky, maple-infused sweetness that’s irresistible.
- ½ tsp black ground pepper: A subtle kick of heat and a peppery aroma that complements the BBQ flavors.
- 1½ cups Sweet BBQ Sauce: The star of the show, this sauce coats the chicken in rich, tangy sweetness during marination.
- ½ cup BBQ Sauce (for brushing): Used during grilling, it adds layers of flavor and helps create that perfect sticky glaze.
How to Make The Tastiest BBQ Chicken (Easy Recipe with Classic Flavors!) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Seasoning
Start by mixing all your seasoning ingredients on a large plate so you can evenly coat the chicken later. Trim away any excess fat from the chicken breasts and cut them into 1-inch pieces for quick, even cooking. Give the pieces a good rinse and let them drain, which helps the marinade absorb better.
Step 2: Prep Your Vegetables
Wash the peppers thoroughly, then chop them into neat squares that are roughly the same size as your chicken pieces to ensure even grilling. Peel the red onion and slice it into hearty chunks that won’t fall apart on the grill. Combine the veggies with your chicken in a large bowl, ready for seasoning.
Step 3: Marinate with Flavor
Sprinkle your seasoning mix over the chicken and vegetables evenly to infuse every bite with incredible flavor. Next, pour in the 1½ cups of Sweet BBQ Sauce and mix everything well until each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and pop it into the refrigerator to marinate for at least 6 hours—this step is crucial to create those deep, classic BBQ flavors.
Step 4: Skewer the Chicken and Veggies
Once marinated, it’s time to get those ingredients ready for the grill. Thread the chicken pieces and vegetables alternately onto metal skewers or wooden skewers soaked in water, which helps prevent burning. These skewers make grilling easier and give you lovely presentation on the plate.
Step 5: Start Grilling
Preheat your grill to a medium-high setting, then reduce the heat to low once it reaches temperature to cook the chicken gently and evenly. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 15 minutes before flipping to ensure beautiful grill marks and even cooking.
Step 6: Brush and Continue Grilling
With one flip done, brush the skewers generously with the reserved BBQ sauce to lock in moisture and deepen the caramelization. Grill for another 15 minutes before flipping again, brushing the other side this time. Continue grilling for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the edges have that irresistible, slightly charred finish.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the skewers from the grill and serve them hot alongside your favorite sides. The tender, smoky chicken combined with sweet and colorful peppers is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion.
How to Serve The Tastiest BBQ Chicken (Easy Recipe with Classic Flavors!) Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your BBQ chicken, consider sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the top right before serving. A squeeze of fresh lime juice can brighten the smoky flavors even more, creating a lovely balance between sweet and tangy.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with classic BBQ sides like creamy coleslaw, buttery corn on the cob, or a crisp garden salad. For something heartier, try serving with garlic mashed potatoes or a smoky baked bean dish to complement the deep flavors of your chicken skewers.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your chicken and vegetable skewers over fluffy rice or even inside warm pita bread with a drizzle of BBQ sauce and a dollop of cooling ranch or yogurt sauce. Presentation is all about making the familiar exciting and inviting, so don’t be afraid to experiment with plating styles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days without losing flavor or moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked BBQ chicken skewers by wrapping each skewer tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’re best consumed within 2 months for maximum freshness and taste.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the skewers in a low oven or on the grill to avoid drying out the chicken. You can also microwave them covered with a damp paper towel for a quick meal, though the grill method will best maintain that delicious char and texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat and tend to stay juicier on the grill. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a little longer to cook through.
Do I have to marinate for 6 hours?
While 6 hours is ideal for deep flavor, even 1 to 2 hours will boost the taste and tenderness. If you’re short on time, just increase seasoning slightly and keep an eye on grilling time.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
A sweet, smoky BBQ sauce complements this recipe perfectly. Feel free to use your favorite brand or homemade sauce, but avoid overly spicy ones if you want to keep the classic flavor profile.
Can I cook this recipe indoors?
Yes! You can use a grill pan or broiler to cook the skewers indoors, but keep a close watch to prevent burning, and turn skewers frequently for even cooking.
Are wooden skewers necessary?
Wooden skewers work well if soaked beforehand to prevent burning, but metal skewers are even better if you have them—they’re reusable and conduct heat, helping the chicken cook from the inside as well.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-follow, and absolutely delicious recipe, don’t hesitate to try The Tastiest BBQ Chicken (Easy Recipe with Classic Flavors!) Recipe. It’s a feast of mouthwatering flavors wrapped up with simple, fresh ingredients that will have everyone asking for seconds. Fire up the grill, grab your skewers, and get ready to impress friends and family with this classic BBQ delight.
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The Tastiest BBQ Chicken (Easy Recipe with Classic Flavors!) Recipe
- Prep Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy and flavorful BBQ Chicken recipe features tender chunks of chicken breasts and colorful peppers marinated in a rich blend of spices and sweet BBQ sauce. Grilled to perfection, these skewers offer a classic smoky taste with a slightly charred finish, perfect for summer gatherings or a delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 7 chicken breasts, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow pepper, cut into squares
- 1 red pepper, cut into squares
- 1 large red onion, peeled and cut into chunks
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp Mrs. Dash Seasoning
- 1 tbsp Grill Mates Smokehouse Maple Seasoning
- ½ tsp black ground pepper
- 1½ cups Sweet BBQ Sauce
- ½ cup BBQ Sauce (for brushing during grilling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Seasoning and Chicken: Mix all the seasonings (salt, Mrs. Dash, Grill Mates Smokehouse Maple Seasoning, black pepper) on a large plate. Trim any fat from the chicken breasts, rinse and drain, then cut into 1-inch pieces.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and cut the yellow and red peppers into squares. Peel and chunk the red onion. Combine all vegetables with the chicken in a large bowl.
- Marinate: Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Add 1½ cups of Sweet BBQ Sauce and mix thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 6 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces and vegetables alternately onto metal or pre-soaked wooden skewers, ensuring even distribution.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat, then reduce to low heat before placing the skewers on the grill to avoid burning.
- Grill the Skewers: Grill the skewers for 15 minutes on one side, then flip them over.
- Brush with BBQ Sauce and Continue Grilling: Brush the skewers with ½ cup of BBQ sauce, grill for another 15 minutes, flip again, brush the other side, and grill an additional 10–15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred.
- Serve: Remove skewers from the grill and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken for a full 6 hours or overnight to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
- You can customize the vegetables by adding mushrooms or zucchini if desired.
- Ensure the internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Leftover skewers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the grill or oven.
