Grill BBQ Chicken the Best Way for Juicy, Bold Flavor

Grilling BBQ chicken sounds easy, but it’s also easy to mess up. 

Burnt skin, dry meat, or uneven cooking can ruin a good meal. 

So, what’s the best way to cook BBQ chicken on the grill?

You’re in the right place.

In this guide, we’ll show you the exact steps to make juicy, flavorful BBQ chicken every single time — whether you're using gas or charcoal. 

It's simple, it works, and it's delicious.

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Start With the Right Chicken

You can use drumsticks, thighs, breasts, or even wings. 

Bone-in chicken pieces work best for grilling. 

They stay juicy longer and are harder to overcook.

If you’re using breasts, try to pick ones that are similar in size. 

This helps them cook evenly. And if they’re really thick, consider pounding them a little to flatten them out.

Marinade for Maximum Flavor

Before grilling, marinate your chicken for at least 2 hours — or overnight if possible. 

A great BBQ chicken marinade includes:

• Oil (like olive or canola)

• Something tangy (like vinegar or lemon juice)

• A touch of sweetness (like honey or brown sugar)

• Salt, pepper, and your favorite spices

This helps the chicken stay juicy and adds tons of flavor. 

If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes of marinating is better than nothing.

Preheat Your Grill the Right Way

Set your gas grill to medium heat — around 350°F to 375°F. 

For charcoal, light the coals and wait until they turn gray with a little white ash.

Make sure to create two zones. 

One side should be direct heat for searing. 

The other side should be cooler for slower cooking. 

This method gives you more control and helps prevent burning the sauce.

Start Without Sauce

This part is key. 

If you brush BBQ sauce on raw chicken too soon, it’ll burn before the meat is fully cooked. 

The sugars in the sauce caramelize fast — great for flavor but bad for timing.

Start by grilling your chicken without sauce. 

Place it skin-side down over indirect heat. 

Cover the grill and let it cook slowly.

Turn the pieces every 5–7 minutes to avoid burning and get an even cook. 

You’ll want to cook the chicken for about 25 to 30 minutes total, depending on the size.

Check the Internal Temperature

Undercooked chicken is unsafe, and overcooked chicken is dry. 

The perfect target? 

165°F in the thickest part of the meat. 

This is the USDA-recommended safe temp for chicken.

To make it super easy, we like using the Easy Function Meat Temperature Magnet Chart. 

Stick it to your grill or fridge and always know your temps at a glance.

Once your chicken hits 160°F, it’s time for the final step.

Finish With Sauce and Sear

Now’s the time to brush on that BBQ sauce. 

Move your chicken to the direct heat side of the grill.

Brush sauce on one side, sear it for 2–3 minutes, then flip and repeat. 

This gives you that smoky, sticky, charred crust that makes BBQ chicken taste amazing.

Don't walk away — this part goes fast. 

Keep the lid open and use tongs to move the pieces around if needed.

Let It Rest

Once it’s saucy and slightly charred, take the chicken off the grill. 

Let it rest on a clean plate for about 5 minutes before serving. 

This lets the juices settle and keeps your chicken moist.

Grill Cleanup Tip

Once the grill cools slightly, scrape off any leftover sauce or chicken bits. 

Using a wire brush can leave behind dangerous bristles.

That’s why many grillers now prefer wood grill scrapers — a safe, bristle-free tool that works on all grill types. 

It’s compact, tough, and safer for your next BBQ.

Buy Easy Function Wood Grill Scraper - Amazon USA

Buy Easy Function Wood Grill Scraper - Amazon Canada

Final Thoughts

The best way to make BBQ chicken on the grill is all about low and slow, using indirect heat first, and finishing strong with sauce and sear. 

Keep your heat in check, don’t rush it, and always use a meat thermometer for best results.

Want to take your BBQ game further?

👉 Click the image below to check out our full range of Easy Function grill tools, magnets, and accessories.

Your grill deserves it. 

So does your chicken.