How to Make BBQ Fried Chicken That’s Crispy, Juicy, and Packed with Flavor

Craving crispy fried chicken with a smoky twist?

BBQ fried chicken brings the best of both worlds — crunchy coating and sweet, tangy barbecue flavor.

Whether you’re cooking for a backyard gathering or just want something bold for dinner, this guide will walk you through how to make BBQ fried chicken step-by-step.

It’s easy, delicious, and worth every bite.

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What Is BBQ Fried Chicken?

BBQ fried chicken is simply classic Southern-style fried chicken coated or tossed in BBQ sauce after frying.

Some recipes even marinate the chicken in BBQ spices before frying for deeper flavor.

The end result?

Crunchy on the outside, juicy inside, and dripping with sweet, smoky, or spicy BBQ flavor — your choice!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we begin, gather these simple ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs bone-in chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or wings)

• 2 cups buttermilk

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

For the Coating:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup cornstarch (for extra crunch)

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp pepper

• 1 tsp onion powder

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil (enough for deep frying)

For the BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce (smoky, spicy, or sweet)

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp honey (optional for sweetness)

• A splash of hot sauce (optional for heat)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken in a bowl or zip-top bag.

Pour in buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne.

Mix well so each piece is coated.

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

This makes the chicken tender and adds flavor from the inside out.

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Want to take your chicken to the next level before it even hits the fryer? Here’s how to BBQ marinated chicken like a pro.

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Prep the Coating

In a large bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and onion powder.

Take each chicken piece from the marinade, let excess drip off, and dredge it well in the dry mix.

Press firmly so the coating sticks.

Let the coated pieces rest on a rack for about 15 minutes.

This helps the coating stay on during frying.

Heat the Oil

In a heavy pan or deep fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).

Use a thermometer for accuracy.

If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks.

Gently place chicken in the oil, a few pieces at a time.

Don’t overcrowd the pan.

Fry until golden brown and crispy — about 10–14 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces.

Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Place fried chicken on a wire rack (not paper towels) to drain and stay crispy.

Tip: Keep Your Grill Area Clean

If you're cooking outside or near a grill, you’ll want to keep your BBQ area spotless.

The Easy Function Wood Grill Scraper is a great alternative to wire brushes — it cleans tough grill grates without leaving behind dangerous bristles.

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Make the BBQ Sauce

While the chicken cools slightly, heat your BBQ sauce in a pan over low heat.

Add butter and honey for extra richness and sweetness.

Stir until smooth and glossy.

You can make your own sauce, but your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce works great, too.

Toss or Brush the Chicken

Now comes the fun part.

You’ve got two options:

Option 1: Toss the fried chicken in a large bowl with warm BBQ sauce until coated.

Option 2: Use a brush to glaze each piece with sauce for a lighter coating and crispier bite.

Either way, serve right away while it’s hot and sticky!

Best Sides for BBQ Fried Chicken

Pair your BBQ fried chicken with these all-time favorite sides:

• Creamy coleslaw

• Cornbread or biscuits

• Baked beans

• Mac and cheese

• Grilled corn on the cob

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Curious about the calorie count when BBQ meets your favorite comfort food? Check out how many calories are in BBQ chicken pizza — you might be surprised!

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Final Tips

• For extra flavor, season the flour coating with a bit of BBQ dry rub.

• Want a smoky flavor without a grill? Add liquid smoke to your sauce.

• Prefer air-frying? You can air fry the chicken and brush on the BBQ sauce after.

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