13 Best and Most Delicious Barbecue Chicken Recipes to Try at Home

Barbecue chicken always feels like the start of something fun, especially when the smell of smoky sauce hits the grill, and everyone suddenly shows up asking when it’s ready asI love how relaxed this kind of cooking is.

I like serving barbecue chicken with a mix of familiar comfort and fresh balance, such as a classic potato salad or a crisp green salad to cut through the richness. Building on earlier ideas, it also pairs well with coconut water drinks for a light and refreshing option. For new pairings, I enjoy adding grilled corn with chili butter or a simple watermelon and feta salad, because those sides keep the meal bright, summery, and perfect for sharing without feeling heavy.

13. Classic Grilled Barbecue Chicken

There is nothing quite like the taste of juicy grilled chicken coated with smoky barbecue sauce and cooked until perfectly charred so this classic dish tops many people’s lists of favorite barbecue chicken recipes because it’s simple and always delicious. It works great for weekend cookouts or easy family dinners because it brings everyone together around irresistible flavor.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs or drumsticks
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
2. Brush the chicken with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Grill the chicken for about 6–8 minutes per side until fully cooked.
4. Brush on the barbecue sauce and grill for an extra 2–3 minutes to caramelize.
5. Serve hot and enjoy with your favorite side dish.

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12. Oven-Baked Barbecue Chicken

When the weather keeps you indoors or you simply want less cleanup then this easy oven-baked version is one of the most comforting barbecue chicken recipes you can make because it turns out tender and saucy every single time. The chicken slowly bakes in the oven and the sauce becomes thick, sticky, and full of smoky sweetness that’s impossible to resist.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts or thighs
• 1½ cups barbecue sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the chicken in a baking dish and season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour barbecue sauce mixed with honey over the chicken.
4. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until cooked through.
5. Baste halfway through and serve warm.

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11. Barbecue Chicken Skewers

If you want something fun and easy to eat then these colorful skewers are a great pick from the barbecue chicken recipes list because they combine juicy chicken pieces with bell peppers and onions for a perfect grill combo. Every bite is smoky, sweet, and slightly crisp which makes it a favorite for parties and picnics.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts (cubed)
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 onion
• Skewers

Directions

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread the chicken and vegetables onto skewers.
3. Brush everything generously with barbecue sauce.
4. Grill for 10–12 minutes, turning and basting often.
5. Serve hot with extra sauce.

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10. Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches

Nothing beats a soft sandwich stuffed with shredded chicken covered in smoky sauce because this recipe gives you that comforting flavor of barbecue chicken recipes in a quick handheld meal. It’s perfect for lunches, picnics, or quick dinners because it’s both satisfying and easy to make.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 4 burger buns
• 1 tbsp butter
• Pickles or coleslaw for topping

Directions

1. Heat shredded chicken with barbecue sauce in a pan.
2. Toast the burger buns with butter.
3. Pile the saucy chicken onto the buns.
4. Add pickles or coleslaw on top.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy.

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9. Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken

When you want flavor without the effort then this slow cooker version is one of the easiest barbecue chicken recipes you’ll ever make because all you do is set it and forget it. The sauce becomes thick and the chicken turns out incredibly tender so it’s perfect for busy days or lazy weekends.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp garlic powder

Directions

1. Place chicken in the slow cooker.
2. Mix sauce, sugar, Worcestershire, and garlic powder then pour over chicken.
3. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
4. Shred the chicken once cooked.
5. Serve with rice or in sandwiches.

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8. Barbecue Chicken Pizza

If you want a creative twist on barbecue chicken recipes then this pizza version combines smoky sauce, cheese, and juicy chicken on a crispy crust which makes it a crowd-pleaser every time. It’s cheesy, tangy, and perfect for pizza night at home.

Ingredients

• 1 pizza dough
• ½ cup barbecue sauce
• 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• ½ red onion (sliced)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Spread barbecue sauce over the dough.
3. Add chicken, cheese, and onion slices.
4. Bake for 10–12 minutes until crust is golden.
5. Sprinkle cilantro before serving.

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7. Honey Barbecue Chicken Wings

Sticky, sweet, and smoky wings are a must for every game day because this dish stands out among all barbecue chicken recipes thanks to its perfect balance of flavor and crispiness. They’re easy to make and always disappear fast once they hit the table.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken wings
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix barbecue sauce, honey, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
3. Coat wings evenly and place on a lined baking sheet.
4. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and sticky.
5. Serve warm with dipping sauce.

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6. Barbecue Chicken Salad

For a lighter take on barbecue chicken recipes, this colorful salad mixes smoky chicken with crunchy greens and creamy dressing so it’s both healthy and full of flavor. It’s great for lunches or quick dinners when you want something fresh but still satisfying.

Ingredients

• 2 grilled barbecue chicken breasts
• 4 cups mixed greens
• ½ cup corn
• ½ cup black beans
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes
• Ranch or barbecue dressing

Directions

1. Slice grilled chicken and set aside.
2. Arrange greens, corn, beans, and tomatoes in a bowl.
3. Add the sliced chicken on top.
4. Drizzle with dressing.
5. Toss lightly before serving.

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5. Barbecue Chicken Tacos

If you love tacos then this version turns barbecue chicken recipes into handheld bites of smoky joy because the saucy chicken pairs perfectly with crunchy slaw and soft tortillas for a fun dinner idea everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded barbecue chicken
• 6 small tortillas
• 1 cup coleslaw
• ½ cup cheddar cheese
• Lime wedges

Directions

1. Warm the tortillas.
2. Add chicken and top with slaw and cheese.
3. Squeeze fresh lime juice on top.
4. Fold and serve warm.

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4. Barbecue Chicken Nachos

This dish transforms leftover barbecue chicken recipes into a snack that’s gooey, crunchy, and absolutely delicious because the melted cheese and smoky sauce blend perfectly over crispy tortilla chips. It’s the ideal party or movie-night treat.

Ingredients

• Tortilla chips
• 1 cup shredded barbecue chicken
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• ¼ cup jalapeño slices
• Sour cream and salsa

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layer chips, chicken, and cheese on a tray.
3. Bake for 8–10 minutes until cheese melts.
4. Add jalapeños, sour cream, and salsa.
5. Serve immediately.

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3. Barbecue Chicken Wraps

Wraps make an easy lunch or dinner and these are among the tastiest barbecue chicken recipes because they combine smoky chicken with crisp lettuce and creamy sauce in every bite. They’re quick to prepare and travel-friendly too.

Ingredients

• 2 cups barbecue chicken
• 4 large tortillas
• 1 cup lettuce
• ½ cup ranch dressing
• ½ cup shredded cheese

Directions

1. Lay out the tortillas.
2. Add lettuce, chicken, and cheese.
3. Drizzle with dressing.
4. Roll tightly and slice in half.
5. Serve cold or warm.

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2. Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks

Juicy drumsticks coated in rich sauce always stand out among barbecue chicken recipes because they’re easy to make and taste amazing on the grill or in the oven. Each bite has a perfect balance of smoky and sweet flavor.

Ingredients

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Preheat the grill or oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Brush drumsticks with olive oil and season.
3. Cook for 30 minutes turning occasionally.
4. Baste with barbecue sauce and cook another 5–10 minutes.
5. Serve hot.

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1. Spicy Barbecue Chicken Thighs

If you like a little heat in your food then this recipe will be your new favorite because it adds a spicy twist to classic barbecue chicken recipes and creates bold flavor that’s smoky and fiery at the same time. It’s great for those who love food with a kick.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs
• 1 cup spicy barbecue sauce
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• Olive oil, salt, and pepper

Directions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Rub chicken with oil, chili, and cayenne.
3. Grill for 6–7 minutes per side.
4. Brush with spicy barbecue sauce.
5. Serve with extra sauce on the side.

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Conclusion

These barbecue chicken recipes prove that smoky, saucy, and tender chicken never goes out of style because each idea here brings a unique twist that you can easily make at home. If you enjoyed these recipes and want more delicious food inspiration then don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for weekly updates and tasty ideas!