Easy BBQ Chicken Recipe for Weeknight Grilling

That mouthwatering BBQ flavor doesn't have to wait for the weekend. This simple, delicious BBQ chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen. With minimal prep work, basic ingredients, and quick cooking time, you'll have a flavorful dinner on the table in under 30 minutes that the whole family will love.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Nights

When time is tight but you still crave that smoky, char-grilled goodness, this easy BBQ chicken recipe delivers:

• Only 5 core ingredients needed

• Can be prepped in the morning or night before

• Cooks in less than 20 minutes

• Minimal cleanup required

• Kid-approved flavor that adults love too

Ingredients You'll Need

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 tablespoons of your chosen BBQ Rub

• ½ cup Sweet & Smoky BBQ Sauce

• Optional flavor boosters: 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon honey

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels (this helps the seasoning stick better). Drizzle with olive oil and rub it all over each piece. Generously sprinkle your BBQ rub on both sides of the chicken, pressing it in gently to adhere. For extra flavor, you can add a touch of garlic powder and smoked paprika.

Time-saving tip: You can do this step in the morning or even the night before. Simply store the seasoned chicken covered in the refrigerator until grilling time.

Step 2: Heat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F). For gas grills, this means turning the burners to medium-high and letting it heat for about 10 minutes with the lid closed. If you're using charcoal, light the coals and wait until they're covered with gray ash.

Make sure to clean and oil your grates to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Grill It Up

Place the seasoned chicken on the preheated grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your chicken pieces, but boneless thighs typically take 12-14 minutes total.

During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken with BBQ sauce on both sides. This prevents the sauce from burning while still allowing it to caramelize slightly.

For food safety, always ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. A good meat thermometer is your best friend here!

Step 4: Let It Rest & Serve

Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest on a plate or cutting board for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.

Serve your BBQ chicken with an extra drizzle of sauce if desired, alongside simple sides like grilled corn on the cob, a quick coleslaw, or some crispy roasted potatoes.

Pro Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken

• Use a meat thermometer - The most reliable way to ensure juicy chicken that's also safely cooked

• Don't rush the preheating - A properly heated grill gives you those beautiful grill marks and prevents sticking

• Add sauce at the end - BBQ sauce contains sugar that can burn if applied too early

• For extra tang, mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into your BBQ sauce before brushing

• Keep the lid closed while grilling to trap that wonderful smoky flavor

Quick Variations to Try

Spicy BBQ Chicken

Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to your rub or mix hot sauce into your BBQ sauce for a kick that'll wake up your taste buds.

Honey-Glazed BBQ Chicken

Mix 2 tablespoons of honey into your BBQ sauce for a sweeter, stickier glaze that caramelizes beautifully.

Smoky Maple BBQ Chicken

Replace some of the BBQ sauce with real maple syrup and add extra smoked paprika to the rub for a unique flavor profile.

What to Serve With It

Turn your weeknight BBQ chicken into a complete meal with these quick sides:

• Classic potato salad (store-bought saves time!)

• Grilled vegetable skewers

• Buttery corn on the cob

• Simple green salad

• Garlic bread or Texas toast

For more side dish inspiration, check out our 5-Minute BBQ Side Dishes blog post.

Must-Have Grilling Tools

Make your weeknight grilling even easier with these essential tools from Mathews BBQ Supply:

• Instant-Read Digital Meat Thermometer - Never guess if your chicken is done again

• Silicone BBQ Basting Brush - Heat-resistant and easy to clean

• Non-Stick Grill Mats - Perfect for smaller or delicate items

Final Thoughts

This easy BBQ chicken recipe proves that delicious, home-grilled meals don't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With just a few minutes of prep and about 15 minutes on the grill, you can enjoy restaurant-quality BBQ chicken any night of the week.

Try this recipe this week and tag us in your BBQ creations @MathewsBBQSupply on Instagram! We love seeing what you're grilling up.

Need to stock up on grilling essentials? Visit our online store or stop by our location for everything from premium rubs and sauces to professional-grade grilling tools.

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Recipe Card

Easy Weeknight BBQ Chicken

Prep Time: 10 minutesCook Time: 15 minutesTotal Time: 25 minutes Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 tbsp BBQ rub

• ½ cup BBQ sauce

• Optional: garlic powder, smoked paprika, honey

Instructions:

1. Pat chicken dry and rub with oil and seasonings

2. Preheat grill to medium-high (375-400°F)

3. Grill chicken 6-7 minutes per side

4. Brush with BBQ sauce during the last 2-3 minutes

5. Remove when internal temperature reaches 165°F

6. Rest for 5 minutes before serving

   
   

Notes:

For best results, let the seasoned chicken sit for at least 15 minutes before grilling, or prep it in the morning for even more flavor.