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Sticky Grilled BBQ Chicken

Juicy on the inside, sticky and caramelized on the outside — this is backyard BBQ chicken the way it should be.

⏱ 10 minPrep time
🔥 25 minCook time
🍽 6Servings
🏷 DinnerCategory
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Backyard BBQ chicken the way it should be — juicy on the inside, sticky and caramelized on the outside. The trick is layering the glaze in the last few minutes over the fire, so every bite has that sweet, smoky, charred edge.

Sticky, smoky, and finger-licking good

A sweet-and-smoky glaze builds up in layers on the grill for that perfect charred finish — serve with coleslaw, corn on the cob, and plenty of napkins.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Pat the chicken dry and season all over with salt and pepper. Let it sit at room temperature while the grill heats.
  2. Preheat grill to medium (about 375F / 190C). In a bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
  3. Place the chicken skin-side down on the grill, cover, and cook 10-12 minutes, until the skin is crisp and releases easily.
  4. Flip, brush generously with glaze, and cook 8-10 more minutes, brushing every few minutes so the sauce builds up and caramelizes.
  5. When the thickest piece hits 165F / 74C, pull the chicken to the cool side of the grill, brush once more, and rest 5 minutes before serving.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Don't add the sauce too early — sugar burns. Start with dry chicken, get the char, then glaze in the last 10 minutes. Leftovers are incredible chopped over a salad or in a sandwich the next day.

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Recipe details

Prep10 min
Cook25 min
Servings6
CategoryDinner
PublishedAugust 16, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →