Bbq Chicken Dinner Recipe
Half chicken, grilled with BBQ sauce.
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Ingredients
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Chicken & Marinade
BBQ Sauce
Grill & Serving
Method
Chicken & Marinade
- 1
Prepare chicken
Pat the half chicken dry with paper towels. Tuck wing tips behind the back and, if the backbone is intact, optionally spatchcock the half chicken for more even cooking (not required).
- 2
Season
In a small bowl combine olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Rub the mixture evenly all over the chicken, including under the skin where possible. Let the chicken rest at room temperature for 20–30 minutes (or refrigerate up to 2 hours).
BBQ Sauce
- 3
Prepare sauce
If using store-bought sauce, stir in the optional honey to add shine and a bit of sweetness. Warm the sauce slightly in a small saucepan over low heat (about 2–3 minutes) to make it easier to brush on the chicken.
Grill & Serving
- 4
Preheat grill
Set up a medium-heat two-zone fire: coals or burners on one side medium-high and the other side low/indirect. Preheat to about 375–425°F (190–220°C). Clean and oil the grates.
- 5
Start cooking
Place the chicken skin-side down over direct/medium heat for 4–6 minutes to render fat and get light char and color. Watch closely to avoid flare-ups; move to indirect heat if it chars too quickly.
- 6
Finish over indirect heat
Transfer the chicken to the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat), skin-side up. Close the lid and cook for 25–35 minutes, turning once halfway, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (not touching bone) reads 165°F (74°C).
- 7
Apply BBQ sauce
In the final 6–8 minutes of cooking, brush a generous layer of warmed BBQ sauce on the chicken, close the lid and allow the sauce to set. Brush a second thin coat 2–3 minutes before removing from the grill for a glossy finish. Avoid adding sauce too early to prevent burning due to the sugars.
- 8
Rest and serve
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for 8–10 minutes to redistribute juices. Slice if desired. Serve with lemon wedges and sprinkle with chopped parsley if using.