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As the summer sun shines down, there’s no better way to celebrate than with sizzling BBQ chicken recipes.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard party, enjoying a family meal, or simply craving that smoky, charred flavor, these recipes will bring a burst of deliciousness to your summer gatherings.
From tangy marinades to sweet and spicy glazes, BBQ chicken offers endless variations that can cater to all tastes.
These recipes not only provide mouthwatering flavors but also promise to elevate your BBQ game, offering options that are both easy to prepare and perfect for sharing with loved ones.
With 29+ summer BBQ chicken recipes to explore, you’ll have everything you need to make every cookout unforgettable.
29+ Irresistible Summer BBQ Chicken Recipes for Perfect Grilled Flavor
BBQ chicken is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings family and friends together.
Whether you love your chicken sweet, tangy, or with a bit of heat, these 29+ summer BBQ chicken recipes offer something for every palate.
From classic barbecue styles to inventive twists, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy your grilled chicken this season.
Grab your tongs, fire up the grill, and get ready to serve up some unforgettable flavors.
BBQ Chicken Thighs
BBQ Chicken Thighs are a smoky, succulent delight perfect for your summer grill sessions.
The crispy skin contrasts with the juicy, tender meat, while the tangy barbecue sauce adds layers of flavor with every bite.
This recipe is easy to make and delivers a satisfying depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with coleslaw or grilled vegetables.
The smoky aroma from the grill invites everyone to gather around, making this a true crowd-pleaser.
Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated with a sweet, smoky sauce.
As the drumsticks sizzle over the heat, the aroma of caramelizing barbecue sauce fills the air, teasing your taste buds.
Each bite offers a satisfying crunch from the skin, while the juicy chicken within delivers a burst of flavor.
These drumsticks are perfect for casual dinners or backyard parties, paired with a cold drink and a side of fresh salad.
Honey BBQ Chicken
Honey BBQ Chicken combines the sweetness of honey with the smoky richness of barbecue sauce for a truly irresistible dish.
The sticky glaze caramelizes as it cooks, creating a beautifully glazed exterior that’s packed with both sweet and savory notes.
The tender chicken absorbs all the flavors of the sauce, making every bite a delicious balance of flavors.
This recipe is great for grilling and can be served with your favorite sides for an easy, satisfying summer meal.
Spicy BBQ Chicken Breasts
Spicy BBQ Chicken Breasts bring a delightful kick to your summer barbecues with a zesty blend of spices and smoky barbecue sauce.
The heat from the chili peppers is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the barbecue sauce, creating a dynamic, mouthwatering flavor profile.
The grilled chicken breasts stay moist, with the spices creating a flavorful crust on the surface.
Pair this with a cool, creamy coleslaw or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the heat and create a well-rounded meal.
BBQ Chicken Skewers
BBQ Chicken Skewers are a fun and flavorful way to enjoy grilled chicken, with bite-sized pieces coated in a smoky barbecue glaze.
The chicken absorbs the rich flavors of the marinade, while the vegetables (such as bell peppers and onions) add crunch and freshness to every bite.
The smoky aroma fills the air as the skewers cook, and the satisfying char adds a beautiful texture to each piece of chicken.
These skewers make for a perfect appetizer or main course, great for sharing and easy to enjoy with a variety of dipping sauces.
Tangy BBQ Chicken Wings
Tangy BBQ Chicken Wings offer a balance of smoky barbecue flavors and a delightful tang from a vinegar-based sauce.
The wings are cooked until crispy, with the glaze caramelizing into a sweet yet tangy coating that bursts with flavor.
Each bite is juicy and flavorful, with a satisfying combination of crunch and tenderness that will keep you coming back for more.
These wings are perfect for serving at a summer gathering or as a tasty appetizer during game day.
BBQ Chicken Kebabs
BBQ Chicken Kebabs are the ultimate summer grilling recipe, combining marinated chicken with colorful veggies on skewers.
The smoky char from the grill enhances the savory marinade, infusing each piece of chicken with deep, rich flavors.
The vegetables, slightly caramelized, add a fresh crunch that perfectly complements the tender chicken.
These kebabs are perfect for any BBQ, offering an easy, flavorful dish that’s both healthy and delicious.
Maple BBQ Chicken
Maple BBQ Chicken brings together the perfect balance of smoky BBQ sauce with a touch of natural sweetness from maple syrup.
As the chicken grills, the maple glaze caramelizes, creating a sticky, glossy finish that’s impossible to resist.
Each bite of this juicy chicken is packed with layers of flavor, with the sweetness playing off the smokiness.
Ideal for summer nights, this recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled corn or a fresh garden salad.
Cilantro Lime BBQ Chicken
Cilantro Lime BBQ Chicken offers a refreshing twist on traditional BBQ chicken, with a zesty lime marinade and fragrant cilantro.
The lime adds a citrusy brightness that balances out the rich barbecue sauce, while the cilantro brings a burst of fresh flavor.
Grilled to perfection, the chicken is tender and juicy, with the marinade infusing every bite with vibrant, aromatic flavors.
This dish is perfect for serving with a side of rice or a simple green salad to enhance the fresh, bright flavors.
BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are a crowd-pleasing treat with smoky grilled chicken piled high on a soft bun and topped with tangy BBQ sauce.
The chicken is juicy and tender, soaking up all the flavors of the barbecue sauce, while the bun holds everything together in a comforting package.
These sandwiches are quick and easy to prepare, making them an ideal choice for a relaxed meal or a casual outdoor party.
Pair with crispy fries or a refreshing coleslaw for a well-rounded summer meal.
Bourbon BBQ Chicken
Bourbon BBQ Chicken takes your BBQ game up a notch with the deep, rich flavor of bourbon blended into the barbecue sauce.
The smoky sweetness of the bourbon enhances the tangy BBQ sauce, creating a glaze that coats the chicken perfectly, with just the right amount of sweetness.
The chicken remains juicy inside, while the exterior crisps up to create a satisfying texture with every bite.
Perfect for impressing guests, this flavorful dish pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables or a fresh potato salad.
BBQ Chicken Salad
BBQ Chicken Salad is a refreshing and hearty option for those warm summer days, combining grilled chicken with fresh, crisp vegetables.
The smoky BBQ chicken pairs beautifully with creamy dressing, while the crunch of lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes adds texture to each bite.
It’s a well-balanced dish, offering a savory yet light meal that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Top with crispy bacon or shredded cheese for an added touch of indulgence.
BBQ Chicken Thighs
BBQ Chicken Thighs are the ultimate comfort food, offering crispy skin and tender, juicy meat.
The rich smoky flavor of the grill is enhanced by a perfectly balanced barbecue sauce, creating a delightful glaze.
Each bite is a satisfying combination of crunch and juiciness, making these thighs perfect for summer cookouts.
Pair with grilled vegetables or a fresh corn on the cob for a delicious and easy meal.
Spicy BBQ Chicken
Spicy BBQ Chicken brings a zesty kick to your traditional barbecue experience with a hot, flavorful sauce.
The bold heat of chili peppers mingles with the smoky sweetness of the barbecue sauce, creating a dynamic flavor explosion.
Grilled to perfection, the chicken remains moist on the inside while the spicy crust adds satisfying texture.
This dish is perfect for spice lovers and pairs beautifully with cooling sides like a creamy coleslaw.
Garlic Herb BBQ Chicken
Garlic Herb BBQ Chicken infuses savory, aromatic herbs into the smoky richness of grilled chicken.
The fragrant garlic and herbs create a tantalizing aroma that fills the air as the chicken sizzles on the grill.
Each bite is packed with savory flavors, with the herbs adding a fresh, earthy note to the smoky barbecue.
This chicken is perfect for serving with roasted potatoes or a Mediterranean-style salad.
BBQ Chicken Wraps
BBQ Chicken Wraps offer a delicious, portable way to enjoy smoky grilled chicken wrapped in soft tortillas.
The juicy, tender chicken pairs beautifully with fresh veggies and a drizzle of tangy BBQ sauce, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
Each bite is a delightful mix of textures, from the soft chicken to the crunch of lettuce and the bite of a flavorful sauce.
These wraps are perfect for a quick dinner or a picnic on the go.
Lemon BBQ Chicken
Lemon BBQ Chicken combines the bright, zesty flavor of fresh lemon with the smoky richness of barbecue sauce.
The tangy citrus notes perfectly complement the sweetness of the BBQ glaze, creating a refreshing and flavorful experience.
The grilled chicken is tender and juicy, with a light, aromatic citrus kick that’s perfect for warm summer evenings.
This dish is ideal for pairing with light sides like a quinoa salad or grilled asparagus.
BBQ Chicken Pizza
BBQ Chicken Pizza brings a smoky twist to the traditional pizza, topped with succulent grilled chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and melted cheese.
The sweetness of the barbecue sauce combines with the savory chicken and the creamy cheese, creating a balanced and irresistible flavor.
The crust is perfectly crispy, and each bite is a satisfying combination of smokiness, sweetness, and a hint of spice.
Serve with a crisp green salad to balance out the richness of the pizza for a complete meal.
Grilled BBQ Chicken
Grilled BBQ Chicken is the epitome of summer, featuring tender chicken grilled to perfection and coated in a smoky, tangy barbecue sauce.
The outside gets crispy and charred, while the inside remains juicy and flavorful, making every bite a perfect blend of texture and taste.
This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with any summer side, like a light potato salad or grilled corn on the cob.
Ideal for family gatherings or a backyard BBQ, this recipe never disappoints.
BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are the ultimate finger food, with crispy, caramelized skin and juicy meat that’s packed with smoky barbecue flavors.
The savory sauce clings to every part of the drumstick, making it impossible to resist.
These drumsticks are perfect for a fun, hands-on meal and are ideal for feeding a crowd at your next BBQ or picnic.
Pair them with a refreshing cucumber salad or a simple corn on the cob for a truly satisfying meal.
Sweet and Sour BBQ Chicken
Sweet and Sour BBQ Chicken delivers a tangy-sweet flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
The barbecue sauce is infused with a touch of sweetness and acidity, perfectly complementing the tender chicken.
Grilled until golden and slightly charred, each piece offers a delightful contrast of sweet, sour, and smoky notes.
This dish is ideal for a casual dinner or a cookout and pairs well with sides like roasted vegetables or coleslaw.
BBQ Chicken Skewers
BBQ Chicken Skewers are a fun and flavorful way to enjoy grilled chicken, marinated in a sweet and savory barbecue sauce.
The chicken is perfectly cooked, juicy and tender, while the charred vegetables on the skewer add a smoky, caramelized touch.
This dish is easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or even fruits like pineapple for added sweetness.
Serve with a side of rice or a mixed green salad for a balanced and delicious meal.
Honey BBQ Chicken
Honey BBQ Chicken is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with the honey creating a sticky glaze that coats the grilled chicken.
The sauce caramelizes as the chicken grills, leaving a golden, crispy exterior that holds in the juicy, tender meat.
The subtle sweetness from the honey paired with the smoky BBQ sauce creates a rich, irresistible flavor.
Pair this dish with a fresh, tangy coleslaw or grilled veggies for a meal that’s both satisfying and light.
BBQ Chicken Fajitas
BBQ Chicken Fajitas take a bold twist on the classic fajita by using smoky, grilled chicken coated in barbecue sauce.
The tender chicken strips pair perfectly with the grilled peppers and onions, while the warm tortillas make each bite a little piece of heaven.
The BBQ sauce adds a unique flavor to the traditional fajita, making these a hit at any cookout or casual dinner.
Top with guacamole and sour cream, and serve with a side of Mexican rice or beans for a complete, flavorful meal.
BBQ Chicken Salad
BBQ Chicken Salad combines tender grilled chicken, crisp greens, and the smoky depth of barbecue sauce for a refreshing and filling dish.
The sweetness of the sauce complements the freshness of the vegetables, while the chicken adds a hearty, satisfying bite.
This salad is perfect for a light dinner or as a side at your next barbecue.
Pair it with a tangy vinaigrette or extra BBQ sauce for an added punch of flavor.
Chipotle BBQ Chicken
Chipotle BBQ Chicken is the perfect fusion of smoky barbecue and spicy chipotle heat.
The smoky richness of the BBQ sauce is balanced by the bold, smoky spice of chipotle peppers, creating a fiery and flavorful bite.
This dish is great for those who love a little kick with their meals and pairs wonderfully with cooling sides like a creamy coleslaw.
Serve it with grilled corn or a tangy cucumber salad for a complete meal.
BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes
BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes take the classic baked potato to the next level with tender pulled chicken and smoky BBQ sauce.
The soft, fluffy potato is topped with juicy, flavorful chicken and a drizzle of tangy BBQ sauce, creating a comforting and hearty meal.
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this dish is sure to satisfy.
Pair with steamed veggies or a side salad to round out the meal.
Grilled BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Grilled BBQ Chicken Sandwich features smoky, grilled chicken topped with rich barbecue sauce, all nestled between a soft, toasted bun.
The crispy chicken, combined with the sauce’s tangy sweetness, creates a deliciously satisfying sandwich that’s full of flavor.
It’s perfect for casual outdoor dinners or lunch gatherings with friends.
Add pickles, onions, or lettuce for an extra crunch and freshness.
BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a flavorful and quick dish where smoky grilled chicken and melty cheese meet in a crispy tortilla.
The BBQ sauce adds an irresistible tang, while the cheese creates a creamy balance that complements the smoky chicken.
These quesadillas are perfect for a snack, lunch, or dinner, and they’re a hit at any gathering.
Serve with salsa and sour cream for a tangy, creamy dip to enhance every bite.
Conclusion
Summer is the perfect time to get creative with your grilling, and BBQ chicken recipes provide an excellent way to experiment with new flavors.
With 29+ different recipes, you can explore a range of tastes from spicy to sweet, and everything in between.
These recipes ensure that each BBQ is memorable, whether you’re grilling for two or hosting a large group.
Enjoy the season with mouthwatering BBQ chicken recipes that will have everyone coming back for more.
