These juicy, fall-apart tender barbecue chicken recipes burst with flavor and pair perfectly with the summer heat.
40 of the Best Barbecue Chicken Recipes
Updated on Dec. 12, 2022
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Slow-Cooker BBQ Chicken
Total Time
5 hours 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Of all the recipes I make in my slow cooker, this Crock-Pot BBQ chicken is my most treasured. If you enjoy your BBQ sweet with a little spice, this will be your new favorite, too. —Yvonne McKim, Vancouver, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 179 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 392mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
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Barbecued Strawberry Chicken
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When it’s time to impress family and friends, we serve barbecued chicken garnished with strawberries. It’s easier than anyone would ever guess. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1/3 cup sauce: 495 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 829mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (42g sugars, 2g fiber), 35g protein.
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Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ Chicken
Total Time
4 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I live in Georgia, but I appreciate the tangy, sweet and slightly spicy taste of Carolina vinegar chicken. I make my version in the slow cooker. After the tempting aroma
fills the house, your family is sure to be at the dinner table on time! —Ramona Parris, Canton, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup (calculated without buns): 134 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 228mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
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Baked Barbecue Chicken Breast
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend made this saucy chicken for us when we had our first child. I pared down the recipe to make it lower in fat and calories. Now it's a family favorite, and even the kids ask for this baked bbq chicken breast. —Marge Wagner, Roselle, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 324 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 602mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 0 fiber), 39g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 starch.
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Grilled Lemon Chicken
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There’s one word to describe this grilled lemon chicken recipe: "Yum!" It’s so easy to prepare ahead of time, then fire up the grill when we get home from church on Sunday. Guests love the citrus flavor! —Heather Erb, Milton, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 258 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 256mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 4 very lean meat, 2 fat.
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Barbecued Picnic Chicken
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to serve this savory chicken at family picnics. Cooked on a covered grill, the poultry stays so tender and juicy. Everyone loves the zesty, slightly sweet homemade barbecue sauce—and it's so easy to make. —Priscilla Weaver, Hagerstown, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 296 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 761mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
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Grilled Glazed Drummies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My family prefers these mild-tasting chicken wings more than the traditional hot wings. They are great for any gathering. —Laura Mahaffey, Annapolis, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 141 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 311mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein.
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Contest-Winning Barbecued Chicken
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When our neighborhood has a cookout, I always take along this chicken and watch it quickly disappear! My family loves this recipe because of the zesty seasoning blend and no-fuss barbecue sauce. —Linda Scott, Hahira, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
7 ounces cooked chicken (calculated without Liquid Smoke): 471 calories, 21g fat (6g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 2062mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 1g fiber), 42g protein.
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Tender Barbecued Chicken
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After a long day at work, a slow-cooked meal is a great help. One of my family's favorites is this moist slow-simmered chicken. For an appealing look, choose a darker brown barbecue sauce. —Jacqueline Blanton, Gaffney, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked chicken: 478 calories, 20g fat (5g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 965mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 1g fiber), 34g protein.
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Glazed Chicken Wings
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I received this easy wing recipe from a cousin on Vancouver Island during a visit there a few years ago. They're an appealing appetizer, but also a favorite for Sunday lunch with rice and a salad. —Joan Airey, Rivers, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 86 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
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Rhubarb-Apricot Barbecued Chicken
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Springtime brings back memories of the rhubarb that grew beside my childhood home. When I found ruby red stalks in the store, I created this recipe for them. My family gives this a big thumbs up. —Laurie Hudson, Westville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2 chicken drumsticks with 1/3 cup sauce: 469 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 126mg cholesterol, 1801mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 39g protein.
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Shredded Barbecue Chicken over Grits
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There’s nothing like juicy meat served over creamy grits. And the pumpkin in these grits makes them taste like a spicy, comforting bowl of fall flavors. Your family will come running to the table for this one. —Erin Renouf Mylroie, Santa Clara, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 345 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 718mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
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Bacon & Cheddar Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cheese and bacon don’t usually come “light.” But this tasty recipe keeps the fat and calories low and flavor high. This family friendly chicken bacon recipe can easily be doubled to serve a larger group. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half : 435 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 126mg cholesterol, 973mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 0 fiber), 41g protein.
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Sweet Tea Barbecued Chicken
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Marinades sometimes use coffee or espresso, and that inspired me to try tea and apple juice to perk up this sauce. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 374 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 608mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein.
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Tangy Barbecue Wings
Total Time
4 hours
Servings
2 dozen wings (2 sections each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I took these slow-cooked wings to work, and they vanished before I even got a bite! The tangy sauce is lip-smacking good. —Sherry Pitzer, Troy, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 wing (2 sections): 178 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 0 fiber), 10g protein.
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Whiskey Pineapple Chicken
Total Time
35 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone in my family loves this recipe and its sweet marinade made with ginger, pineapple and a splash of whiskey. Want even more intense flavor? Let the chicken marinate for two full days. Wow! —Jodi Taffel, Altadena, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 439 calories, 20g fat (5g saturated fat), 152mg cholesterol, 735mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 43g protein.
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Apple-Butter Barbecued Roasted Chicken
Total Time
1 hour 45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love cooking so much I sometimes think of recipes in my sleep and wake up to write them down! This dream-inspired dish is my family's favorite way to eat chicken. —Holly Kilbel, Akron, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounce-weight: 441 calories, 24g fat (7g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 489mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 43g protein.
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Cola BBQ Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My dad has been making a basic version of this family favorite for years. I've recently made it my own by spicing it up a bit with hoisin sauce and red pepper flakes. Sometimes I let the chicken and sauce simmer in my slow cooker. —Brigette Schroeder, Yorkville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 2 tablespoons sauce: 213 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 298mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein.
20/39
Linda's Best Marinated Chicken
Total Time
55 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I have been using this grilled chicken recipe since I was 12 years old. That's 40-plus years! It is so moist and delicious, it will melt in your mouth. —Linda Pace, Lees Summit, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
7 ounces cooked chicken: 533 calories, 38g fat (8g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 299mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 42g protein.
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Tropical BBQ Chicken
Total Time
3 hours 15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I absolutely adore this slow cooker recipe. The delicious, slightly spicy sauce will win you over, too! —Yvonne McKim, Vancouver, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 301 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 601mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 25g protein.
22/39
Honey Thyme Grilled Chicken
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For grilling chicken, I wanted a marinade different from barbecue sauce, so I pulled out some honey and thyme. If you have time, let the chicken marinate awhile to boost flavor. —Noel Bigelow, Alexandria, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
2 chicken drumsticks: 418 calories, 26g fat (5g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 531mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 0 fiber), 29g protein.
23/39
Lip-Smackin' BBQ Chicken
Total Time
1 hour 40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The kids always say “prepare to lick your lips” when we have friends over for barbecue chicken. I’m proud of this dish, the first recipe I ever created. —Sue Thomas, Spartanburg, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked chicken: 402 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 871mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein.
24/39
Sweet and Tangy Chicken
Total Time
5 hours 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Spicy barbecue sauce blends with sweet pineapple in this quick-to-fix chicken dish. It's tasty enough for a company dinner; just add a salad and rolls. —Mary Zawlocki, Gig Harbor, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 264 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1101mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
25/39
Dr Pepper Drumsticks
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you love Dr Pepper as much as I do, try it in my barbecue sauce for grilled chicken. It adds zip to the ketchup, bourbon and barbecue seasoning. —Shannon Holle-Funk, Venedy, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
2 drumsticks: 316 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 1289mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 0 fiber), 29g protein.
26/39
Barbecue Chicken
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Is there a better place than Texas to find a fantastic barbecue sauce? That’s where this one is from—it’s my father-in-law’s own recipe. We have served it at many family reunions and think it’s the best! —Bobbie Morgan, Woodstock, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked chicken: 370 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein.
27/39
Spicy Barbecued Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This spicy, saucy chicken is great served with basil-buttered grilled corn on the cob and fresh coleslaw. —Rita Wintrode, Corryton, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half : 179 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
28/39
Cola Hot Wings
Total Time
55 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These delectable wings are so easy to make, and they offer year-round versatility, from summer cookouts to autumn tailgates. My husband likes them so much he'll stand out in the snow to grill them! —Lisa Linville, Randolph, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken wing (calculated without salad dressing): 57 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 48mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
29/39
Oven Barbecued Chicken
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chicken and Sunday dinner belong together. During my married life on a dairy farm, I'd make this baked bbq chicken before church. — Esther Shank, Harrisonburg, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken: 302 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein.
30/39
Saucy Chicken Thighs
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone raves about how sweet the sauce is for these slow-cooked chicken thighs. They’re such a breeze because they simmer away while you do other things. They’re ideal appetizers, but you can also add your favorite side for a nice meal. —Kim Puckett, Reagan, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh: 319 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 606mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
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Tropical Island Chicken
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The marinade makes a savory statement in this all-time-favorite chicken recipe that I served at our son's pirate-themed birthday party. It smelled so good on the grill that guests could hardly wait to try a piece! —Sharon Hanson, Franklin, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 296 calories, 21g fat (4g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 1199mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.
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Grilled Wing Zingers
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
about 6-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband fine-tuned this recipe—and the results were spectacular! These spicy-hot grilled wings help make the party. You can easily adjust the heat level by altering the amount of chili powder and cayenne. The wings take a little time, but they’re worth it. —Angela Roster, Greenbackville, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 96 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 170mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
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Apple Barbecue Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I had just moved to Dallas when I first made this recipe. Everything was new—new city, new home—but this dish felt familiar and comforting. —Darla Andrews, Schertz, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 chicken drumsticks with 1/2 cup sauce: 501 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 949mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
34/39
Grilled Brown Sugar-Mustard Chicken
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this recipe in college and it's been a household staple ever since. It's a snap to throw together with ingredients I have on hand. —Kendra Doss, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1-1/2 teaspoons mustard mixture: 224 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 597mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
35/39
Skillet Chicken with Barbecue Onion
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Barbecue chicken is a sure bet with guests, but it’s also messy at times. My stovetop BBQ chicken recipe lets you savor that flavor without a pile of napkins. —Evelyn Cleare, Miami, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1/4 cup sauce: 250 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 657mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
36/39
Grilled Barbecued Chicken
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It's fun for me to have my family members together so I can prepare their favorite foods, like this saucy barbecued chicken. The juicy, tender recipe always brings enthusiastic compliments from our four grown children and three grandkids. —Barbara Blickens Derfer, Edgewater, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 476 calories, 26g fat (14g saturated fat), 190mg cholesterol, 1147mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 50g protein.
37/39
Honey Barbecue Chicken
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I grill everything—veggies, oxtail, tofu. This chicken is our favorite. I keep a ready supply of sauce and rub, so prep couldn't be easier. —Jerry Rosiek, Eugene, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken leg quarter: 466 calories, 20g fat (7g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 1542mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (41g sugars, 0 fiber), 30g protein.
38/39
Saucy BBQ Chicken Thighs
Total Time
5 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Barbecued chicken gets a makeover in this recipe. The combination of ingredients makes for a mellow flavor that tastes more grown up than the original. It's fantastic over rice, pasta or potatoes. —Sharon Fritz, Morristown, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 221 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 517mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
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