Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Recipe

Pat the chicken dry thoroughly using paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the spice rub adhere better and results in crispier skin.

In a large bowl, mix together brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to create a balanced sweet and smoky seasoning blend.

Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss well until all sides are evenly covered with the spice mixture for maximum flavor infusion.

Drizzle the olive oil over the spiced chicken and massage the rub into the meat gently. Allow the chicken to rest for 30 minutes so the flavors can penetrate the skin and meat.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken skin-side down directly over the heat and grill for 5-6 minutes to crisp the skin and develop grill marks.

Flip the chicken and move it to a cooler part of the grill (indirect heat). Continue cooking for about 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked through.

For oven cooking, first sear the chicken in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes on each side to brown the skin and lock in juices.

Transfer the skillet or the seared chicken to a preheated oven at 400°F and bake for 20 minutes.

In the final 5 minutes of cooking (grill or oven), brush the chicken generously with BBQ sauce and let it caramelize for rich flavor and glossy finish.

Flip the chicken and brush the other side with BBQ sauce. Cook an additional 2-3 minutes to caramelize the second side.

Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving; this allows juices to redistribute for moist, tender meat.