BBQ Picnic Chicken Recipe

BySophie Carsel
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Introduction

BBQ Picnic Chicken is a simple, flavorful way to enjoy juicy, smoky chicken right off the grill. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, it’s perfect for outdoor gatherings and casual meals.

A large piece of grilled chicken leg with a dark, crispy, reddish-brown charred skin sits on the bottom layer of a round white plate, next to it on the top layer are dried corn husks in light green and pale yellow shades with rough texture. The plate rests on a black and white checkered cloth on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 6 chicken leg quarters
  • 1 jar BBQ sauce (use your favorite)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place the charcoal into the grill below the grates. Use lighter fluid or tumbleweeds to light the charcoal. Let it sit until the coals start to turn white.
  2. Step 2: Wash the chicken and place it on the grill. Generously brush the chicken with BBQ sauce and flip every 5 minutes to prevent burning. Reapply sauce each time you turn the chicken.
  3. Step 3: Continue cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 175 to 180 degrees F. This ensures the dark meat is fully cooked and the fat is rendered.
  4. Step 4: Remove the chicken from the grill and serve with your favorite BBQ side dishes.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra smoky flavor, add wood chips to the charcoal before lighting.
  • Marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for a few hours before grilling for deeper flavor.
  • If you don’t have a meat thermometer, cook the chicken until juices run clear and the meat near the bone is no longer pink.
  • Try different BBQ sauces—spicy, sweet, or tangy—to suit your taste preferences.

Storage

Store leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to retain moisture. For longer storage, freeze portions wrapped tightly for up to 2 months.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white plate with a single piece of grilled chicken leg quarter placed on the right side, showing a dark brown, crispy, and slightly charred skin with a rough texture. Behind the chicken, there is a whole ear of corn with its husk partially peeled back, displaying dry, light brown and green outer leaves. The plate sits on a black and white checked cloth, all set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, chicken breasts or thighs can be used, but cooking times may vary. Dark meat like leg quarters cooks better on the grill while staying juicy.

What if I don’t have a grill or charcoal?

You can bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F, basting with BBQ sauce every 15 minutes until fully cooked.

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BBQ Picnic Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 120 reviews
  • Author: Sophie
  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
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Description

A simple and delicious BBQ Picnic Chicken recipe featuring perfectly grilled chicken leg quarters basted with your favorite BBQ sauce. This easy-to-follow recipe results in juicy, smoky chicken with a caramelized sauce glaze, perfect for any outdoor gathering or picnic.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 6 chicken leg quarters

BBQ Sauce

  • 1 jar BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Grill: Place charcoal into the grill below the grates. Use lighter fluid or tumbleweeds to ignite the charcoal. Let the coals burn until they begin to turn white, indicating they are hot and ready for cooking.
  2. Clean and Place Chicken: Wash the chicken leg quarters thoroughly. Place them on the grill grates and generously brush with BBQ sauce. This initial saucing helps flavor the chicken right from the start.
  3. Grill and Baste: Grill the chicken, turning every 5 minutes to prevent burning and to ensure even cooking. At every turn, baste the chicken with more BBQ sauce to build a rich, caramelized coating.
  4. Check Temperature and Doneness: Continue grilling until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 175 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooking to this temperature is ideal for dark meat, as it renders fat and ensures the meat is tender and juicy.
  5. Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and serve hot alongside your favorite BBQ side dishes, such as coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread.

Notes

  • Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of at least 175°F for dark meat.
  • Turning every 5 minutes helps prevent burning and promotes even cooking with crispy skin.
  • Feel free to customize the BBQ sauce to your preferred taste – spicy, sweet, tangy, or smoky.
  • Charcoal grilling imparts a delicious smoky flavor that enhances the BBQ experience.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to lock in the juices before serving.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: BBQ chicken, grilled chicken, picnic chicken, BBQ leg quarters, grilled BBQ chicken, outdoor grilling, summer cookout

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