Sticky Sweet Bbq Chicken the Ultimate Summer Grilling Treat

Sweet Sticky chicken barbecue sauce Summer Grilling

By Kendra ThompsonJuly 16, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wondered how to nail the perfect chicken barbecue sauce ? Honestly, mastering this is easier than you think. This recipe gives you that classic, sweet and sticky flavor we all crave!

Brief Overview

Best BBQ chicken comes from the heart of Southern cooking. This recipe is beginner friendly and takes about an hour from start to finish. This yields 4-6 servings, ideal for a family dinner.

Main Benefits

This easy chicken barbecue sauce recipe offers a healthy ish dose of happiness! Perfect for summer barbecues or cosy nights in.

What makes this recipe special? It's incredibly versatile. You will want to make this homemade barbecue sauce for chicken over and over again.

The Sticky & Sweet Secret Sauce

Okay, so let's talk chicken barbecue sauce ! It's not just a sauce; it's an experience. Remember that bbq chicken you had at that summer party? This recipe aims to recreate that magic.

The magic starts with these ingredients: ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic and onion powder and a little bit of cayenne pepper.

It’s that simple, easy peasy.

Get Your Grill On (Or Not!)

You can make this grilled bbq chicken recipe with bbq chicken thighs or bbq chicken drumsticks ! You can either grill the chicken or bake it in the oven.

I like to use grilled chicken with barbecue sauce . For the oven, we’re talking about oven baked bbq chicken at 400° F ( 200° C) for about 40 minutes.

Want to make this on the grill? The secret to great grilled chicken drumsticks or any cut really, is indirect heat. That's right, move the chicken away from direct flame!

Pro Tips for BBQ Chicken Glory

Listen, you gotta pat the chicken dry first. This will help with crispy skin. Baste, baste, baste, but do it towards the end.

This will prevent the sauce from burning and getting bitter. An instant read thermometer is your best friend. You’re looking for 165° F ( 74° C) inside the chicken.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Cooking!

Right, let's talk about what you'll need to nail this sticky & sweet chicken barbecue sauce . Don't worry, it's all pretty standard stuff. I'll share some sneaky tips too.

The Main Players

Okay, so you'll need:

2 ½ - 3 lbs (1.1 - 1.4 kg) of chicken pieces . I love bbq chicken drumsticks or bbq chicken thighs for this! Bone-in, skin-on is where it’s at.
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil. Just your standard cooking oil. Nothing fancy.
Salt and pepper. Seasoning is your friend. Don't be shy!

For the homemade barbecue sauce for chicken :

1 cup (240 ml) ketchup. Get a good quality one. It makes a difference.
½ cup (120 ml) apple cider vinegar. This gives that lovely tang.
½ cup (110g) packed brown sugar (light or dark). Dark sugar is extra molasses-y
¼ cup (60 ml) Worcestershire sauce. The secret umami weapon, don't skip this!
2 tbsp (30 ml) Dijon mustard. Adds a bit of zip.
1 tbsp (15 ml) smoked paprika. Essential for that smoky bbq chicken vibe.
1 tsp (5 ml) garlic powder.
½ tsp (2.5 ml) onion powder.
¼ tsp (1 ml) cayenne pepper (optional). For a lil’ kick.

Seasoning Secrets

Smoked paprika is key . It gives that authentic smoky flavor we want for the grilled bbq chicken . And don't underestimate the power of Worcestershire sauce.

Seriously, it's magic. If you're feeling brave, a pinch of chili flakes in your sweet and sticky chicken barbecue sauce adds a lovely warmth.

For substitutions, you could swap Dijon for regular mustard or chili powder for smoked paprika, but I'd recommend using the original!

Gear Up!

For equipment, you’ll need:

A medium saucepan. For the sauce.
A whisk. To get everything nicely combined.
A basting brush. To slather on that deliciousness.
A grill, or a baking sheet for oven baked bbq chicken .
An instant read thermometer. Important for checking that the chicken is cooked through. The safe internal temperature is 165° F ( 74° C) .

Don't sweat it if you don't have everything . A spoon works instead of a whisk in a pinch. Honestly, I used to grill my bbq chicken drumsticks on a disposable BBQ in my garden, no fancy equipment needed.

Sticky & Sweet BBQ Chicken: Your New Obsession

Honestly, who doesn’t love some good bbq chicken ? The kind that’s fall off-the-bone tender and coated in a sweet and sticky chicken barbecue sauce ? This recipe is my go-to.

It's about delivering that down home, Southern BBQ flavour that makes you wanna lick your fingers clean. Forget overly complicated recipes! This easy chicken barbecue sauce recipe uses stuff you probably already have in your cupboard.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place

Before we even think about firing up the grill or oven, let’s get organised. First, measure out all your ingredients.

It's time for mise en place . This is crucial! It’ll save you from scrambling later. Trust me, nothing's worse than realising you're out of garlic powder halfway through.

Pat your 2 ½ - 3 lbs of chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This is non-negotiable for crispy skin.

Seriously, don't skip it! It helps get that lovely Best Bbq Chicken crunch.

step-by-step to BBQ Chicken Perfection

Sauce Time: Whisk together 1 cup ketchup, ½ cup apple cider vinegar, ½ cup packed brown sugar, ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, and ¼ tsp cayenne (if you like it spicy!) in a saucepan.
Simmer Down: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally, until it thickens slightly, about 10- 15 minutes .
Chicken Prep: Season your chicken with salt and pepper.
Grill or Bake: Grill : Preheat to medium heat. Cook for 5- 7 minutes per side. Bake : Preheat to 400° F ( 200° C) . Bake for 20 minutes .
Baste Away: Start basting with the homemade barbecue sauce for chicken . Grill or bake for another 20- 30 minutes , basting frequently. The internal temperature should reach 165° F ( 74° C) .
Rest Up: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. You know? Letting it rest is crucial!

Pro Tips for BBQ Glory

Here are some things I learned making my Grilled Bbq Chicken that will help you to perfect your chicken every time.

Avoid burning the sauce by basting later in the cooking process. The sugars in the sweet and sticky chicken barbecue sauce can burn if applied too early.

If you are doing Oven baked bbq chicken or Grilled chicken with barbecue sauce , be mindful of this.

Don't overcrowd the grill or baking sheet. Overcrowding lowers the temperature and steams the chicken. Leave space between the pieces for better browning, to get the bbq chicken drumsticks perfect.

You can make the chicken barbecue sauce a day or two ahead. It'll give the flavors a chance to meld. This works especially well for the bbq chicken thighs .

Recipe Notes for Your Best Bbq Chicken

Honestly, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind to make this the best Bbq Chicken you've ever had.

These are all born of experience, trust me! So let's dive into how to make amazing sweet and sticky chicken barbecue sauce .

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Think about how good this grilled chicken with barbecue sauce will look on the table. For plating, I like to arrange my bbq chicken drumsticks on a platter with some fresh greens.

It's that simple. A nice side of classic coleslaw or grilled corn on the cob will make it look and taste better.

For drinks, an ice-cold lemonade or craft beer pairs beautifully. You know?

Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh

Got leftovers of this amazing oven baked bbq chicken ? No worries! Store your bbq chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Want to freeze it? Wrap the chicken tightly in cling film, then foil, before freezing for up to 2 months.

To reheat, bake in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. Just be sure the internal temperature hits 165° F ( 74° C) .

Food safety first!

Variations: Tweak It Your Way

Feel free to play around with this easy chicken barbecue sauce recipe . For a low-carb version, try using a sugar substitute like erythritol instead of brown sugar.

This gives you the great taste of homemade barbecue sauce for chicken without the sugar. Want a seasonal twist? In autumn, add a tablespoon of apple butter to the sauce for a warm, cozy flavor.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside

Okay, let's be real, this is barbecue chicken. We're not pretending it's a salad! But, it does have protein, which is great for building muscle.

The chicken barbecue sauce also has some antioxidants from the ketchup and spices. Just remember everything in moderation, yeah?

Alright, what are you waiting for? Go get your grill on. Have some fun and enjoy making the best bbq chicken ever. You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this chicken barbecue sauce ahead of time? I'm a bit of a busy bee!

Absolutely! In fact, making the chicken barbecue sauce a day or two in advance is a brilliant idea. Storing it in the fridge allows the flavors to meld together even more beautifully, giving you a richer, more complex sauce. Just give it a good whisk before using.

Help! My chicken barbecue sauce is burning on the grill. What am I doing wrong?

Burning barbecue sauce is a common grilling woe, a right sticky wicket! The sugar in the sauce is likely the culprit. Try basting the chicken with the sauce only during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking. Also, consider using indirect heat on your grill or lowering the grill temperature to give it a more gentle cook.

I don't have apple cider vinegar. Can I substitute something else in this chicken barbecue sauce recipe?

No worries, a substitute can be made! If you're out of apple cider vinegar, you can use white vinegar or rice vinegar as a substitute in your chicken barbecue sauce. They'll provide a similar tang. Just remember that the flavor profile might change ever so slightly, but it will still be delicious!

How do I store leftover chicken with this BBQ sauce and how long will it last?

Leftover BBQ chicken is great for lunches! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave, oven (covered to prevent drying), or even shred it for BBQ chicken sandwiches!

Is there a way to make this chicken barbecue sauce spicier? I like a bit of a kick!

Spice it up, mate! You can easily add some heat to your chicken barbecue sauce. Try adding 1-2 teaspoons of your favorite hot sauce, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or even some finely chopped jalapeño to the sauce while it simmers. Taste as you go to get the perfect level of spice for your palate.

I'm watching my sugar intake. Can I make a lower sugar version of this chicken barbecue sauce?

You certainly can adapt this recipe to lower the sugar content! A great alternative is to use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia in place of the brown sugar. Start with about half the amount called for in the recipe and adjust to taste.

You can also try adding a touch more Dijon mustard or apple cider vinegar to compensate for the sweetness.