Get ready to elevate your outdoor grilling or weeknight dinner with The Deen Brothers BBQ Chicken, a mouthwatering recipe packed with smoky, tangy, and savory flavors. This dish features tender, juicy chicken drumsticks or thighs coated with a bold spice rub made from smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne for optional heat. Grilled or oven-roasted to perfection, the chicken is basted in a rich BBQ sauce that caramelizes beautifully, creating a sticky-sweet glaze that will have everyone reaching for seconds. A finishing touch of fresh lemon juice adds a zesty brightness to balance the flavors. Perfect for cookouts, family dinners, or meal prep, this recipe comes together in just under an hour and pairs perfectly with classic sides like coleslaw or cornbread. Whether youβre a BBQ lover or new to grilling, this chicken recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 375Β°F (190Β°C). If using an oven, preheat to 375Β°F (190Β°C) and line a baking sheet with foil for easier cleanup.
Pat the chicken drumsticks or thighs dry with a paper towel and place them in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag.
In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Drizzle olive oil over the chicken, then rub the spice blend evenly all over the chicken pieces. Ensure each piece is well-coated.
Place the chicken on the preheated grill. Cook for about 20 minutes, turning occasionally to prevent burning. If using an oven, roast the chicken for 25 minutes on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the chicken with BBQ sauce on all sides, then continue cooking for an additional 15β20 minutes, turning and basting with more BBQ sauce every 5 minutes. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165Β°F (74Β°C).
Remove the chicken from the grill or oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with lemon juice for a fresh finish.
Serve warm with extra BBQ sauce on the side and enjoy!
Calories |
1186 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.1 g | 39% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 6208 mg | 270% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 239.0 g | 87% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.3 g | 19% | |
| Total Sugars | 205.7 g | ||
| Protein | 5.5 g | 11% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 159 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 4.3 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 831 mg | 18% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.