The Best Ways to Season BBQ Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Grilling chicken on the barbecue is a beloved summer tradition. But how well you season your BBQ chicken is what makes it go from bland to great. Underseasoned chicken leads to a dry, flavorless outcome. Too much seasoning, on the other hand, can drown out the meat’s natural flavor. That being said, how do you always get BBQ chicken that is just right?

In this comprehensive guide we’ll explore the best practices for seasoning chicken destined for the grill. From dry rubs to marinades we’ve got all the tips and tricks to make your next barbecue chicken irresistibly juicy, tender and bursting with flavor. Let’s get fired up!

Why Proper Seasoning Matters

Seasoning is absolutely essential for great tasting grilled chicken. Here’s why it makes such a big difference:

• Improves flavor—Seasoning gives grilled chicken a flavor boost that turns it from bland to bold. The meat tastes great when the right mix of herbs, spices, and other ingredients is used.

• Improves texture – Certain seasonings help break down protein fibers in the chicken, resulting in a more tender and juicy finished product.

• Generates enticing aromas – Spices and herbs contain aromatic compounds that are released and intensified by the heat of the grill. This adds another sensory layer to the chicken.

• Introduces new flavors – Exploring seasonings from different cuisines, like jerk chicken’s Caribbean flair, keeps your barbecue exciting.

• Improves presentation – A properly seasoned chicken develops a beautiful crust and char while grilling, upping the visual appeal.

Simply put, seasoning is the difference between dry, flavorless chicken and the succulent, crave-worthy barbecue we all want to eat.

Dry Rubs vs. Marinades for BBQ Chicken

When it comes to seasoning chicken for the grill, you have two main options: dry rubs and marinades. Here’s how they compare:

Dry Rubs

A dry rub is a mixture of dried spices, herbs and sometimes sugar or salt that is rubbed directly onto the chicken before grilling. Common ingredients include smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin and chili powder.

Pros

• Quick and easy to apply
• Forms a flavorful crust while grilling
• Provides an intense concentrated taste

Cons

• Flavor stays concentrated on the exterior
• Can burn quickly if grill heat is too high

Marinades

Marinades are liquid mixtures comprised of oil, acidic ingredients like vinegar or citrus juice, and flavorful seasonings. The chicken soaks in the marinade before hitting the grill.

Pros

• Deeply tenderizes and infuses flavor throughout meat
• Extra moisture keeps chicken juicy while grilling
• Endless flavor combinations possible

Cons

• Requires more time to marinate chicken
• Can make grill surface sticky if too much drips

Both dry rubs and marinades have their advantages, so the ideal seasoning method often depends on your timeline and the flavor profile you want. Quick weeknight BBQ chicken may call for a fast dry rub, while low and slow weekend cookouts benefit from marinating.

7 Sensational Seasoning Combinations for BBQ Chicken

Now comes the fun part – choosing which flavors to season your chicken with! There are endless possibilities, but these combos consistently deliver finger-lickin’ good barbecue chicken.

1. Classic BBQ Dry Rub

The quintessential backyard BBQ flavor.

• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Brown sugar
• Chili powder
• Cayenne pepper (optional)

2. Jerk Chicken Marinade

Caribbean inspired heat.

• Soy sauce
• Lime juice
• Garlic
• Onion
• Thyme
• Allspice
• Habanero peppers
• Brown sugar

3. Tuscan Herb Marinade

Fresh Italian flavors.

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Garlic
• Rosemary
• Oregano
• Basil
• Black pepper

4. Mexican Dry Rub

South of the border spice.

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Oregano
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper

5. Asian Ginger Marinade

Sweet and savory.

• Low sodium soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Toasted sesame oil
• Grated ginger
• Garlic
• Brown sugar

6. North African Spice Blend

Warm Moroccan notes.

• Smoked paprika
• Cumin
• Coriander
• Cinnamon
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt

7. Alabama White BBQ Sauce

Tangy and mayo-based.

• Mayonnaise
• Apple cider vinegar
• Horseradish
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Get creative with your seasoning blends by tweaking levels of heat, herby or savory flavors. The possibilities are endless!

Step-by-Step Guide to Seasoning Chicken for the Grill

It’s time to use your flavors after you’ve picked them out. Follow these simple steps for perfectly seasoned BBQ chicken.

Prep the Chicken

• Pick your cuts – Bone-in cuts like thighs and drumsticks hold moisture well. Lean breasts work too.
• Trim excess fat – This prevents flare ups while grilling.
• Pat chicken dry – Removes surface moisture so seasonings adhere better.

Make Your Rub or Marinade

• Combine ingredients – Use ratios recommended in recipes and adjust to your taste.
• Mix well – You want the flavor evenly distributed.
• Taste the mix – This lets you tweak seasoning if needed.

Apply Seasoning

• Use a binder – Coat chicken with a thin layer of oil or melted butter first.
• Evenly coat all sides – Don’t miss those inner thighs and undersides.
• Really rub it in – Apply pressure so spices stick and penetrate surface.
• Let marinate if using – Refrigerate chicken in marinade for at least 30 minutes, up to 24 hours.

Finish on the Grill

• Preheat properly – Use medium high heat, around 350-450°F.
• Lay it flat – This maximizes contact with the hot grates for optimal char.
• Flip only once – Let it get nice grill marks before rotating.
• Check doneness – Chicken is safe to eat once internal temp reaches 165°F.

Follow this game plan and your chicken will come off the grill perfectly seasoned from skin to center every time.

4 Pro Tips for Flavorful, Juicy BBQ Chicken

To take your grilled chicken to the next level, incorporate these pro tips:

1. Brine for extra moist meat – Soaking chicken in a saltwater brine plumps up the meat so it retains moisture on the grill.

2. Use indirect heat. If you grill chicken over indirect heat, it will be less likely to dry out. Add smoke wood chips for bonus flavor.

3. Apply sauce at the end – Brush on sauces only during the last few minutes to prevent burning.

4. Let it rest before serving – Letting chicken rest 5-10 minutes after grilling allows juices to redistribute for juicier meat.

When paired with proper seasoning techniques, these tips result in tender, juicy and crazy flavorful barbecue chicken every single time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Seasoning BBQ Chicken

What’s the best cut of chicken to use?

Bone-in dark meat cuts like thighs and drumsticks hold moisture the best when grilled. Breasts work too but require more attention to prevent drying out.

How long should I marinate chicken?

For maximum flavor infusion, marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes but ideally 2-24 hours. Refrigerate the entire time.

What temperature should I grill BBQ chicken at?

Medium high heat, around 350-450°F, allows chicken to char nicely without burning. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.

Can I use a barbecue sauce instead of dry rub or marinade?

Yes, but sauce often burns quickly if applied too early. Use it only during the last few minutes of grilling for best results.

How do I know when my BBQ chicken is fully cooked?

Check for an internal temperature of 165°F with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part. This ensures it’s safe to eat.

Satisfy Your BBQ Craving with Succulent Seasoned Chicken

Now that you’re armed with insider techniques for maximizing flavor, your next barbecue chicken will be your best one yet. From the satisfying sizzle of a spice-crusted dry rub to the sweet and savory notes of a marinated masterpiece, properly seasoned poultry promises to satisfy.

Trust the process, stick to the fundamentals and have fun with your flavor combinations. Before you know it, you’ll have family and friends begging you to fire up the grill and deliver your signature BBQ chicken all summer long. Get ready for your most juicy, tender and tastiest chicken ever!