12 BBQ Chicken Recipes That Break All the Rules—in the Best Way
Think barbecue chicken is just about smoky grills and sticky sauce? Think again. These 12 BBQ chicken recipes toss the rulebook aside and bring you bold, creative twists like pizzas, nachos, sliders, and more. They’re fun, flavor-packed, and guaranteed to surprise your taste buds—in the best way possible. Get ready to rethink everything you thought you knew about barbecue.
Barbecue Chicken Kabobs
These grilled Barbecue Chicken Kabobs and vegetables are skewered, covered in a spice rub, and then brushed with a sweet, spicy, smoky, and tangy BBQ sauce that is sure to be a hit at your summer BBQ or picnic.
Aloha Barbecue Chicken Wings
Aloha Barbecue Chicken Wings are sweet and spicy chicken wings sweetened with pineapple preserves to bring a taste of Hawaii to your grill.
Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken
This Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken is easy to make and great for a quick and affordable weeknight meal. These chicken drumsticks are the perfect mix of sticky, juicy, and crispy all at the same time!
Baked BBQ Chicken Breast
Baked BBQ chicken breast is as easy as it gets—just two ingredients for a super simple weeknight dinner that’ll have you saying, “so good”!
BBQ Chicken Sliders
These BBQ Chicken Sliders aren’t your average slider sandwiches. Nope. They aren’t even your average BBQ chicken sandwich. They are the best little mini sandwiches you will ever sink your teeth into!
BBQ Chicken Nachos
BBQ Chicken Nachos take only minutes to prepare and only require FOUR, yes four, ingredients! What more could you ask for?! Super simple to make and loaded with flavor? Yes please!!
BBQ Chicken Pizza
This BBQ Chicken Pizza is savory, slightly sweet and tangy and herby! It’s easy to throw together with store-bought pizza dough, chicken and barbecue sauce!
BBQ Chicken Tostadas
Crispy corn tortillas topped with a saucy BBQ chicken mixture, crunchy shredded cabbage, cheese and jalapeno Ranch dressing. These easy BBQ Chicken Tostadas are a super satisfying, busy day meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes!
Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Try something different at your next cookout with BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese made in your Instant Pot! This one pot side dish combines everything you love about creamy, cheesy pasta and leftover grilled chicken in a uniquely yummy 30-minute recipe!
Cheesy BBQ Chicken Bake
This Cheesy BBQ Baked Chicken Breast is an easy recipe for busy weeknights. Boneless chicken breasts are covered with your favorite BBQ sauce and then topped with crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese for the perfect comfort food dinner. And this baked BBQ chicken breast recipe is ready in about 30 minutes!
Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
Chicken Satay is marinated chicken grilled to perfection and dipped in a perfectly-seasoned Peanut Sauce, inspired by the cuisine of Brunei, that will rival anything you find at a Thai restaurant. Perfect for a quick dinner served with rice or noodles!
BBQ Chicken Meatballs
BBQ Chicken Meatballs are a quick and easy weeknight dinner that you’re going to be overly impressed by. Made with ground chicken, plenty of flavorful herbs and spices, and simmered with your favorite barbecue sauce, this recipe is so tasty and takes just 20 minutes!
