Creating amazing Barbecue Chicken is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps to ensure juicy, flavorful chicken every time:

1. Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, cumin, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using) until well combined.
2. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
3. Preheat Cooking Surface: If grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F). If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F.
4. Remove Chicken from Marinade: Take the chicken out of the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard the leftover marinade to reduce the risk of contamination.
5. Cook Chicken:
– Grilling Method: Place the chicken on the preheated grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, basting with leftover barbecue sauce until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
– Baking Method: Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes, basting with sauce midway through, until cooked through and caramelized.
6. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches at least 165°F for safety.
7. Rest Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill or oven. Let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
8. Serve: Brush additional barbecue sauce over the chicken if desired.

These straightforward steps will guide you in creating mouthwatering Barbecue Chicken effortlessly.