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Dinner

Classic Labor Day Grilled BBQ Chicken

This juicy grilled chicken is the perfect main dish to celebrate the final days of summer with your friends and family.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 American· August 23, 2026
Classic Labor Day Grilled BBQ Chicken
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
15 minutes
Cook
40 minutes
Total
55 minutes
Serves
6

Labor Day is one of my favorite holidays because it gives us one last chance to fire up the grill and enjoy the warm weather. I always like to make this chicken because it is easy to feed a crowd without spending all day stuck in the kitchen.

The secret to this recipe is letting the chicken marinate for a few hours so the flavors soak deep into the meat. It keeps everything moist while the skin gets nice and crispy on the grill grates.

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds bone in chicken thighs and drumsticks
  • 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl or a sealable bag.

  2. 2

    In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

  3. 3

    Rub this mixture all over the chicken pieces, making sure to get under the skin if possible.

  4. 4

    Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least two hours or up to overnight.

  5. 5

    Preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates.

  6. 6

    Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 35 to 40 minutes, turning occasionally so it browns evenly.

  7. 7

    During the last 10 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken generously with the barbecue sauce.

  8. 8

    Check that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit before taking it off the grill.

  9. 9

    Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy.

💡 Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can serve this alongside a fresh potato salad or some buttery corn on the cob for a complete cookout meal.

#Grilled#Chicken#BBQ#Summer#Dinner

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