There is nothing – and I mean, nothing – better than perfect sweet and smoky sticky grilled chicken in the summer with a cold glass of lemonade and some crunchy coleslaw. My BBQ Grilled Chicken Quarters recipe is the perfect hearty dinner for a hungry crowd!

We’re using a budget-friendly chicken quarters cut – which includes the chicken drumstick and chicken thigh – for a generous double serving of perfect grilled chicken that fills up even the hungriest and pickiest of teenagers.

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At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe – my goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

I want each reader to walk away with a solid knowledge of each recipe, with all of the tips I’ve gathered from extensive testing of each recipe. I also answer questions my friends and family have asked about my recipes, to help everyone better understand the processes we use – and why!

Easy Grilled Chicken Quarters

This is one of my favorite summer dinners because it is so simple and is perfect to feed a hungry crowd – my teen son could live off chicken quarters all summer if I let him.

The secret to tender, juicy chicken with a perfect sticky crunchy bbq crust is layering the sauce on at the end of the cooking process – this will help the sugars in the sauce caramelize and crisp up into a sticky, crunchy bark.

This recipe was also designed to be delicious baked in the oven or grilled on the grill – so you can make it even if the weather shifts, or you forgot you’re low on gas!

Go by the temperatures below for grill or oven – and always be sure to inject a rapid read meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken thigh, without hitting the bone, to tell when it has fully cooked.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Quarters

To make this recipe, we will need to gather the following ingredients:

For the Chicken & Seasoning:

• 4 chicken leg quarters – The star of the dish, providing juicy, flavorful dark meat that stays tender and moist when cooked. The combination of the thigh and drumstick adds extra richness.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps the seasoning stick to the chicken while adding moisture and promoting a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for enhancing the natural flavor of the chicken and bringing out the depth of the other spices.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – Adds a rich, smoky depth that complements the barbecue glaze while also giving the chicken a warm, reddish hue.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Brings a bold, savory flavor that enhances the overall seasoning blend.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – Adds a subtle sweetness and depth, pairing well with the garlic powder.
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) – Provides a hint of heat for those who like a little spice. This can be adjusted or omitted based on preference.
• Lemon slices for serving – Adds a fresh, citrusy brightness that balances the rich and smoky flavors of the chicken.

For the BBQ Glaze:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Boosts the savory undertones of the barbecue sauce, ensuring the glaze has a well-rounded, robust flavor.
• 1 cup barbecue sauce – The base of the glaze, providing a sweet, tangy, and smoky coating that caramelizes beautifully on the chicken.
• 2 tablespoons honey – Enhances the sweetness of the sauce while helping to create a sticky, glossy finish when the glaze is applied.
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – Adds a slight tanginess and acidity, balancing out the sweetness and richness of the glaze.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder – Brings a mild heat and smoky complexity to the glaze.

Once we’ve gathered our ingredients, we will use the following method:

Tips and Tricks for Perfect BBQ Chicken Quarters

Choose the Right Chicken: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters for maximum flavor and juiciness.

Pat Dry: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning to help the skin crisp up.

Season Well for Flavorful Chicken: Let the seasoned chicken rest for at least 15-30 minutes before cooking to allow the spices to penetrate.

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the seasoning and a little olive oil.

Season generously – Don’t just rely on the BBQ sauce; a good dry rub ensures deep flavor.

Get the Skin Crispy: If grilling or roasting, cook skin-side down first to render the fat and create a crispier texture.

Use High Temp: A higher starting temperature (400°F for 10-15 minutes) helps crisp the skin before lowering the heat for slow cooking.

Don’t Cover: Avoid covering the chicken while cooking, as this traps steam and prevents crispiness.

Cook Low and Slow for Juicy Meat: For tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken, bake or grill at 350°F to 375°F for about 45-55 minutes.

Use indirect heat on the grill – Cook over indirect heat first, then finish with direct heat for caramelization.

Apply BBQ Sauce at the Right Time: Don’t brush on BBQ sauce too early—it can burn due to the sugar content.

• Apply in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking and baste every few minutes for a sticky, caramelized finish.

Use a Meat Thermometer: Chicken quarters should reach an internal temperature of 175-185°F for the best texture. Avoid cutting into the meat to check doneness, as this releases juices. Instead, use a thermometer in the thickest part.

Rest the Chicken Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.

Add a Fresh Finishing Touch: Serve with lemon slices or a drizzle of fresh lemon juice to balance the smoky-sweet flavors. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Bonus Pro Tips:

• Want extra smoky flavor? Use smoked paprika in the seasoning or cook over a charcoal grill with wood chips.
• Prefer spicy BBQ? Add extra cayenne or hot sauce to the BBQ glaze.
• Make ahead-friendly – Cook chicken ahead of time and reheat on the grill or under a broiler for a fresh-off-the-grill taste.

Follow these tips, and you’ll have perfectly crispy, juicy, and flavorful BBQ chicken leg quarters every time!

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