YT Recipe

Delicious BBQ Chicken on a Gas Grill - Basic Backyard Grilled Chicken

Delicious BBQ Chicken on a Gas Grill - Basic Backyard Grilled Chicken is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 300 calories per serving. Recipe by TheWolfePit on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 1 hr 45 min | Total: 2 hrs 25 min

Cost: $11.10 total, $1.85 per serving

Ingredients

  • 6 pieces Chicken Leg Quarters (bone-in, skin-on)
  • 2 teaspoons Salt (kosher or table salt)
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 cup BBQ Sauce (store‑bought, any brand you like)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Clean Grill

    Turn all three burners on high, close the lid, and let the grill burn for 10 minutes until it reaches about 700°F. Then open the lid and brush the grates clean with a grill brush.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Season Chicken

    Turn off two of the burners, leaving the far‑left burner on high. Liberally season the 6 chicken leg quarters on both sides with salt and pepper.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Arrange for Indirect Grilling

    Place the seasoned chicken on the right side of the grill where the burners are off (indirect zone). Keep the left burner on high to maintain heat. Close the lid and adjust burners to keep the grill temperature between 325°F and 350°F.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 325-350°F

  4. Cook Skin Side Up

    Grill with the lid closed for 30 minutes, skin side up, maintaining a temperature of 350°F.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 350°F

  5. Flip and Cook Skin Side Down

    Flip the chicken pieces and continue grilling skin side down for another 30 minutes with the lid closed, keeping the temperature at 350°F.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 350°F

  6. First Basting with BBQ Sauce

    After the initial hour, brush a generous layer of BBQ sauce onto the chicken, close the lid, and cook for 15 minutes.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 350°F

  7. Second Basting and Flip

    Flip the chicken, add another thin layer of BBQ sauce, close the lid, and cook for a further 15 minutes.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 350°F

  8. Increase Heat to Caramelize

    Raise the grill temperature to 400°F and cook the chicken for a final 15 minutes with the lid closed to set and caramelize the sauce.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 400°F

  9. Rest and Serve

    Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
300
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
10g
Fat
15g
Fiber
0g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free (use gluten‑free BBQ sauce), Nut‑Free, Dairy‑Free

Allergens: Soy (in BBQ sauce), Wheat (if BBQ sauce contains)

Last updated: June 27, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Delicious BBQ Chicken on a Gas Grill - Basic Backyard Grilled Chicken

Recipe by TheWolfePit

A straightforward, juicy grilled chicken leg quarter recipe using indirect heat on a gas grill. Seasoned simply with salt and pepper, basted with your favorite BBQ sauce, and finished at a higher temperature for a caramelized glaze. Perfect for backyard summer cooking.

EasyAmericanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
5m
Prep
2h 5m
Cook
16m
Cleanup
2h 26m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$11.10
Total cost
$1.85
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Cleaning and preheating the grill to a high temperature.
  • • Maintaining indirect heat between 325°F‑350°F throughout the first hour.
  • • Flipping the chicken at the correct times to avoid over‑cooking.
  • • Applying BBQ sauce after the initial cooking to prevent burning.
  • • Increasing temperature to 400°F for the final caramelization.

Safety Warnings

  • • Grill surfaces reach >400°F; use heat‑resistant gloves.
  • • Watch for flare‑ups when applying sauce; keep a spray bottle of water nearby.
  • • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of backyard barbecue chicken in American cuisine?

A

Backyard barbecue chicken is a staple of American summer cooking, rooted in the post‑World War II rise of affordable gas grills. It embodies casual outdoor gatherings, picnics, and family cookouts, reflecting the country’s love for smoky, sweet‑tangy flavors.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of barbecue chicken exist within the United States?

A

In the South, chicken is often smoked low and slow with a vinegar‑based sauce, while Kansas City style favors a thick, sweet tomato‑based glaze. Texas barbecue may add a spicy rub, and West Coast versions often incorporate citrus or Asian‑inspired sauces.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is backyard barbecue chicken traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

It is commonly served at Fourth of July celebrations, Labor Day picnics, backyard birthday parties, and casual weekend family gatherings. The dish’s simplicity makes it a go‑to for any informal outdoor event.

cultural
Q

How does backyard barbecue chicken fit into the broader American barbecue tradition?

A

Chicken is one of the three classic barbecue proteins alongside pork ribs and beef brisket. Its quick cooking time and ability to absorb sauces make it a versatile component of the American barbecue repertoire.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for backyard barbecue chicken versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include bone‑in, skin‑on chicken, salt, pepper, and a sweet‑tangy BBQ sauce made from ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices. Substitutes can be boneless thighs, homemade sauce, or a different spice rub, as long as the balance of sweet, smoky, and acidic flavors is maintained.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with backyard barbecue chicken?

A

Classic sides include coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, potato salad, and cornbread. A chilled lemonade or iced tea rounds out the meal nicely.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making backyard barbecue chicken on a gas grill?

A

Common errors include cooking over direct flame which burns the sauce, not preheating the grill, flipping too early, and neglecting to maintain a steady 325‑350°F indirect temperature. These lead to uneven cooking or a soggy crust.

technical
Q

Why does this backyard barbecue chicken recipe use indirect grilling instead of direct heat?

A

Indirect grilling prevents flare‑ups from chicken drippings and allows the meat to cook evenly without burning the BBQ sauce. It also helps achieve a tender, juicy interior while still developing a crisp skin.

technical
Q

Can I make backyard barbecue chicken ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Season the chicken up to a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. After grilling, let the chicken cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the oven or on the grill.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel TheWolfePit specialize in?

A

TheWolfePit focuses on straightforward, outdoor‑cooking tutorials, especially grilling, smoking, and backyard barbecue techniques, delivering clear step‑by‑step videos for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel TheWolfePit’s approach to American barbecue differ from other grilling channels?

A

TheWolfePit emphasizes simplicity and minimal equipment, using everyday tools and a single gas grill to achieve classic barbecue results, whereas many other channels rely on elaborate setups, multiple smokers, or specialty wood chips.

channel
More like this:American RecipesMain Course RecipesMore by TheWolfePit

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Homemade Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken and Garlic Croutons
13

Homemade Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken and Garlic Croutons

A completely homemade Caesar salad: crunchy romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, fragrant garlic croutons, hard-boiled eggs and a silky Caesar dressing made with cream, parmesan and anchovies. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

58 minServes 4$16
French
Grilled (or Broiled) Tandoori Chicken
94

Grilled (or Broiled) Tandoori Chicken

A restaurant‑style Indian‑American tandoori chicken made at home using a charcoal grill or a kitchen broiler. The recipe includes a homemade masala made from toasted whole spices, a yogurt‑based marinade, and simple grilled vegetables. The dish is flavorful, smoky, and perfect for a hearty dinner.

1 hr 45 minServes 6$13
Indian (American‑style)
Caribbean Jerk Chicken (Marinated 24 h, Grilled Over Charcoal)
13

Caribbean Jerk Chicken (Marinated 24 h, Grilled Over Charcoal)

A spicy, smoky Caribbean‑style jerk chicken that was made famous by Ainsley Harriott. The chicken is marinated overnight in a blend of scotch bonnet peppers, turmeric, garlic, ginger and lime, then grilled over medium heat until juicy and charred. Serve with a dash of hot pepper sauce for extra heat.

1 hr 25 minServes 8$14
Caribbean
Tastiest Low Calorie High Protein Spicy Grilled Chicken Wraps!
25

Tastiest Low Calorie High Protein Spicy Grilled Chicken Wraps!

A quick, high‑protein, low‑calorie wrap featuring garlic‑seasoned grilled chicken, a tangy spicy yogurt sauce, fresh lettuce, red onion, and tomato, all wrapped in a low‑calorie tortilla. Ready in under 35 minutes and only about 350 calories per wrap.

34 minServes 2$13
American
Grilled Chicken Caprese Dense Bean Salad recipe on Substack!
14

Grilled Chicken Caprese Dense Bean Salad recipe on Substack!

A protein‑packed summer salad featuring grilled, spice‑rubbed chicken thighs, charred corn, chickpeas, white beans, mozzarella pearls, avocado and a bright lemon‑balsamic dressing. It marinates in the fridge and gets even more flavorful over the week—perfect for meal‑prep or a hearty side.

55 minServes 4$19
Mediterranean
How to make INCREDIBLE Syrian Grilled Chicken - Shish Tawouk
16

How to make INCREDIBLE Syrian Grilled Chicken - Shish Tawouk

Juicy, flavorful chicken kebabs marinated in a lemon‑yogurt blend with garlic, red pepper paste, and aromatic spices. Skewered with onion and bell pepper, then grilled to perfection and served in warm pita with garlic sauce.

1 hr 50 minServes 4$36
Middle Eastern
The Only Grilled Chicken Marinade I Use (Just 4 Ingredients)
38

The Only Grilled Chicken Marinade I Use (Just 4 Ingredients)

A quick, four‑ingredient marinade that turns boneless skinless chicken thighs into juicy, smoky, sweet‑and‑tangy grilled chicken. Perfect for backyard BBQs or weeknight meals.

3 hrs 19 minServes 4$9
American
Mediterranean Chicken Recipe (Grilled Chicken Recipe!)
14

Mediterranean Chicken Recipe (Grilled Chicken Recipe!)

Juicy, flavor‑packed chicken thighs marinated in lemon, garlic and warm Mediterranean spices, grilled to perfection and served with a cool dill Greek yogurt sauce. Perfect for summer gatherings or a weeknight dinner.

2 hrs 40 minServes 4$13
Mediterranean
🔥 Trending Recipes← All Recipes