14 Chicken Recipes for Your Next Cookout

Planning a cookout? You're in the right place. From Crispy Smoked Chicken Wings and Grilled Barbecue Chicken Breasts to Carolina BBQ Grilled Chicken and Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kabobs, these easy BBQ chicken recipes are perfect for feeding family and friends. Click through to find a new favorite for your next backyard gathering.

Easy Smoked Chicken Thighs with Crispy Skin

Tongs holding a saucy, cooked chicken wing above a bowl of dipping sauce and more wings. — Smoked Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Rich, smoky flavor and crispy skin make Easy Smoked Chicken Thighs with Crispy Skin a standout meal. A sweet barbecue glaze adds an extra layer of flavor while keeping every bite juicy and satisfying. This easy smoker recipe works just as well for relaxed weeknight dinners as it does for weekend cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Thighs

Cheesy Barbecue Chicken Sliders

Close-up of a barbecue pulled chicken sandwich with melted cheese on a toasted bun, served on a plate. — Barbecue Chicken Sliders. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Perfect for sharing, Cheesy Barbecue Chicken Sliders combine buttery rolls, melty cheese, and savory barbecue chicken in every bite. The baked sliders stay perfectly textured without becoming soggy. They're always a welcome addition to parties, game days, and casual cookout spreads.
Get the Recipe: Barbecue Chicken Sliders

Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Wings

Plate of buffalo chicken wings with celery, carrot sticks, ranch dip, and hot sauce on the side. — Air Fryer Buffalo Wings. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Ready in about 30 minutes, Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Wings deliver all the crunch and bold buffalo flavor you crave. The air fryer keeps the chicken juicy while creating a crisp exterior without deep frying. They're perfect for quick dinners, parties, or cheering on your favorite team.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Wings

Crispy Boneless BBQ Wings

Buffalo cauliflower bites coated in sauce, served on a white plate with a cloth napkin in the background. — Boneless BBQ Wings. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Golden and crunchy, Crispy Boneless BBQ Wings are coated in a flavorful breading before being tossed in a rich barbecue sauce. The contrast between the crispy exterior and juicy chicken makes every bite satisfying. They're a fun favorite for game-day snacks, family dinners, or entertaining a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Boneless BBQ Wings

Oven-Baked Crispy Honey Buffalo Wings

Buffalo chicken wings with ranch dip and celery on parchment paper, garnished with herbs. — Honey Buffalo Wings. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Sweet heat takes center stage in Oven-Baked Crispy Honey Buffalo Wings with their sticky honey buffalo coating and crisp baked finish. Every wing is packed with bold flavor while staying wonderfully crispy from the oven. They're an easy addition to game days, parties, or family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Honey Buffalo Wings

Crispy Smoked Chicken Wings

A plate of buffalo chicken wings with carrot, celery sticks, and a cup of ranch dipping sauce. — Smoked Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Food Folks and Fun.

Slow-smoked to perfection, Crispy Smoked Chicken Wings deliver juicy meat with irresistibly crisp skin. The rich smoky flavor shines whether you serve them plain or toss them in your favorite barbecue sauce. They're an easy choice when you're feeding friends or setting out appetizers for a backyard gathering.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Wings

Grilled Barbecue Chicken Breasts

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Fresh off the grill, Grilled Barbecue Chicken Breasts are brushed with tangy barbecue sauce and cooked until beautifully caramelized. Every bite stays tender and flavorful while coming together in very little time. They're a dependable choice for busy weeknights and sunny backyard cookouts alike.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Barbecue Chicken Breasts

Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kabobs

Tropical flavors shine in Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kabobs with juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and colorful vegetables. The island-inspired barbecue sauce brings everything together with a delicious balance of sweet and savory. They're a festive addition to summer cookouts, backyard parties, and casual dinners.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kabobs

Perfect Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs

Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

Skip the guesswork with Perfect Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs that come out juicy and beautifully caramelized. This reliable grilling method helps create flavorful chicken without the frustration of burning or drying it out. They're an easy favorite for backyard barbecues and family meals.
Get the Recipe: Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs

Easy Smoked Drumstick

Four seasoned chicken drumsticks on a wooden board with a bowl of creamy dipping sauce and a spoon. — Smoked Drumstick. Photo credit: Food Folks and Fun.

Fire up the smoker for an Easy Smoked Drumstick that's packed with juicy, smoky flavor. A simple seasoning blend lets the natural taste of the chicken take center stage while creating a delicious finish. It's a budget-friendly favorite that's perfect for family dinners and weekend barbecues.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Drumstick

Sweet and Tangy Carolina BBQ Grilled Chicken

Carolina BBQ Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

Inspired by classic regional barbecue, Sweet and Tangy Carolina BBQ Grilled Chicken delivers the perfect balance of bright tanginess and smoky flavor. The grilled finish creates a delicious crust while keeping the chicken tender inside. It's an excellent recipe for picnics, cookouts, and summer dinners.
Get the Recipe: Carolina BBQ Grilled Chicken

Grilled Alabama BBQ Chicken with White Sauce

A tangy white barbecue sauce gives Grilled Alabama BBQ Chicken with White Sauce its signature Southern flavor. The juicy grilled chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy, zesty sauce for a memorable cookout meal. Serve it whenever you want something a little different from traditional barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Alabama BBQ Chicken with White Sauce

Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken That's Tender and Saucy

Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

When you need a meal that's both quick and satisfying, Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken That's Tender and Saucy delivers every time. The chicken turns incredibly tender with a sweet, tangy, lightly smoky sauce that clings to every bite. It's perfect for sandwiches, sliders, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken

Barbecue Chicken Zucchini Boats

Looking for a lighter way to enjoy barbecue? Barbecue Chicken Zucchini Boats combine tender zucchini, saucy chicken, and melty cheese into a comforting meal. They're packed with familiar barbecue flavors while offering a fresh twist that's great for family dinners or cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Barbecue Chicken Zucchini Boats