Posted by Casey on Jul 31st 2025
BBQ Chicken on the Grill
Easy BBQ Chicken
There's something magical about the smell of chicken sizzling on the grill on a warm evening. But when you start with our pasture-raised birds, you're getting so much more than just dinner – you're getting chicken that actually tastes like chicken should!
Why our chicken grills differently (and better):
- Firmer texture from natural exercise means it won't fall apart on the grill
- Rich, complex flavor that can stand up to bold BBQ seasonings
- Better fat distribution creates that coveted crispy skin
- No weird water retention like you get with factory birds
This recipe works great with chicken wings, thighs, or even breasts, though I always recommend dark meat for grilling – it's more forgiving and stays juicier.
I always opt to use a grill to get more of that smokey flavor, but you can absolutely do this in the oven too! Just bake at 425°F and brush with sauce in the last 10 minutes.
Pair with some coleslaw, mac & cheese, potato salad, baked beans or a fresh salad for an easy weeknight dinner that feels special.
Ingredients
- One package of TC Farm Chicken (wings, thighs or breasts) - thawed over night in a bowl in the refrigerator
- Triple Crown BBQ Sauce (You can't go wrong with the classic, but any flavor here will work) - divided
Dry Rub Spices
- 1/2 tsp - Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 tsp - Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp - Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp - Ground Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp - Salt
- Dash of Cayenne (optional if you like a little heat )
Directions
Prep (Day Before or Morning of)
- Make the dry rub: Mix all spices in a small bowl until well combined
- Season the chicken: Pat chicken dry with paper towels, then coat evenly with the spice rub
- Let it marinate: Place seasoned chicken in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to really penetrate the meat.

On the Grill
- Prep your grill: Clean grates and preheat to medium-high heat (about 425°F). If using charcoal, set up for indirect cooking with coals on one side.
- Start with sauce on the side: Pour about 1/3 of your Triple Crown BBQ sauce into a small bowl for basting. Keep the rest for serving.
- Initial cook: Place chicken on the grill skin-side down. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving to get good grill marks and crispy skin.
- Flip and sauce: Turn chicken and brush the cooked side with BBQ sauce. Continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes.
- Keep saucing: Flip again and brush the other side with sauce. The sugars in the sauce will start to caramelize and create that beautiful glaze.
- Check for doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F. Thighs may take 12-15 minutes total, while breasts cook faster at 10-12 minutes.
- Rest before serving: Remove from grill and let rest for 5+ minutes. This keeps all those delicious juices locked in.

Chef's Tips
overcook!