Weber Kickin Chicken Recipe
Weber Kickin Chicken Recipe features chicken marinated in a flavorful mix of spices, olive oil, and lemon juice. Grilled to perfection, the seasoning enhances the natural flavors, offering a zesty, smoky taste. It’s a quick, easy recipe for a bold, tasty chicken dish with a spicy kick.
Equipment
- Weber Grill (or any charcoal grill)
- Mixing bowl
- Brush
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (or chicken breasts if you prefer)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper adjust for heat preference
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce I recommend a sweet and tangy sauce
- Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1: Prepare the Chicken
- Start by rinsing the chicken thighs (or breasts) under cold water, patting them dry with paper towels. This will help the marinade stick better. Remove any excess fat if necessary.
2: Make the Marinade
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk the ingredients together until well-combined. The brown sugar helps to balance out the heat from the cayenne pepper, creating a perfect sweet-spicy combo.
3: Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken in a large mixing bowl or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated.
- Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 35 minutes (preferably overnight). This step allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat for maximum flavor.
4: Preheat the Grill
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare your grill. If you’re using a Weber grill, light the charcoal and set it up for indirect heat. This will allow the chicken to cook evenly without burning. Aim for a grill temperature of 375°F to 400°F.
5: Grill the Chicken
- Once the grill is hot, place the marinated chicken on the grill over indirect heat. Close the lid and let the chicken cook for about 40-50 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Use tongs to flip the chicken and brush it with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 25-30 minutes of cooking. The BBQ sauce will caramelize and create a delicious, sticky coating on the chicken.
6: Check for Doneness
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F. If it’s not quite there, continue grilling for a few more minutes.
7: Rest and Serve
- Once the chicken reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring your chicken stays juicy and tender. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, and you’re ready to serve.
Notes
If you’re looking for a healthier version of this recipe, feel free to use skinless chicken breasts and opt for a sugar-free BBQ sauce. Grilling over direct heat for a few minutes at the end will help give the chicken that crispy texture without the extra calories.
Also, if you prefer more heat, increase the cayenne pepper in the marinade. However, if you’re cooking for guests with varying spice tolerances, you might want to keep the heat moderate and let people add extra hot sauce if they desire.