There’s something magical about grilling chicken outdoors. The smell of smoky char, the sizzle when skin hits hot metal, the way the meat absorbs every bit of marinade like it’s meant to live on a BBQ forever. Whether you’re a weekend griller or someone who just put together their first diy bbq kit, chicken is always a solid, tasty, and easy choice.
This post is all about making juicy, flavour-packed chicken on the BBQ without overthinking it. We’ll keep it chill, dive into a few marinades, show love to different grilling setups (from your classic brick bbq to a fiery Argentinian BBQ), and break down what makes chicken the go-to hero of outdoor cooking.
Why Chicken is the MVP of BBQ
Chicken’s versatility is unmatched. It can take on any flavour profile-spicy, sweet, tangy, smoky-and cooks pretty quickly compared to beef or pork. You’ve got drumsticks for finger food, thighs for juicy bites, wings for snacking, and whole spatchcocked birds if you're going big.
More importantly, chicken is forgiving if you don’t get everything perfect. Unlike steak, which can be overcooked in a blink, or ribs that need low-and-slow patience, chicken gives you room to learn and still ends up tasting great.
The Setup: Your BBQ Game Plan
First, let’s talk hardware. If you’ve been toying with the idea of building a permanent spot to grill, this is your sign. A brick bbq built in your garden not only looks amazing-it also makes outdoor cooking feel legit. It becomes a centrepiece, a place to hang out, and a reason to call your friends over.
A diy bbq setup using a brick bbq kit can be surprisingly simple. Most kits come with everything you need to lay bricks, install grills, and set up ventilation. It’s a weekend project that pays off for years.
For those going ultra-rustic or just want a fire-kissed vibe, cooking chicken on an Argentinian BBQ is a whole different level. These grills are designed for open-fire cooking and use height-adjustable grates so you can control the heat perfectly. It’s ideal for bone-in cuts and slow flame roasting.
And if you’ve got a brick diy bbq from your last home improvement adventure, this is the perfect excuse to fire it up again.
Marinade Basics: Keep it Simple
Now, let’s get into flavour. You don’t need 20 ingredients and an herb garden to marinate chicken well. Here are three go-to combos that work with whatever BBQ setup you’ve got.
1. Lemon Herb (Fresh & Zesty)
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice + zest
- Garlic
- Fresh thyme or oregano
- Salt & cracked pepper
Best with: Chicken thighs or boneless breast. Great for high-heat searing on a brick bbq.
2. Spicy Honey Mustard (Sweet with a Kick)
- Dijon mustard
- Honey
- Smoked paprika
- Chilli flakes
- Apple cider vinegar
Best with: Wings or drumsticks. Perfect when you’ve got a diy bbq kit going in the background and want something snacky.
3. Chimichurri (Argentinian Classic)
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Fresh parsley & coriander
- Garlic
- Red chilli
- Oregano
Best with: Spatchcocked whole chicken or bone-in cuts. Works beautifully on an Argentinian BBQ with a slow open flame.
Let the chicken soak in the marinade for at least 2 hours-overnight is even better. Don’t rush this part. It’s where the flavour magic happens.
Cooking Chicken on Different BBQs
Each type of grill has its personality. Here’s how to make chicken shine on all of them.
1. Cooking on a Brick BBQ
A proper brick bbq has that classic, earthy vibe. It holds heat well, gives great airflow, and makes grilling feel like a ritual. Place your coals evenly, keep one side a bit cooler (for indirect cooking), and let your chicken cook slowly.
For drumsticks and thighs: Start them on the cooler side of the grill and finish with a high-heat sear.
For wings: Flip often, baste with sauce, and keep them moving so they crisp without burning.
And if you built your setup using a diy bbq kit, you’ll probably already have those removable grills and a warming rack-super useful for moving chicken around when some bits are ready and others aren’t.
2. Using an Argentinian BBQ
This is where BBQ becomes theatre. You build the fire from hardwood logs or quality lump charcoal, wait for that glowing ember base, then lower the grate to start cooking.
Argentinian BBQs are built for patience. Spatchcocked chickens thrive here. Lay the bird skin-side up at medium heat and give it time. Keep a small bowl of chimichurri to baste it every so often.
The smoky flavour is unreal, and you’ll get that perfect charred exterior with a juicy inside. It’s hard to go back once you try this method.
3. Portable DIY BBQs
If you're working with a smaller brick diy bbq setup-maybe one you made yourself with a diy bbq kit for a patio space or campsite-just make sure your heat control is on point.
These setups work best with boneless cuts or skewered chicken (hello, kebabs). Quick, easy, and ideal for casual grilling without a lot of fuss.
Pro tip: Always have a small spray bottle of water nearby in case flare-ups get out of hand, especially if you’re basting with a sweet sauce.
Sides That Slap
Don’t just let the chicken steal the show-add a few simple sides that complement it perfectly.
Grilled Veggie Skewers
Zucchini, bell peppers, onions, cherry tomatoes-drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Done.
Corn on the Cob
Soak in water for 30 minutes, then grill in the husk. Butter and chili lime seasoning = game changer.
Flatbreads
Toss some store-bought or homemade flatbreads on the grill for a quick carb hit. They catch all the chicken juices-yum.
Potato Salad (But Make It BBQ-Friendly)
Skip the mayo. Go for a warm potato salad with olive oil, mustard, red onions, and parsley. Light, tangy, and easy to prep in advance.
Vibes Matter Too
Great BBQ isn’t just about the food-it’s the whole vibe. If you've got a brick bbq set into your garden wall, string up some lights. Throw on a playlist. Set up a little drink station with cold beers, lemonade, or iced tea.
If you're at the beach or camping with a makeshift diy bbq setup, get the foldable chairs out, crack open a speaker, and let the chicken do its thing while you chill.
And don’t forget the sauces. A little hot sauce, garlic yogurt dip, or classic ketchup-mayo combo always gets bonus points.
Clean-Up Isn’t Glamorous, But It’s Necessary
Once the feast is done and the sun’s dipping low, take 10 minutes to clean your grill. Trust us, Future You will be grateful.
- Scrape off gunk while it’s still warm
- Oil the grill slightly to prevent rust
- Empty ash carefully if you're using a brick bbq or open coal system
- Cover or protect your bbq setup if it’s staying outside
Keep it Fun, Keep it Simple
The beauty of BBQ chicken is that you can dress it up or down. Whether you're working a full-on Argentinian BBQ for a weekend feast, grilling on a compact brick diy bbq after work, or experimenting with a new diy bbq kit in your backyard, chicken brings that reliable deliciousness every single time.
It's not about perfect sear marks or gourmet plating-it’s about smoky bites, messy fingers, and that moment when someone says, “This is really good.”
So fire it up, flip that bird, and let chicken take the spotlight.
