About the Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the taste of perfectly smoked chicken — juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and infused with that bold, zesty flavor of Hill’s BBQ Sauce & Marinade. This recipe brings backyard BBQ to a new level, combining slow-cooked hardwood smoke with the tangy kick that makes Hill’s sauce unforgettable.
Whether you’re cooking wings, legs, breasts, or a whole bird, the key is low and slow heat. The result? Tender, smoky chicken glazed in a rich, peppery sauce that caramelizes beautifully as it cooks — and gets even better as it rests. This is classic Tennessee BBQ flavor you can taste in every bite.
Ingredients
Chicken (wings, legs, breasts, or whole/half bird)
Hill’s BBQ Sauce & Marinade (for marinating and basting)
Olive oil
Favorite seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, etc.)
Hardwood chunks or coals (hickory or mesquite recommended)
Preparation
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)
For deeper flavor, place chicken in a resealable bag or container and coat generously with Hill’s BBQ Sauce & Marinade.
Marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight in the refrigerator for maximum tenderness and flavor.
2. Prepare the Smoker or Grill
Set up your smoker or grill for indirect cooking and heat to 225–250°F.
Add hardwood chunks or coals (hickory or mesquite) for a rich, smoky aroma.
3. Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry and lightly coat with olive oil.
Season all sides with your favorite blend of salt, pepper, and spices.
4. Smoke the Chicken Low and Slow
Place chicken on the grill, skin side up, and close the lid.
Cook slowly, maintaining 225–250°F, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Baste the chicken periodically with Hill’s BBQ Sauce & Marinade throughout the cooking process to build layers of flavor.
5. Rest and Finish
Once the chicken reaches 160°F, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 5–10 minutes.
During this resting period, drizzle more Hill’s BBQ Sauce & Marinade over the chicken — the carry-over heat will bring it up to a safe 165°F while the sauce soaks in perfectly.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot with your favorite BBQ sides — coleslaw, baked beans, or grilled corn.
Add an extra drizzle of Hill’s BBQ Sauce & Marinade just before serving for that perfect final kick.
Pro Tip
If you like extra crispy skin, finish the chicken over direct heat for 1–2 minutes per side right before removing it from the grill — just long enough to caramelize the sauce without burning it.