As the snow melts and warmer weather rolls in, Canadians across the country are firing up their barbecues. In 2025, BBQ chicken is making a big comeback — but not just the plain grilled breasts of years past. We’re talking next-level flavours, global inspiration, and smart grilling techniques that make backyard meals something to look forward to all summer long.
Whether you’re hosting a long-weekend cookout, meal-prepping for the week, or just want to master your grill game, these BBQ chicken recipes are simple, flavourful, and totally crave-worthy. Bonus? They’re all perfect for Canadian tastes and ingredients — with a few surprising twists.
What Makes BBQ Chicken a 2025 Favourite?
This year’s BBQ trends are all about:
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Bold, balanced flavours: Think sweet-and-spicy glazes, herby marinades, and smoky dry rubs.
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Global inspiration: From Korean gochujang to Caribbean jerk seasoning, international flair is in.
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Healthier cuts: Chicken thighs, drumsticks, and even wings are taking centre stage, offering more flavour and juiciness than dry chicken breasts.
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Homemade sauces: Canadians are reaching for local maple syrup, Ontario peaches, or B.C. cherries to craft custom BBQ sauces.
Ready to upgrade your grilling routine? Here are six BBQ chicken recipes to try this summer — each one delicious, doable, and totally on-trend for 2025.
1. Classic Canadian Maple BBQ Chicken
A nod to our national pride, this sweet-and-smoky chicken is a crowd-pleaser that never goes out of style.
Ingredients:
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6 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
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½ cup pure maple syrup
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¼ cup ketchup
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2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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In a saucepan, combine maple syrup, ketchup, vinegar, mustard, and paprika. Simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Season chicken with salt and pepper. Grill over medium heat for 20–25 minutes, turning occasionally.
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During the last 10 minutes, baste with the maple BBQ sauce, layering for a sticky glaze.
Pair it with: Grilled corn on the cob and a fresh tomato salad.
2. Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Perfect for spice lovers, these drumsticks pack a punch with chipotle peppers and a touch of honey for balance.
Ingredients:
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8 chicken drumsticks
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
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2 tbsp honey
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1 tbsp lime juice
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1 garlic clove, minced
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1 tsp ground cumin
Instructions:
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Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl. Coat drumsticks and marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
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Grill over medium heat, turning every few minutes, until cooked through (internal temp of 74°C / 165°F).
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Brush with extra marinade near the end for added flavour.
Pro tip: Serve with lime wedges and creamy avocado slaw.
3. Gochujang Glazed Chicken Skewers
A bold Korean-inspired dish that’s perfect for weeknight grilling or entertaining friends.
Ingredients:
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4 boneless chicken thighs, cut into cubes
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2 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp sesame oil
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1 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tsp grated ginger
Instructions:
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Mix gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and ginger. Marinate chicken cubes for 30 minutes.
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Thread onto skewers and grill over high heat for 3–4 minutes per side, until slightly charred and cooked through.
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Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onion to serve.
Goes great with: Steamed jasmine rice or grilled bok choy.
4. Caribbean Jerk BBQ Chicken
Bring a little island heat to your grill with this spicy, allspice-rich jerk chicken.
Ingredients:
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6 chicken thighs or drumsticks
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1 onion, chopped
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2 green onions
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2 cloves garlic
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1 Scotch bonnet pepper (or jalapeño for milder heat)
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1 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tbsp fresh thyme
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1 tsp ground allspice
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½ tsp cinnamon
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Juice of 1 lime
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2 tbsp soy sauce
Instructions:
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Blend all marinade ingredients into a paste.
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Coat chicken and marinate for 4–6 hours or overnight.
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Grill over indirect heat for 30–40 minutes, turning often for even cooking and charring.
Note: Scotch bonnets are very hot — wear gloves and wash hands after handling!
5. Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken Breasts
Lighter but still full of flavour, this recipe is ideal for salads, wraps, or picnics.
Ingredients:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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¼ cup olive oil
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Juice and zest of 1 lemon
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2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
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1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Combine all marinade ingredients and let chicken soak for 1–2 hours.
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Grill on medium-high for 6–8 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
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Let rest before slicing.
Serving idea: Add to a quinoa salad with cucumbers, feta, and cherry tomatoes for a summery meal.
6. Peach Bourbon BBQ Chicken Wings
A sweet, sticky, and slightly boozy glaze makes these wings unforgettable.
Ingredients:
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2 lbs chicken wings
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
For the glaze:
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1 cup fresh or canned peaches, mashed
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¼ cup bourbon
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2 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions:
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Grill wings over indirect heat for 25–30 minutes, turning occasionally.
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Meanwhile, simmer all glaze ingredients in a saucepan until thickened.
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Baste wings with glaze and grill over direct heat for 5 minutes, caramelizing the sauce.
Optional: Garnish with chopped green onion or cilantro.
BBQ Chicken Tips for 2025
Whether you’re a new griller or a seasoned pitmaster, these tips will help you get the best results this summer:
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Always preheat your grill: A hot grill gives better sear and flavour.
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Oil the grates: Prevents sticking and makes flipping easier.
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Use a thermometer: Chicken is done at 74°C (165°F). No guesswork needed.
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Don’t over-marinate: Acidic marinades (like lemon or vinegar) can make chicken mushy if left too long.
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Let it rest: After grilling, give your chicken 5–10 minutes to rest before cutting. This locks in the juices.
In 2025, BBQ chicken is anything but boring. From sweet maple glazes to fiery jerk marinades, Canadians are embracing big flavour and easy techniques to elevate their grilling game. With fresh, local ingredients and a little creativity, you can enjoy BBQ chicken that’s juicy, delicious, and totally backyard-party ready.
So fire up the grill, grab your tongs, and get cooking. Whether you’re on the East Coast, the Prairies, or the West Coast — BBQ season is officially on!
