[Updated 7.29.25]

What's the Difference Between Grilling, BBQ, and Smoking?

When it comes to outdoor chicken cooking methods, understanding the difference between grilling and BBQ and smoking is essential. Grilling vs BBQ vs smoking each offers unique benefits for cooking chicken, whether you're after quick weeknight meals or weekend flavor adventures. This complete guide breaks down when to grill chicken, BBQ chicken, or smoke chicken for the best results every time.

Let’s break down the techniques, when to use them, and how to make the most of each method.

🔥 Grilling Chicken: High-Heat Fast Cooking Method

Grilling is the most common and beginner-friendly outdoor cooking method. It uses direct, high heat to sear food quickly, locking in juices and giving chicken that crave-worthy char.

Grilling Temperature and Time Guide:

• Temperature: 400°F to 550°F

• Cooking Time: 5–15 minutes

• Heat Source: Gas, charcoal, or hardwood chunks

• Best Chicken Cuts for Grilling:

  • Springer Mountain Farms boneless skinless chicken breasts

  • Chicken tenderloins or skewers

  • Chicken drumsticks and boneless skinless chicken thighs (with extra care for even cooking)

Why Choose Grilling?

It’s perfect for quick meals and weeknight dinners. With the right marinade or dry rub, you’ll get incredible flavor in no time.

Grilled Chicken Recipes and Tips:

• Preheat the grill thoroughly to prevent sticking.

• Oil the grates and your chicken lightly.

• Flip only once for optimal caramelization.

Grilling Recipe Inspiration: Huli Huli Grilled Chicken and Cajun Grilled Chicken

🍗 BBQ Chicken: Low and Slow Barbecue Technique

Barbecuing is all about indirect heat over time. It’s the technique for when you want super juicy, fall-apart chicken with rich, infused flavor—especially when cooked bone-in.

How to BBQ Chicken Perfectly:

• Temperature: 225°F to 275°F

• Cooking Time: 1.5–4 hours, depending on cut

• Heat Source: Charcoal with wood chunks or hardwood pellets

• Best Cuts for BBQ Chicken:

  • Whole Springer Mountain Farms chickens

  • Bone-in chicken thighs or split breasts

  • Chicken leg quarters

Why Choose BBQ?

Barbecue gives you a depth of flavor that quick grilling can’t match. As the chicken cooks slowly, the fat renders and the meat stays moist.

Pro BBQ Tips:

• Use a water pan in your grill or smoker to retain moisture.

• Apply a dry rub at least 30 minutes before cooking.

• Wrap in foil if skin starts to over-brown before reaching temperature.

BBQ Recipe Inspiration: Beer Can Chicken with Buttery Veggie Pasta

🌫️ Smoking Chicken: Wood-Fired Flavor Method

Smoking is an artful technique where flavor comes from both time and wood. It uses low heat and smoldering wood to slowly cook chicken while infusing it with rich, smoky notes.

How to Smoke Chicken at Home:

• Hot Smoking Temperature: 200°F to 250°F

• Cooking Time: 2–5 hours

• Heat Source: Hardwood chunks like applewood, cherry, or hickory

• Best For:

  • Springer Mountain Farms whole chickens

  • Bone-in thighs and drumsticks

  • Chicken wings and leg quarters

Why Choose Smoking?

Smoking creates tender, juicy chicken with a complex flavor profile and crispy skin. It’s great for special occasions, weekend meals, or anytime you want to go all in on flavor.

Pro Smoking Tips and Best Wood Types for Smoking Chicken:

• Keep the smoker lid closed to maintain temperature and smoke flow.

• Choose milder woods like applewood for subtle flavor, or hickory for bolder taste.

• Always smoke to internal temp (165°F for chicken), not by time alone.

Smoking Recipe Inspiration: Smoked Pulled Chicken Sliders

🧂 Which Cooking Method Should You Choose?

Not sure which method to use for your next chicken dinner?

Grilling vs BBQ vs Smoking: Quick Comparison: