Skip to main content

Brother David's Grilled Chicken & Ribs

This grilled chicken and ribs recipe is a high-protein feast that brings the authentic taste of a summer cookout to your table. By layering a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce over the meat as it grills, you create a wonderfully thick, caramelised crust that seals in all the natural juices. Using a mix of chicken thighs, drumsticks, and pork ribs ensures a variety of textures and flavours, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser for any outdoor gathering.

Perfect for weekend entertaining or a hearty family meal, this dish focuses on simple seasoning and patient grilling techniques. The combination of garlic powder and slow-rendered fat results in a savoury depth that pairs beautifully with classic sides like crunchy coleslaw or buttered corn on the cob. It is an approachable, nutritious way to enjoy a substantial homemade barbecue.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Brother David's Grilled Chicken & Ribs

  • 60ml olive oil

  • 1.4kg chicken pieces, skin on (thighs, drumsticks, breasts)

  • 1.4kg pork ribs on the slab

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 60ml garlic powder

  • Sweet & Tangy Barbecue Sauce

Lightly brush your grill with olive oil and preheat it to approximately 177°C.

In the meantime, rinse the meat, pat it dry, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Arrange the chicken and ribs on the grill. Resist turning the meat for at least 5 minutes. This will help it sear nicely. After 5 minutes or so, turn the meat over, sear the other side for 5 more minutes. Turn again, and this time, brush the meat with the barbecue sauce. Then turn again every 5 minutes, repeating the process of brushing the meat with sauce until the chicken and ribs are cooked through and the barbecue sauce begins to caramelize and form a crust on the meat (35 to 40 minutes).

Serve with more barbecue sauce on the side.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 29 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.