Grilled BBQ Sauce Chicken Brats: Your Ultimate Guide to Summer Flavor

Prepare to elevate your grilling game with these incredibly delicious BBQ Sauce Chicken Brats! Imagine juicy chicken brats, perfectly charred on the grill, then brushed with a luscious, sticky barbecue sauce and nestled into soft buns. But we don’t stop there. These culinary masterpieces are crowned with a generous heap of tangy homemade pickled red onions and a zesty zigzag of spicy brown mustard, creating an explosion of flavors and textures in every bite. Whether you’re planning a holiday cookout like Labor Day or simply craving a taste of summer, this recipe promises to be a memorable, crowd-pleasing addition to your outdoor feast.

Why Choose Chicken Brats for Your Next Cookout?

Tired of the same old burgers and hot dogs? It’s time to venture into the delightful world of chicken brats! While traditional pork brats are a classic for a reason, chicken brats offer a lighter, often leaner, and surprisingly flavorful alternative that can truly refresh your grilling repertoire. My personal journey to discovering chicken brats led me to Whole Foods, where, despite the premium price tag, I found them to be absolutely worth every penny. Their inherent juiciness and rich flavor were an instant revelation, transforming me into a devoted fan willing to travel for them!

The beauty of chicken brats lies in their versatility. They absorb flavors beautifully, making them a perfect canvas for your favorite BBQ sauce. Plus, for those seeking a lighter meal without sacrificing flavor, they are an excellent choice. If you can’t find chicken brats specifically, don’t fret! High-quality chicken sausages make an equally delicious substitute, providing that fantastic savory base that pairs so well with tangy and spicy toppings. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different brands and flavor profiles until you find your absolute favorite.

Elevating Flavor: The Magic of BBQ Sauce and Thoughtful Toppings

What truly sets these chicken brats apart is the irresistible combination of a sweet and smoky BBQ sauce glaze with bright, zesty toppings. The barbecue sauce isn’t just an afterthought; it’s an integral part of the cooking process, caramelizing on the grill to create a sticky, flavorful crust that locks in moisture and adds incredible depth. While a good quality store-bought BBQ sauce works wonders, for those who love to delve deeper into flavor, a homemade barbecue sauce allows for ultimate customization, letting you tailor the sweetness, smokiness, and spice to your exact preference.

But the flavor journey doesn’t end with the sauce. The toppings are where these brats truly shine and transcend the ordinary. Serving these saucy brats in a soft, yielding roll, complemented by the vibrant crunch and sweet-tangy flavor of homemade pickled red onions, is a game-changer. The acidity of the onions cuts through the richness of the brat and the sweetness of the BBQ sauce, creating a perfect balance. A bold stripe of spicy brown mustard adds a welcome kick and creamy texture, while a scattering of pickled jalapeños introduces a fantastic spicy heat that awakens the palate. Each topping plays a crucial role, transforming a simple grilled brat into a gourmet experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need for BBQ Sauce Chicken Brats

Gathering the right components is the first step to crafting these sensational grilled brats. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each element is crucial:

• Chicken Brats or Sausages: The star of our show! Opt for high-quality chicken brats, which are typically found in the specialty meat section of your grocery store or at butcher shops. If chicken brats are unavailable, premium chicken sausages (such as Italian-style or apple chicken sausage) are an excellent, flavorful substitute. When selecting, consider whether they are raw or pre-cooked, as this will slightly affect your grilling time. A typical package usually contains 4-6 brats, so adjust quantities based on the number of servings you need.
• BBQ Sauce: This is where a lot of the magic happens. While a homemade barbecue sauce offers unparalleled freshness and flavor customization, your favorite high-quality store-bought sauce will work beautifully. Look for a sauce with a good balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky notes that will caramelize nicely on the grill.
• Hot Dog Buns: A critical, yet often overlooked, component. Choose soft, fresh hot dog buns that can cradle the juicy brats and their generous toppings without falling apart. While traditional hot dog buns are perfectly fine, you can also opt for brioche buns for a richer flavor or sturdier bratwurst rolls if you prefer a thicker bread. Warm them slightly on the grill during the last few minutes for extra softness.
• Pickled Red Onions: These are non-negotiable for the ultimate flavor experience! The vibrant, sweet-tart crunch of homemade pickled red onions provides a fantastic counterpoint to the rich brats and sweet sauce. They add a pop of color and a refreshing zest that truly elevates the dish. Make them ahead of time for convenience.
• Mustard: We highly recommend a good quality spicy brown mustard for its pungent, slightly earthy flavor and creamy texture. However, feel free to use your preferred mustard – Dijon for a sharper bite, honey mustard for sweetness, or even a classic yellow mustard for tradition. The mustard adds an essential layer of flavor and moisture to the bun.
• Pickled Jalapeños (Optional, but Recommended): For those who enjoy a delightful kick, pickled jalapeños are a fantastic addition. They provide a bright, acidic heat that complements the savory brats and cuts through the sweetness of the BBQ sauce. You can adjust the quantity based on your preferred spice level, or omit them entirely if you’re not a fan of heat.

Essential Grilling Tools

• Outdoor grill (gas or charcoal)
• Tongs
• Basting brush
• Platter for cooked brats

Step-by-Step Guide to Grilling Perfect BBQ Sauce Chicken Brats

Mastering the grill for these chicken brats is surprisingly simple, yielding fantastic results every time. Follow these instructions for perfectly cooked, saucy brats:

1. Preheat Your Grill: Begin by preheating your grill to a medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature between 350°F and 400°F (180°C to 200°C). This initial heat ensures even cooking and helps create those desirable grill marks. Allow your grill ample time to come to temperature, usually about 10-15 minutes, with the lid closed.

2. Grill the Chicken Brats: Place the chicken brats or sausages directly on the preheated grill grates. If your brats are raw, cook them for approximately 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center. It’s crucial to ensure chicken products reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you’re using pre-cooked brats or sausages, grill them for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are heated through and you begin to see attractive grill marks and slight browning on all sides. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking, which can lead to dry brats.

3. Apply the BBQ Sauce Glaze: During the last 5 minutes of grilling, begin brushing the chicken brats generously with your chosen barbecue sauce. Use a basting brush to coat them evenly. Continue to turn the brats frequently as you apply the sauce. This process allows the sugars in the barbecue sauce to caramelize and become wonderfully sticky, creating a beautiful glaze and intensifying the flavor. The frequent turning prevents the sauce from burning while ensuring an even coating.

4. Rest the Brats: Once the brats are cooked through and beautifully glazed, remove them from the grill and transfer them to a clean platter. Allow them to rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period is important as it allows the juices within the brats to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy final product. Use this time to gather your buns and prepare your toppings.

5. Assemble and Serve: Gently warm your hot dog buns on the grill for a minute or two (optional, but recommended for extra softness). Nestle each saucy brat into a warm bun. Pile high with a generous mound of homemade pickled red onions. Finish with a decorative zigzag of spicy brown mustard and, if desired, a few slices of pickled jalapeños for an extra kick. Serve immediately and prepare for an unforgettable meal!

Once assembled, these brats are a truly magnificent sight and an even better taste. The combination of the sweet, tangy sauce, the savory chicken, and the bright, spicy toppings is simply unbeatable. I dare say I like chicken brats even better than traditional ones, especially with this amazing flavor profile! This is the kind of goodness that makes you want to unhinge your jaw and savor every single bite.

Spice up your next grilling day with these amazingly saucy, zingy Barbecue Sauced Chicken Brats. You’ll be oh-so glad you did!

Perfect Pairings: What Sides Go with Brats?

No delicious brat meal is complete without some fantastic side dishes. These BBQ Sauce Chicken Brats are incredibly versatile, pairing well with a variety of classic cookout sides. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:

• Baked Beans: A quintessential BBQ companion. Rich, sweet, and savory baked beans, especially homemade or doctored-up canned varieties, perfectly complement the brats. The photo shows delicious 5-ingredient barbecue bacon baked beans.
• Grilled Sides: Since your grill is already hot, consider grilling some vegetables! Corn on the cob, bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus tossed with a little olive oil and seasonings make for healthy and flavorful additions.
• Pasta Salad: A creamy or vinaigrette-based pasta salad adds a refreshing and hearty element. Think classic macaroni salad, a vibrant pesto pasta salad, or a tangy Italian pasta salad.
• Potato Salad: Another beloved cookout staple. Whether you prefer a classic creamy potato salad, a tangy German-style, or a lighter herbed version, potato salad is always a hit with grilled meats.
• Slaws or Salads: A crisp coleslaw (creamy or vinegar-based) offers a refreshing crunch and tang. Alternatively, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette, or a vibrant corn and black bean salad, can brighten up the plate.
• Cornbread: Sweet, moist cornbread is fantastic for soaking up any extra BBQ sauce and adds a comforting, home-style touch to your spread.

Tips for Success & Variations

To ensure your BBQ Sauce Chicken Brats are nothing short of spectacular, keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t Overcook: Chicken brats can dry out if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C) without going much higher for maximum juiciness.
• Homemade Toppings are Key: While store-bought pickled onions or jalapeños can work, making them yourself truly enhances the flavor and freshness of the dish. Plus, it’s easier than you might think!
• Marinade for Extra Flavor: For an added flavor boost, you can marinate raw chicken brats in a little bit of BBQ sauce, beer, or your favorite marinade for 30 minutes to an hour before grilling.
• Indoor Cooking Option: No grill? No problem! You can cook chicken brats in a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop or bake them in the oven. Finish them under the broiler for a bit of char and to caramelize the BBQ sauce.
• Cheese, Please: For an indulgent twist, melt a slice of your favorite cheese (cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack work well) over the brats during the last minute of grilling.
• Spice it Up: If you love heat, consider adding a dash of hot sauce to your BBQ sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to your pickled onions.

Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Sauce Chicken Brats

Q: Can I use pork brats instead of chicken brats?

A: Absolutely! While this recipe highlights chicken brats for their unique flavor and lighter profile, pork brats will also be delicious with this BBQ sauce and topping combination. Adjust grilling times accordingly for pork, ensuring they are cooked through.

Q: How do I know if my chicken brats are fully cooked?

A: The best way to ensure chicken brats are fully cooked and safe to eat is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the brat; it should read 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into one brat to check that there’s no pink remaining.

Q: Can I prepare the toppings ahead of time?

A: Yes, in fact, it’s highly recommended! The pickled red onions and pickled jalapeños can be made days or even a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This makes assembly on grilling day much quicker and easier.

Q: What if I don’t have a grill?

A: No grill? No problem! You can cook chicken brats indoors. Pan-fry them in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat, turning frequently, until cooked through and browned. Alternatively, bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, then brush with BBQ sauce and broil for a few minutes to caramelize.

Q: Can this recipe be scaled for a larger crowd?

A: Easily! Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Just ensure you have enough grill space to cook all the brats efficiently without overcrowding. You might need to cook them in batches if your grill is smaller.

Recipe: Grilled BBQ Sauce Chicken Brats

Author: Laurie McNamara

Course: Mains & Entrees

Cuisine: American

Enjoy! And if you give this BBQ Sauce Chicken Brats recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on Twitter or Instagram!

This recipe was originally posted on August 27, 2013, and has been updated with clear and concise instructions, new photography, and helpful information to enhance your cooking experience.