Barbecue chicken consists of chicken parts or entire chickens that are barbecued, grilled or smoked. There are many global and regional preparation techniques and cooking styles. Barbecue chicken is often seasoned or coated in a spice rub, barbecue sauce, or both. Marinades are also used to tenderize the meat and add flavor. Rotisserie chicken has gained prominence and popularity in U.S. grocery markets. Barbecued chicken is one of the world's most popular barbecue dishes.

Various techniques exist for cutting poultry for barbecuing, including skewering, butterflying, halving quartering and using individual pieces.^{[citation needed]}

Regional variations in the preparation of barbecue chicken include culinary variance in preparation, cooking and saucing techniques.

In Asia, barbecue chicken is sometimes cubed and marinated in a spiced soy-based sauce, then threaded onto skewers and grilled.

In India, similar variations of barbecue chicken like Chicken tikka and Tandoori chicken is eaten.^{[citation needed]}

In Iranian cuisine, Jujeh kabab is a dish consisting of grilled chicken.^{[citation needed]}

In Mongolia, the term shashlyks may refer to barbecue chicken.

Kai yang, also sometimes referred to as Gai Yang, is a popular barbecue chicken street food in Thailand. This dish has many variations.