Preparing the Chicken

1. Clean and Pat Dry: Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub this mixture thoroughly over the chicken pieces.
3. Marinate: Place the seasoned chicken in a resealable plastic bag or a covered dish. Add olive oil, ensuring all pieces are coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

Making the Homemade BBQ Sauce

4. Mix the Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
5. Simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Reduce and Thicken: Stir frequently, allowing the sauce to thicken for about 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Grilling the Chicken

7. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 205°C).
8. Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces on the grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
9. Apply BBQ Sauce: During the last few minutes of grilling, generously brush the homemade BBQ sauce over the chicken. Turn and repeat to ensure all sides are coated.
10. Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.