What to Buy for a Chicken Barbecue

A chicken barbecue needs more than chicken and charcoal. This shopping list covers the food, drinks, serving equipment and outdoor setup needed to feed your guests and keep everything safe. Plan portions before you shop, then allow time for marinating, chilling drinks and keeping raw chicken refrigerated. Check dietary requirements early so vegetarian, allergy-friendly or other alternatives do not become a last-minute purchase.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 45
Buffet tablesqty 2

Tableware

Platesqty 50
Bowlsqty 50
Glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 45
Forksqty 50
Knivesqty 50
Spoonsqty 50
Serving spoonsqty 12
Serving bowlsqty 10

Equipment

Barbecue grillsqty 3
Coolersqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Meat thermometersqty 3
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 6
Chef's knivesqty 4
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Serving traysqty 8
Aluminum grill traysqty 6

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED lanternsqty 6

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Buntingqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Fire extinguisher
Fire blanket

Catering

Groceries
- Chicken thighs - 12 kilograms
- Chicken skewers - 50 pieces
- Chicken burgers - 45 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 8 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 55 pieces
- Pita breads - 50 pieces
- New potatoes - 6 kilograms
- Corn cobs - 50 pieces
- Zucchini - 8 pieces
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Mushrooms - 2 kilogram
- Red onions - 2 kilograms
- Mixed salad - 3 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Potato salad - 4 kilogram
- Pasta salad - 4 kilograms
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Herb butter - 1.5 kilograms
- Garlic - 6 bulbs
- Lemons - 15 pieces
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Sunflower oil - 2 liters
- Barbecue sauce - 3 liters
- Garlic sauce - 2 liters
- Mayonnaise - 2 liter
- Ketchup - 2 liters
- Mustard - 1 liter
- Sambal - 4 jars
- Paprika powder - 250 gram
- Curry powder - 200 grams
- Garlic powder - 150 gram
- Salt - 1 kilogram
- Black pepper - 250 grams
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 5 bottles
- Iced tea - 5 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Beer - 6 crates
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Ice cubes - 12 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Peanuts - 2 kilograms
- Ice lollies - 50 pieces
- Charcoal - 30 kilograms
- Firelighters - 2 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Napkins - 150 pieces
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls

Tips

Buy around 250–300 g of raw chicken per adult if chicken is the main dish, and reduce that amount when you are serving several substantial side dishes. Add a little extra for larger appetites rather than relying on late supermarket trips.
Marinate the chicken at least 4 hours before cooking, or overnight for better flavour. Keep it refrigerated in a sealed container and use separate boards and knives for raw chicken and salad ingredients.
Chill drinks in coolers several hours before guests arrive. For the first hour, allow roughly 2–3 drinks per person, then add water and other non-alcoholic options for the rest of the gathering.
Plan one plate, fork, knife and glass per guest, plus about 10% extra for breakages, dropped cutlery and second helpings. Include serving spoons, bowls and trays so guests are not using cooking utensils at the buffet.
Arrange the BBQs on a stable surface away from tents, tables and walkways. Check extension cords and power strips before the day, and have meat thermometers ready so chicken reaches a safe internal temperature before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How much chicken do I need for a barbecue?: Allow about 250–300 g of raw chicken per adult when chicken is the main dish. For children, plan roughly 125–175 g, and reduce the adult amount if you are serving several filling salads or side dishes.
How far in advance should I buy chicken for a barbecue?: Buy fresh chicken no more than 1–2 days before the barbecue and keep it refrigerated at 4°C or below. Marinate it up to 24 hours ahead, then keep it sealed and chilled until cooking.
How many drinks do I need for a chicken barbecue?: Plan 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then about 1 drink per person per hour. Buy extra water and non-alcoholic drinks, especially for hot weather or a gathering lasting more than 3 hours.
What equipment do I need for an outdoor chicken barbecue?: Allow at least one suitable BBQ for the amount of food and prepare coolers, meat thermometers, serving trays, tableware and waste bins. If the event runs into the evening, add lighting, and arrange party tents if rain or strong sun is possible.

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