The Best BBQ Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This BBQ chicken recipe is a simple, flavorful way to enjoy juicy, tender chicken with a smoky sauce. Whether grilled or baked, it delivers delicious results perfect for any weeknight or weekend cookout.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare your grill for direct high heat cooking around 450°F and brush the grates clean.
- Step 2: Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil and rub it evenly over the surface. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Step 3: Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill, cover, and cook for 5-6 minutes until they release easily from the grates. Flip and cook another 4-5 minutes.
- Step 4: Baste the chicken with BBQ sauce, flip, and cook for 2 minutes on each side. Repeat this basting and flipping process once more. Cook until the chicken feels firm and registers 160°F internally.
- Step 5: Transfer the chicken to a plate, cover with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with extra BBQ sauce if desired.
- To cook in the oven: Preheat to 450°F. Drizzle the chicken with oil and season with salt and pepper. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Step 6: Bake for 15 minutes, brush BBQ sauce on top, then bake an additional 5-8 minutes until sauce bubbles and chars slightly and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Step 7: Let the chicken rest a few minutes to allow the temperature to rise to 165°F before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra smoky flavor, add a handful of soaked wood chips to your grill or use a smoked BBQ sauce.
- Feel free to use chicken thighs instead for more juicy, flavorful meat.
- Marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for an hour before cooking to intensify the flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking.
Storage
Store leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven to avoid drying out the meat. Leftover chicken can also be sliced for sandwiches or salads.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It’s best to use fully thawed chicken breasts for even cooking. If using frozen, thaw completely before seasoning and cooking.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F after resting. The meat should be firm and opaque with no pink inside.
PrintThe Best BBQ Chicken Recipe
This Best BBQ Chicken Recipe offers juicy, flavorful boneless skinless chicken breasts grilled or oven-baked to perfection, coated with your favorite BBQ sauce. Perfect for a delicious summer dinner or any time you crave smoky, tangy barbecue flavor with tender chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (grilling) or 23 minutes (oven)
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
BBQ Sauce
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite)
Instructions
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill for direct cooking at high heat, around 450°F. Clean the cooking grates thoroughly to ensure the chicken doesn’t stick during cooking.
- Season the Chicken: Drizzle the chicken breasts with extra virgin olive oil, then rub the oil evenly over the meat. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill. Cover and cook for 5-6 minutes or until the chicken easily releases from the grates, indicating it’s ready to flip. Flip the chicken and cook for another 4-5 minutes.
- Baste with BBQ Sauce: Brush the chicken breasts with BBQ sauce, then flip and cook for 2 minutes on each side. Repeat this basting and flipping step to build up a nice glaze.
- Check Doneness: Continue cooking until the chicken breasts feel firm to touch and are opaque, with an internal temperature of 160°F. Keep in mind the temperature will rise to 165°F as the chicken rests.
- Rest the Chicken: Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices before serving. Serve with additional BBQ sauce if desired.
- Alternative Oven Method – Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 450°F and prepare a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
- Season and Bake: Drizzle each chicken breast with olive oil, season with kosher salt and black pepper, then place on the baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes in the oven.
- Baste and Continue Baking: Remove from oven and brush the top side of the chicken with BBQ sauce. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes until the sauce bubbles and begins to char, and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving, letting the internal temperature rise to 165°F and the juices redistribute for maximum moistness.
Notes
- For best flavor, use your favorite BBQ sauce or make your own.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Always check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked.
- Resting the chicken after cooking is crucial to keep it juicy and tender.
- The recipe offers both grilling and oven baking options to suit your equipment and preferences.
Keywords: BBQ chicken, grilled chicken breasts, barbecue chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, summer grilling recipe
