I might not be a scientist, but something magical seems to draw folks to the grill at a cookout, especially when there are juicy breasts sizzling with delicious barbecue sauce. My grilled BBQ chicken always vanishes before anything else! I’ve gathered all the top tips and tricks to ensure your BBQ chicken Breast steals the show at any summer get-together.
Every recipe is thoroughly tried and tested in our Test Kitchen to make sure they’re simple, budget-friendly, and absolutely tasty!
Table of Contents
If you’re craving something ultra tender and flavorful, try this melt-in-your-mouth chicken dish for dinner tonight.
I’m here to make things easier for you with this incredibly simple recipe! I have a feeling your grill master will be busy because this chicken will vanish in no time. Be sure to grab a value pack and make extra, because summer rolls around, it’s all about the grilling!
Ingredients
Gather up these ingredients to whip up some delicious grilled BBQ chicken breast :
- For this recipe, I love using large boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They’re super simple to cut in half and pound thin, which makes for a tender, juicy. I picked up a 2-pack weighing about 1.61 lbs., giving us plenty of chicken to feed the crowd!
- Olive Oil: It’s the secret to making those spices cling perfectly to the chicken.
- Salt and Pepper: Add a little sprinkle to bring out the chicken’s natural deliciousness.
- Smoked Paprika: Brings a mouthwatering smoky taste to your chicken.
- Brown Sugar: This sweet ingredient not only gives your chicken some delightful texture but also helps create those irresistible grill marks that make everyone’s mouth water. Plus, a bit of sugar goes a long way in making the meat extra tender!
- BBQ Sauce: Brings a burst of moisture and that tangy BBQ goodness!how to make Grilled BBQ Chicken .
Storage Instructions
For best results, store leftover grilled BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a resealable freezer bag—good for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
How to make Grilled BBQ Chicken – step by step photos
Fire up your grill to a toasty 450°F. Pop those 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into a sturdy plastic, then give them a gentle pounding with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they’re nice and flat, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick.
Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over each chicken breast, making sure to cover every nook and cranny. Sprinkle 1/ teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 2 teaspoons of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika all over, giving it a nice rub. Let the chicken hang out until it reaches room temperature.
Pop each chicken breast into the hot grill, preheated to a toasty 450°F, and let them cook for 6 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re to flip when they slide around easily and don’t cling to the grates.
After the first flip, give each chicken breast a generous brush with 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce. Let them cook for another 2 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches internal temperature of 155-160°F.
Take those delicious chicken breasts off the grill and let them relax under a cozy blanket of aluminum foil for about 5 minutes. As they rest, the heat will work its magic, bringing them to that safe and perfect 165°F. Enjoy!
Get ready for your grilled BBQ chicken to be the talk of the party with its tender and juicy perfection!
Tips and Notes: Grilled BBQ Chicken
I used a Ninja Indoor Smokeless Grill for this recipe. If you’re using an indoor grill too, try placing the chicken breasts on the grill as it preheats. This helps the inside cook faster to a safe temperature while preventing the outside from burning or drying out.
When hosting a large gathering, I like to slice oversized chicken breasts before placing them on the buffet table. It not only makes the portions go further—great for sticking to a budget, but also lets guests sample more dishes without filling up too quickly.
Grilled BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.6 lbs total)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ cup BBQ sauce your favorite brand or homemade
Instructions
- Fire up your grill to a toasty 450°F. Pop those 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into a sturdy plastic, then give them a gentle pounding with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they’re nice and flat, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over each chicken breast, making sure to cover every nook and cranny. Sprinkle 1/ teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 2 teaspoons of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika all over, giving it a nice rub. Let the chicken hang out until it reaches room temperature.
- Pop each chicken breast into the hot grill, preheated to a toasty 450°F, and let them cook for 6 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re to flip when they slide around easily and don’t cling to the grates.
- After the first flip, give each chicken breast a generous brush with 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce. Let them cook for another 2 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches internal temperature of 155-160°F.
- Take those delicious chicken breasts off the grill and let them relax under a cozy blanket of aluminum foil for about 5 minutes. As they rest, the heat will work its magic, bringing them to that safe and perfect 165°F. Enjoy!
- Get ready for your grilled BBQ chicken to be the talk of the party with its tender and juicy perfection!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 95mg |
| Sodium | 560mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 11g |
| Protein | 35g |
FAQ
1. Can I use this grilled BBQ chicken recipe for meal prep?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for prepping ahead, make a batch, store it, and enjoy flavorful BBQ all week long. Try it now and save time later!
2. What kind of BBQ sauce works best for this recipe?
Sweet, smoky, spicy, any flavor works! Choose your favorite or make it your own. Don’t wait to experiment, grab the ingredients and fire up the grill!
3. How do I keep grilled chicken breasts from drying out?
The key is even grilling and proper marinating! Follow this recipe for juicy, tender results every time, give it a shot and taste the difference!
4. Can I cook this on a regular outdoor grill instead of an indoor one?
Yes! This recipe is super flexible, use gas, charcoal, or indoor grills. Don’t let equipment stop you,try this irresistible grilled BBQ chicken today!
5. Is this grilled BBQ chicken recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! It’s mild, juicy, and perfect for picky eaters. Want a family-approved dinner tonight? Start with this easy recipe, it’s a hit with all ages!