Juicy BBQ Chicken Breasts Recipe for Summer Cookouts

Smoky aromas and bbq chicken breasts promise a mouthwatering culinary adventure that will make your taste buds dance.

Perfectly seasoned meat becomes the star of any summer gathering.

Backyard cookouts never looked so tempting with this simple yet delectable dish.

Marinades work magic on lean protein, infusing every bite with incredible flavor.

We understand the challenge of keeping chicken juicy and tender without drying out the meat.

A few clever techniques guarantee succulent results that will impress even the pickiest eaters.

Prepare to wow everyone at your next cookout with this foolproof recipe that turns ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.

What’s Inside The Best BBQ Chicken Breasts

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender cuts perfect for grilling or baking, providing a healthy protein base for the BBQ recipe.

• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a protective coating and promotes even browning of the chicken.

• BBQ Sauce: Adds a sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky flavor that caramelizes beautifully on the chicken surface.

How To Make The Best BBQ Chicken Breasts Easily

Step 1: Prepare the Grill

Get your grill ready by heating it to high temperature around 450°F. Clean the cooking grates thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure beautiful grill marks.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts and massage to create an even coating. Generously sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper across the entire surface of the meat.

Step 3: Initial Grilling

Place chicken breasts on the hot grill. Close the lid and cook for 5-6 minutes. Watch for the chicken to naturally release from the grates, which indicates it’s ready to be flipped.

Step 4: Flip and Continue Cooking

Turn the chicken over and grill for another 4-5 minutes. Ensure even cooking on both sides.

Step 5: Add BBQ Sauce

Baste the top of the chicken with BBQ sauce. Flip and cook for 2 additional minutes. Repeat the sauce application on the other side.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

Continue cooking until the chicken feels firm and completely opaque. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature has reached 160°F.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Transfer the chicken to a serving plate. Loosely cover with foil and let rest for 5 minutes. The temperature will naturally rise to 165°F during this time.

Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Breasts

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Heat the oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken

Coat chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Initial Baking

Place chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Add BBQ Sauce

Brush the top of the chicken with BBQ sauce. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes.

Step 5: Final Check

Look for the sauce to bubble and slightly char. Confirm the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Step 6: Rest and Enjoy

Allow chicken to rest for a few minutes. The temperature will continue to rise to 165°F, ensuring juicy, perfectly cooked meat.

Simple Tips For The Best BBQ Chicken Breasts

• Seal in Moisture: Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect, crispy exterior and juicy interior.
• Quick Temperature Check: Use an instant-read meat thermometer to accurately gauge doneness without cutting into the meat.
• Sauce Application Strategy: Apply BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent burning and achieve a beautiful caramelized glaze.
• Rest and Relax: Allow chicken to rest after cooking so juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and preventing dryness.
• Flavor Boost: Experiment with different BBQ sauce varieties or create a homemade blend to elevate the chicken's taste profile.

Flavor Swaps For The Best BBQ Chicken Breasts

• Spicy Chipotle BBQ Chicken: Replace traditional BBQ sauce with chipotle-based sauce for a smoky, spicy kick. Add ground chipotle powder to the seasoning for extra heat.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Swap BBQ sauce with a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and thyme. Use Greek seasoning blend instead of salt and pepper.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Use sugar-free BBQ sauce or create a mustard-based glaze. Replace olive oil with avocado oil for higher fat content and grill or bake as original recipe.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Ensure BBQ sauce is gluten-free certified. Use tamari instead of traditional soy-based marinades and follow the same cooking method.

Great Pairings With The Best BBQ Chicken Breasts

• Pair with Zesty Coleslaw: Crisp, tangy coleslaw cuts through the rich BBQ flavors, providing a refreshing crunch that balances the smoky chicken perfectly.
• Complement with Grilled Corn on the Cob: Buttery, charred corn brings out the sweetness of the BBQ sauce while adding a classic summer barbecue side that echoes the grill's smokiness.
• Match with Cold Craft Beer: A hoppy IPA or crisp lager helps cleanse the palate and enhances the bold, spicy notes of the BBQ-glazed chicken, creating a harmonious taste experience.
• Serve with Creamy Potato Salad: Smooth, cool potato salad offers a creamy contrast to the charred chicken, adding a comforting element that rounds out the meal's robust flavors.

Storing The Best BBQ Chicken Breasts The Right Way

• Store leftover BBQ chicken breasts in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, they'll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen BBQ chicken maintains quality for up to 4 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.

FAQs About The Best BBQ Chicken Breasts

• Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other cuts like chicken thighs or turkey breasts. Just adjust cooking time based on the meat’s thickness and ensure it reaches the correct internal temperature.

• Do I need a meat thermometer?

Absolutely. A meat thermometer is crucial to ensure your chicken is cooked safely and remains juicy. It prevents overcooking and guarantees the chicken reaches 160°F internal temperature.

• What BBQ sauce works best?

Choose a sauce you enjoy. Homemade or store-bought works fine. Tangy, sweet, or spicy sauces all complement the chicken well. Just avoid overly thick sauces that might burn quickly.

Why The Best BBQ Chicken Breasts Are A Crowd Favorite

• Grab-and-Go Grill Master: Perfect for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who want a delicious protein that's simple to prepare and packed with smoky flavor.
• Quick-and-Crispy Protein Power: Requires minimal ingredients and offers versatile cooking methods (grill or oven), making it ideal for busy home cooks seeking a fast, nutritious meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing Protein Perfection: Universally appealing dish that works for casual family dinners, backyard barbecues, and weekend gatherings with its classic BBQ flavor profile and juicy texture.
• Foolproof Flavor Boost: Adaptable recipe that allows easy customization with different BBQ sauce varieties and seasoning options, ensuring consistent success for cooks of all skill levels.

The Best BBQ Chicken Breasts Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 25-28 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent BBQ chicken breasts deliver a mouthwatering symphony of smoky and tangy flavors that dance across your palate. Perfectly grilled and brushed with homemade sauce, these chicken breasts promise a delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Main Flavoring:

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

Seasoning and Preparation:

• Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Heat grill to 450°F and thoroughly clean cooking grates for optimal performance.
2. Massage chicken breasts with olive oil, ensuring complete and even coverage.
3. Generously season chicken with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Position chicken on hot grill and close lid, allowing 5-6 minutes of undisturbed cooking.
5. Carefully turn chicken when it naturally releases from grill grates without sticking.
6. Continue grilling for additional 4-5 minutes to develop golden exterior.
7. Apply first layer of BBQ sauce, flipping chicken to create caramelized glaze.
8. Rotate chicken to ensure even sauce distribution and consistent cooking.
9. Monitor internal temperature, cooking until chicken reaches 160°F for perfect doneness.
10. Remove from grill and tent loosely with aluminum foil, allowing 5 minutes resting time.
11. Serve chicken with additional BBQ sauce on the side for extra flavor enhancement.

Notes

• Tenderize chicken breasts by pounding them to an even thickness, ensuring uniform cooking and preventing dry edges.
• Marinate the chicken in a mixture of oil, acid (like lemon juice), and herbs for 30 minutes to enhance flavor and moisture.
• Use a meat thermometer to check doneness accurately, avoiding overcooking that leads to tough, dry chicken.
• Experiment with different BBQ sauce varieties like spicy, honey, or smoky to create unique flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-23 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg