Description
This Quick Grilled BBQ Chicken recipe is a simple and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tenderized chicken breasts are seasoned with a blend of spices, brushed with BBQ sauce, and grilled to perfection in just 30 minutes. The smoky, tangy flavors make it a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and pairs well with various sides.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts, pounded to an even 1-inch thickness
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Seasoning
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Sauce
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce (such as Sweet Baby Ray’s)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Begin by pounding the chicken breasts to an even 1-inch thickness to ensure even cooking. This helps the chicken cook quickly and uniformly on the grill.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Rub this seasoning mix evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 375-450°F (190-230°C). If using a stovetop grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat as well and lightly brush it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Oil the Chicken: Brush the chicken breasts with extra virgin olive oil on both sides. This keeps the chicken moist and enhances the grilling process.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving, allowing nice grill marks to form. Flip and grill the other side for another 5-6 minutes.
- Brush with BBQ Sauce: About 2 minutes before the chicken is fully cooked, brush each breast generously with the BBQ sauce, turning once more to coat both sides. This allows the sauce to caramelize slightly without burning.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. If needed, cook a little longer to reach this temperature.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step lets the juices redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy chicken.
- Serve: Slice or serve the chicken breasts whole with extra BBQ sauce on the side if desired. Pair with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Use a meat thermometer for accurate temperature checking.
- Feel free to substitute BBQ sauce with homemade sauce for a personal touch.
- This recipe can be adapted to use chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.
