Introduction
Remember those perfect summer evenings? The ones filled with the smoky scent of the grill and the happy chatter of friends and family? This recipe for Easy BBQ Grilled Chicken Breasts is my absolute go-to for capturing that feeling, any day of the week! It’s so incredibly simple, yet the flavor is just out of this world. Seriously, you can have this on your plate from start to finish in under 30 minutes, making it a weeknight lifesaver and a backyard BBQ hero all rolled into one.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Easy: Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean anyone can make it.
- Giftable: While you can’t really “gift” grilled chicken directly (unless you’re bringing it to a potluck!), the deliciousness of this recipe can inspire great potluck contributions or gifts of homemade BBQ rub.
- Crowd-pleasing: The classic combination of smoky, savory chicken with sweet BBQ sauce is a winner with everyone, from toddlers to grandparents.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze for this one. You probably have most of them in your pantry right now!
- 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each, or 1-1½ lbs total). I like to pick ones that are relatively uniform in thickness so they cook evenly.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Kosher salt has a nice flaky texture that adheres well to the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon paprika. This adds a beautiful color and a mild, sweet pepper flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder. Hello, savory goodness! It’s like having all the flavor of onions without the tears.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Because what’s grilled chicken without garlic?
- ½ teaspoon chili powder. Just a touch to give it a little warmth and depth. You can always add more if you like it spicier!
- 2 tablespoons avocado or vegetable oil. A neutral oil like these is perfect for grilling as it has a high smoke point.
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for serving, if desired). Use your favorite store-bought sauce or even your own homemade creation!
How to Make It
Alright, let’s get grilling! This is where the magic happens, and it’s so simple, you’ll feel like a pro.
- Preheat your grill: Get that grill fired up to a medium-high heat. This is key for getting a nice sear on the chicken.
- Pat the chicken dry: Grab some paper towels and gently pat your chicken breasts dry. This helps the spices and oil stick better, and prevents steaming on the grill.
- Mix up the magic rub: In a small bowl, combine your kosher salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and chili powder. Give it a good stir!
- Spice it up: Now, rub that lovely spice mixture all over both sides of your chicken breasts. Make sure they’re coated nicely!
- Oil ’em up: Brush the seasoned chicken breasts with the avocado or vegetable oil. This also helps prevent sticking.
- Hit the grill: Carefully place your oiled and seasoned chicken breasts onto the preheated grill.
- Grill to perfection: Grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You’re looking for them to be cooked through, and the easiest way to tell is with a meat thermometer – you want that internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C).
- BBQ time! During the last 2-3 minutes of grilling, this is your chance to get that gorgeous, sticky BBQ sauce on there. Brush it generously over both sides of the chicken. It’ll caramelize beautifully on the grill!
- Rest and serve: Once they’re done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest on a clean plate or cutting board for about 5 minutes. This is super important for keeping your chicken juicy! Serve it up with extra BBQ sauce on the side if you love it as much as I do.
Substitutions & Additions
This recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s also a wonderful canvas for your own creativity! Don’t be afraid to experiment.
- Spice it up (or down!): If you love a bit more heat, add an extra pinch of chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper to your rub. For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the chili powder.
- Herb power: Feel free to add dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to your spice rub.
- Garlic overload: If you’re a true garlic lover, you can mince a clove or two of fresh garlic and mix it with the oil before brushing it onto the chicken.
- BBQ sauce variations: Try different flavors of BBQ sauce – honey BBQ, spicy, mesquite, or even a vinegar-based sauce for a tangy twist.
- Lemon squeeze: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the chicken right before serving adds a bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness.
Tips for Success
A few little tricks can ensure your grilled chicken is always a showstopper.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill: Give your chicken plenty of space on the grill grates. This allows the heat to circulate properly and prevents steaming, giving you that lovely char.
- Uniform thickness is your friend: If your chicken breasts are very thick in one spot and thin in another, you can pound the thicker parts gently with a meat mallet (or a rolling pin!) to even them out. This ensures they cook at the same rate.
- Avoid overcooking: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to guarantee they’re cooked perfectly without being overdone.
- Prep ahead: You can mix up your spice rub a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container. This makes the actual grilling process even faster!
How to Store It
Leftovers are great, but how do you keep them tasting their best?
Once the chicken has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. It’s delicious cold in salads or sandwiches, or you can reheat it gently in the microwave, oven, or even a quick sauté on the stovetop.
FAQs
Got a quick question? I’ve got you covered!
Q: Can I make this in a grill pan on the stovetop?
A: Absolutely! A grill pan works wonderfully. Just make sure your pan is well-oiled and preheated over medium-high heat, and follow the same grilling times.
Q: My chicken breasts are frozen. Can I grill them?
A: It’s best to thaw chicken breasts completely in the refrigerator before grilling for even cooking and safety. Never grill frozen chicken.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is cooked if I don’t have a thermometer?
A: You can carefully cut into the thickest part of the chicken. The juices should run clear, and the meat should be opaque all the way through, with no pink remaining.
Easy BBQ Grilled Chicken Breasts
Equipment
- Grill Medium-high heat
- paper towels
- Small bowl
- Meat thermometer Optional, for checking internal temperature
- Plate For resting chicken
- Cutting board
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 6-8 oz each, or 1-1½ lbs total. Pick ones that are relatively uniform in thickness.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt Kosher salt has a nice flaky texture that adheres well to the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon paprika This adds a beautiful color and a mild, sweet pepper flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder It's like having all the flavor of onions without the tears.
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder Because what's grilled chicken without garlic?
- 0.5 teaspoon chili powder Just a touch to give it a little warmth and depth. You can always add more if you like it spicier!
- 2 tablespoons avocado or vegetable oil A neutral oil like these is perfect for grilling as it has a high smoke point.
- 0.5 cup BBQ sauce Use your favorite store-bought sauce or even your own homemade creation!
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and chili powder. Stir well.
- Rub the spice mixture all over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Brush the seasoned chicken breasts with the avocado or vegetable oil.
- Carefully place the chicken breasts onto the preheated grill.
- Grill for 5-7 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- During the last 2-3 minutes of grilling, brush BBQ sauce generously over both sides of the chicken.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest on a clean plate or cutting board for 5 minutes before serving.