If you love juicy, smoky chicken that’s easy to make and perfect for any day, you’re going to love this BBQ Chicken Breast recipe.

I’m sharing my go-to method that keeps the chicken tender and full of that classic BBQ punch.

Let’s get cooking together, I promise it’s simpler than you think! (AND YOU’LL LOVE IT)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy and tender every single time

• Simple ingredients you probably already have

• Perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors

• Great for grilling, baking, or even pan-searing

• Quick to prepare—ideal for weeknights or weekend cookouts

• A crowd-pleaser that’s easy to double or triple

• Can be customized with your favorite BBQ sauce

Ingredients Needed

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand or homemade)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• Optional: pinch of chili powder or cayenne for a little heat

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep your chicken breasts by trimming any excess fat and pounding them gently to an even thickness (about 1 inch). This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.

Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning blend all over both sides of the chicken breasts.

Step 3: Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes at room temperature so the flavors soak in. If you have more time, marinate it for up to 2 hours in the fridge.

Step 4: Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat (about 375°F/190°C). If grilling, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Place the chicken breasts on the grill or in a baking dish. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on one side until grill marks form and the chicken releases easily.

Step 6: Flip the chicken over and brush a generous layer of BBQ sauce on the cooked side. Cook for another 5-7 minutes.

Step 7: Flip again and brush the other side with BBQ sauce. Continue cooking for 2-3 more minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 8: Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This locks in the juices and keeps the chicken tender.

Pro Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Breast

• Pound the chicken to an even thickness for even cooking

• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking

• Don’t skimp on resting time—it makes a big difference

• Choose a BBQ sauce you love; homemade or store-bought both work great

• Add a touch of honey or brown sugar to your sauce for extra caramelization

• If grilling, keep the lid closed to trap the smoky flavor

Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

• Skipping the resting time — cuts cause juices to escape, making the chicken dry

• Cooking on too high heat leads to a burnt outside and a raw inside

• Not seasoning enough — bland chicken is no fun

• Applying BBQ sauce too early — sugar can burn, so add sauce towards the end

• Skipping the even pounding — uneven thickness means uneven cooking

Serving and Presentation Ideas

• Slice and serve over a fresh green salad

• Serve with grilled corn on the cob and coleslaw

• Make BBQ chicken sandwiches with toasted buns and pickles

• Pair with roasted veggies or sweet potato fries

• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for color

Variations and Recipe Swaps

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more fat and flavor

• Swap BBQ sauce for a spicy chipotle or honey mustard glaze

• Add a smoky dry rub instead of wet BBQ sauce for grilling

• Marinate chicken overnight in BBQ sauce and apple cider vinegar for a deeper flavor

• Try smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky twist

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days

• Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) to keep it juicy

• Avoid microwaving for too long—this can dry out the chicken

• Leftovers are perfect for salads, wraps, or quick sandwiches

What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Breast

• Classic potato salad

• Baked beans

• Grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus

• Creamy coleslaw

• Macaroni and cheese

• Cornbread or garlic bread

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
A: Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking for best results.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
A: Use a meat thermometer and look for 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.

Q: Can I bake this instead of grilling?
A: Absolutely. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, adding BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes.

Q: What if I don’t have BBQ sauce?
A: You can make a quick mix with ketchup, honey, vinegar, and spices or use a marinade you like.

Q: How to keep chicken breasts from drying out?
A: Don’t overcook and always let it rest before slicing to keep the juices locked in.

Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, marinate the chicken a few hours ahead and cook when you’re ready.

Q: Can I grill this indoors?
A: Yes, use a grill pan or broiler to get similar results.

Conclusion

There you have it—a simple, tasty BBQ Chicken Breast recipe that’s perfect for any occasion.

I hope you give it a try and make it your own!

Don’t forget to share how yours turns out in the comments. I love hearing about your kitchen wins!

You Might Also Want To Try

• Best Chicken Curry Recipe
• Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
• Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu

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Continue to Content

BBQ Chicken Breast

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Juicy, tender BBQ chicken breasts with a smoky, tangy flavor. Simple prep and quick cook time make this a perfect recipe for busy days or weekend grilling.

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Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: pinch chili powder or cayenne

Instructions

Step 1: Prep your chicken breasts by trimming any excess fat and pounding them gently to an even thickness (about 1 inch). This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.

Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning blend all over both sides of the chicken breasts.

Step 3: Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes at room temperature so the flavors soak in. If you have more time, marinate it for up to 2 hours in the fridge.

Step 4: Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat (about 375°F/190°C). If grilling, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Place the chicken breasts on the grill or in a baking dish. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on one side until grill marks form and the chicken releases easily.

Step 6: Flip the chicken over and brush a generous layer of BBQ sauce on the cooked side. Cook for another 5-7 minutes.

Step 7: Flip again and brush the other side with BBQ sauce. Continue cooking for 2-3 more minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 8: Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This locks in the juices and keeps the chicken tender.

Notes

You can marinate longer for more flavor

Adjust seasoning to your taste

Use a meat thermometer for best results

Nutrition Information

Yield 2
Amount Per Serving Calories ~280 calories per serving

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