If there’s a dish that screams “get-together,” it’s our amazing BBQ Grilled Chicken. With its smoky aroma and juicy, flavorful finish, this dish is more than just a meal—it’s an event. Whether you’re hosting a family barbecue or just want a simple yet impressive dinner option, this recipe has you covered.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: Each bite bursts with a harmonious blend of spices and a tantalizing BBQ sauce that will make your taste buds dance.
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses everyday pantry items, making it incredibly easy to whip together without a special shopping trip.
- Quick Cooking Time: In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a dish ready to serve and impress your guests or family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This BBQ Grilled Chicken is all about celebrating simplicity with bold flavors. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in bringing out the best in your chicken—providing depth, richness, and a color that’s pure culinary art.
- Chicken Breasts: The star of the show; opt for boneless and skinless for the most tender bites.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps keep the chicken moist, with a subtle hint of fruitiness.
- Ketchup: This forms the base of the BBQ sauce with its sweet and tangy punch.
- Coconut Aminos: A soy sauce alternative that adds a salty depth without overpowering.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Injects a dose of zing that balances the sweetness.
- Spices (Chili Powder, Ground Mustard, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder): Each spice contributes a layer of complexity bolstering the sauce’s flavor profile.
Variations
Don’t hesitate to make this BBQ Grilled Chicken your own! It’s incredibly adaptable, so feel free to tweak it to better suit your taste preferences, dietary requirements, or just to try something new.
- Spicy Kick: For some heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the sauce.
- Sweet and Smokey: Mix in a tablespoon of honey and a touch of liquid smoke to bring out a sweet and smoky character.
How to Make BBQ Grilled Chicken
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and properly greased to avoid any chance of sticking. This step is crucial for getting those beautiful grill marks that make BBQ grilled chicken so appetizing!
Step 2: Make the BBQ Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, and all your spices. Stir until the mixture is uniform. The aroma alone will tell you how delicious this sauce will be!
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
Brush each chicken breast with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. This step helps to lock in the chicken’s natural juices, ensuring each bite is as moist and delicious as the last.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken – Phase 1
Place the chicken on the grill and let it cook undisturbed for 3 to 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s time to flip when the chicken easily detaches from the grill using your tongs.
Step 5: Brush and Reduce Heat
Once flipped, brush the top side of the chicken with one-third of that delicious BBQ sauce and reduce the heat to medium. This will caramelize the sauce without burning it.
Step 6: Grill and Brush – Phase 2
Continue to grill for another 3 to 5 minutes. Flip again and brush the other side with another third of the sauce, allowing each stage to deepen the flavor.
Step 7: Final Flip and Brush – Phase 3
Perform a final flip and apply the rest of the BBQ sauce. Grill for a final 3 minutes or until fully cooked. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for maximum juiciness.
Pro Tips for Making BBQ Grilled Chicken
- Perfect Grill Marks: To achieve iconic grill marks, resist the urge to move the chicken too soon after placing it on the grill.
- Quick Marinade Hack: If you have extra time, marinate the chicken in the BBQ sauce overnight to deepen the flavors.
- Sauce Adaptation: Don’t be shy about tweaking the sauce ingredients to adjust sweetness or spice levels to your liking.
- Test Chicken Thickness: Thinner chicken breasts or cutlets cook faster, which is great if you’re in a hurry; just keep an eye on the grill time.
How to Serve BBQ Grilled Chicken
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro can add a burst of freshness and color to your BBQ grilled chicken. A few lemon wedges on the side also make a zesty addition that can be squeezed on just before eating.
Side Dishes
This BBQ Grilled Chicken is perfectly complemented by a light, refreshing coleslaw or creamy mashed potatoes. For something green, consider a simple side salad or grilled vegetables to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve chicken slices on a rustic wooden board with BBQ sauce in a small bowl alongside for dipping, or skewer chunks of chicken for a fun, shareable platter that’s great for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. Chilled properly, the chicken can last up to 3 days while maintaining its flavor and tenderness.
Freezing
If you wish to freeze this dish, ensure the chicken is fully cooled before wrapping it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat on low in the oven or the grill until heated through. Be patient to prevent the chicken from drying out, so it remains juicy and delicious.
FAQs
-
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but adjust the grilling time accordingly as it takes longer to cook through. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
-
Is there a substitute for coconut aminos?
You can substitute coconut aminos with soy sauce or tamari for similar savory results, just be mindful of the salt content and adjust accordingly.
-
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Ensure not to overcook the chicken and always let it rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute, which helps keep it moist.
-
Can this recipe be made on a stovetop grill pan?
Absolutely! A stovetop grill pan is a great alternative for those without outdoor grills. Follow the same instructions and keep an eye on the temperature.
Final Thoughts
I hope this BBQ Grilled Chicken recipe becomes a favorite in your home, just as it is in mine. Whether you’re whipping it up for a casual weeknight dinner or a big family barbecue, it’s sure to impress and delight. Bon Appétit!
Print
BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BBQ Grilled Chicken recipe features juicy chicken breasts coated in a flavorful homemade BBQ sauce, grilled to perfection for a smoky and tangy taste. It’s a quick and healthy main dish perfect for summer barbecues or weeknight dinners, offering a balance of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors with simple ingredients and easy steps.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4–5 chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
BBQ Sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup coconut aminos
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground mustard
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and properly greased to prevent sticking.
- Make the BBQ sauce: In a small bowl, combine ketchup, coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, ground mustard, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: Brush each chicken breast with olive oil, then generously season with salt and pepper. This enhances moisture retention and flavor.
- Grill the chicken – Phase 1: Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Cook undisturbed for 3 to 5 minutes until they release easily from the grill. Flip using tongs.
- Brush and reduce heat: After flipping, brush the cooked side with one-third of the BBQ sauce. Reduce the heat to medium to allow the sauce to caramelize without burning.
- Grill and brush – Phase 2: Grill for another 3 to 5 minutes, then flip the chicken again and brush another third of the BBQ sauce on the now-exposed side.
- Final flip and brush – Phase 3: Flip the chicken for the final time. Brush with remaining BBQ sauce and grill for an additional 3 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C). Adjust cooking time as needed based on chicken thickness.
Notes
- Use a clean brush or spoon each time you apply BBQ sauce to avoid cross-contamination between raw and cooked chicken.
- For faster cooking, slice chicken breasts horizontally into thinner cutlets.
- Allow the grilled chicken to rest for 5 minutes post-cooking to let juices redistribute, ensuring maximum flavor and moisture.
- Experiment with the BBQ sauce by adding honey for sweetness or cayenne pepper for heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
