Description
Easy and flavorful BBQ chicken breasts, perfect for grilling or baking. Seasoned with a simple spice rub and basted with your favorite BBQ sauce for a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 ounces each)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite smoky-sweet variety recommended)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a little kick!)
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.
- Stovetop Sear (Optional): Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron ideal) over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned. Remove from heat.
- Grilling Method: Preheat grill to medium heat (350-400°F or 175-200°C). Place seasoned chicken breasts on the grill. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). During the last 5 minutes, brush with BBQ sauce, flipping and basting every 1-2 minutes, until caramelized and slightly sticky.
- Baking Method: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). If seared, transfer skillet to the oven. Otherwise, place seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). During the last 10 minutes, brush with BBQ sauce, flipping and basting every 3-4 minutes, until bubbly and slightly thickened.
- Serving: Remove chicken from grill or oven. Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing or grilling.
- Be careful not to burn the BBQ sauce.
- Experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Resting the chicken after cooking is crucial for juicy chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes