Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here from Chef Maniac! There’s something truly magical about the aroma of barbecue wafting through the air, especially as the weather warms up. And when it comes to classic grilling, BBQ Chicken Breastsare a perennial favorite for a reason. But how do you get them perfectly juicy and flavorful, not dry and bland? Today, I’m sharing my foolproof method for grilling BBQ chicken breasts that are tender on the inside, beautifully caramelized on the outside, and absolutely bursting with tangy, smoky flavor.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love grilling BBQ chicken breasts because they are the epitome of easy, healthy, and crowd-pleasingsummer cooking. This recipe ensures that your chicken stays incredibly juicy, a common challenge with chicken breasts. It’s also remarkably versatile, pairing with almost any side, and the prep is minimal. Plus, who can resist that sticky, sweet-savory BBQ glaze fresh off the grill? It’s a fundamental grilling skill that, once mastered, opens up a world of delicious possibilities.

List of Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create perfectly grilled BBQ chicken breasts:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 – 2 pounds total)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)

Swaps and Notes

• Chicken Cut: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used here, you can easily adapt this recipe for boneless, skinless chicken thighs (which are more forgiving and less prone to drying out) or bone-in, skin-on pieces (which will require longer cooking times).
• BBQ Sauce: Use a BBQ sauce you absolutely love! Whether it’s sweet, tangy, smoky, or spicy, the sauce is key to the flavor.
• Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the dry seasonings to your preference. A touch of cayenne for heat, or some dried oregano, could also be nice.
• Marinade (Optional): For even more flavor and tenderness, you can marinate the chicken in a bit of olive oil and seasonings (or even some thinned-out BBQ sauce) for 30 minutes to an hour before grilling.

List of Steps for the Recipe

1. Prepare Chicken Breasts: Pat the chicken breasts thoroughly dry with paper towels. If your chicken breasts are very thick (over 1 inch at their thickest point), you might want to pound them lightly to an even 3/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures even cooking.
2. Season Chicken: In a medium bowl, drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasonings into the chicken to ensure it’s well coated.
3. Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F or 200-230°C). Clean the grill grates thoroughly with a wire brush, then lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
4. Grill Chicken (Initial Cook): Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the hot grill. Close the lid and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches about 155-160°F (68-71°C) when measured with an instant-read thermometer. The chicken should have nice grill marks and be mostly cooked through.
5. Apply BBQ Sauce: Generously brush one side of the chicken breasts with BBQ sauce. Close the lid and cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize slightly.
6. Flip & Sauce Again: Flip the chicken breasts, and generously brush the other side with BBQ sauce. Close the lid and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and caramelized, and the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Rest & Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and transfer to a clean cutting board or platter. Tent loosely with foil and let rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy chicken. Slice or serve whole.

Tips for Success

• Pound for Evenness: Pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness is the single best tip for preventing dry spots and ensuring they cook uniformly.
• Don’t Overcook! Chicken breasts dry out easily. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. As soon as it hits 165°F (74°C), pull it off the grill. The resting period will also help it reach its final temperature.
• Clean & Oil Grates: This prevents sticking, especially with sticky BBQ sauce.
• Apply Sauce Late: Don’t apply BBQ sauce too early in the grilling process. Sugary sauces can burn easily. Brush it on in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.
• Resting is Crucial: Don’t skip the resting step! It makes a huge difference in the juiciness of the chicken.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Grilled BBQ Chicken Breasts are incredibly versatile and pair well with a wide variety of sides:

• Classic Sides: Potato salad, coleslaw, corn on the cob, or baked beans.
• Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a refreshing accompaniment.
• Rice Dishes: Serve alongside my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole for a heartier meal, or a simple side of fluffy rice.
• Sandwiches: Slice the chicken and serve it on buns for quick BBQ chicken sandwiches.
• Other Chicken Favorites: If you’re a chicken fan, these would be excellent with a side of my Light Tangy Chicken Salad (with no mayo in sight!) for variety, or you could use shredded leftovers for Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftover grilled BBQ chicken breasts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They are fantastic cold in salads or sliced for sandwiches. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth, or in the microwave on a lower power setting to prevent drying out. You can also chop them up for dishes like my Sheet Pan Quesadillas.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the ease and flavor of these BBQ chicken breasts, and you’re a fan of delicious chicken dishes, you’ll definitely want to check out some of my other popular recipes:

• For a truly comforting and hearty chicken dish, dive into a bowl of my incredibly flavorful Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo.

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Final Thoughts

Grilling BBQ chicken breasts doesn’t have to be a gamble. With a few simple techniques, you can achieve perfectly juicy, flavorful results every single time. This recipe is a staple for a reason – it’s easy, satisfying, and tastes like summer in every bite. Fire up that grill and enjoy!

What are your go-to grilling tips for chicken? Share your secrets in the comments below! And for more delicious, easy recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to follow Chef Maniac.