BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipe

This mouthwatering BBQ Grilled Chicken is the perfect combination of smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready in just 20 minutes with a homemade BBQ sauce that’s leagues better than anything from a bottle, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend cookouts when you want something impressive without the fuss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: From prep to plate in just 20 minutes! Perfect for those nights when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
• Homemade BBQ Sauce: Forget store-bought sauces with their mysterious ingredients. This sauce comes together in minutes with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, and the flavor is absolutely incredible.
• Versatile: This chicken pairs beautifully with practically any side dish, making it a true workhorse recipe for your collection.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike go crazy for this chicken. It’s the perfect balance of flavors without being too spicy or too sweet.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken breasts: The star of the show! They’re the perfect canvas for our flavorful BBQ sauce. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer juicier meat.
• Olive oil: Helps prevent sticking and creates a beautiful sear on the outside of the chicken.
• Salt & pepper: The foundation of all good cooking! These simple seasonings help enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
• Ketchup: Forms the base of our BBQ sauce, providing that classic tomato flavor and thickness.
• Coconut aminos: A fantastic soy sauce alternative that adds depth and umami without the gluten or excessive sodium. If you don’t have it, soy sauce or tamari will work.
• Apple cider vinegar: Just a touch adds brightness and helps cut through the richness of the sauce.
• Chili powder: Brings warmth and a subtle kick without making the sauce spicy.
• Ground mustard: Adds complexity and a little tanginess that makes the sauce pop.
• Garlic powder and onion powder: These aromatics provide depth of flavor without the need to mince fresh garlic or onions.

Variations

Spice It Up

Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for some heat.

Sweet Twist

Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup to the sauce for a sweeter profile that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.

Smokehouse Style

Add 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce for that authentic smokehouse flavor, even if you’re using a gas grill.

Different Protein

This sauce works wonderfully on pork chops, salmon, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option.

How to Make BBQ Grilled Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Grill and Sauce

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, combine all BBQ sauce ingredients in a small bowl and stir until well mixed. Set the sauce aside until needed.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Brush your chicken breasts with olive oil to prevent sticking, then season both sides with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning allows the BBQ sauce to shine.

Step 3: Start Grilling

Place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook until it releases easily from the grates, typically 3-5 minutes. This is your indicator that it’s ready to flip, not the time!

Step 4: First Flip and Sauce

Flip the chicken and immediately brush about 1/3 of your BBQ sauce over the cooked side. Reduce heat to medium to prevent burning the sauce.

Step 5: Second Flip and Sauce

After another 3-5 minutes, flip the chicken again and brush another 1/3 of the sauce on the second side.

Step 6: Final Flip and Finish

Flip the chicken one last time, brush with the remaining sauce, and grill for about 3 more minutes or until the chicken is completely cooked through (165°F internal temperature).

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Rush the Flip: Wait until the chicken naturally releases from the grill before flipping. If it’s sticking, it’s not ready yet!
• Use a Meat Thermometer: The most reliable way to know your chicken is perfectly cooked is to use a meat thermometer. You’re looking for 165°F in the thickest part.
• Keep the Lid Closed: Treat your grill like an oven – open it only when necessary to flip or sauce the chicken. This maintains a consistent cooking temperature.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before cutting into it. This keeps all those wonderful juices inside the meat instead of on your plate.
• Clean Grill Grates: Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before cooking to prevent sticking.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This BBQ chicken is fantastic with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, potato salad, or baked beans. For a lighter meal, serve with a crisp green salad and corn on the cob.

Serving Suggestions

Slice the chicken and serve it on a platter with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with sliced green onions or chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Make It a Meal

For a complete meal that will impress anyone, pair with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus that can cook alongside the chicken.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor actually improves overnight as the sauce permeates the meat even more!

Freezing

This chicken freezes beautifully! Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. This is perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the chicken gently in a 300°F oven, covered with foil, until just warmed through (about 15 minutes). You can also slice it cold for salads or sandwiches.

FAQs

Can I make this chicken in the oven instead of on a grill?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 425°F and place the chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 18-20 minutes, brushing with sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking. You won’t get the same charred grill marks, but the flavor will still be fantastic.

Is there a way to make the chicken cook faster?
Yes! As mentioned in the notes, you can slice your chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets. These will cook in about half the time, making this recipe even speedier for busy nights.

Can I make the BBQ sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes weeknight cooking even faster.

How do I know when the chicken is done without a meat thermometer?
Without a thermometer, you can cut into the thickest part of the chicken – the juices should run clear with no pink remaining, and the meat should be opaque white throughout. However, I highly recommend investing in a meat thermometer for perfect results every time.

Final Thoughts

This BBQ Grilled Chicken is one of those recipes that proves good food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients, a quick cooking time, and flavors that will make your taste buds dance, it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. The homemade sauce takes it from everyday to extraordinary, and once you try it, you’ll never want to reach for the bottled stuff again. Fire up your grill and give this recipe a try tonight – your family will thank you!

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