Who doesn’t love a quick, delicious meal after a long day? Busy families need a recipe that’s not only easy but also mouthwatering, and grilled BBQ chicken fits the bill perfectly. This simple yet flavorful dish can be prepared with minimal effort, making it ideal for weeknights or weekend gatherings. Plus, it brings everyone to the table with the irresistible aroma of smoky, grilled chicken slathered in tangy BBQ sauce.
Today, we’ll walk you through an easy Grilled BBQ Chicken recipe, offering tips on seasoning, grilling, and serving it up as a complete meal for your busy family.
Ingredients
Before you get started, here are the basic ingredients you’ll need. These are probably already in your kitchen or easy to find at your local grocery store. The recipe is flexible, so feel free to tweak ingredients based on what your family loves.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for a smoky flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for extra tenderness)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Step 1: Prepping the Chicken
The first step in creating your perfect grilled BBQ chicken is preparing the chicken breasts. Start by laying out the chicken breasts on a clean cutting board. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, consider pounding them slightly to ensure they cook evenly. You don’t want the outside to char while the inside remains undercooked.
Next, in a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add a splash of lemon juice to this mix for added tenderness. Brush this marinade over both sides of each chicken breast. Let the chicken sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to sink in while you heat up your grill.
Step 2: Preheat the Grill
Whether you’re using a gas or charcoal grill, getting the right temperature is crucial for grilling chicken perfectly. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F – 400°F). You want a nice hot surface to sear the chicken, but not so hot that it burns the BBQ sauce.
If you’re using a charcoal grill, light the coals and wait until they turn white before placing your chicken on the grill. A well-heated grill will prevent the chicken from sticking and help it cook through evenly.
Step 3: Grilling the Chicken
Now that the grill is ready, place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken. The chicken should develop a nice char with beautiful grill marks, but don’t rush the process. Patience is key!
A meat thermometer is a handy tool here. You’ll want to grill the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
Step 4: Baste with BBQ Sauce
Once your chicken is almost done (around the 15-minute mark), it’s time to slather on the BBQ sauce. Generously brush the BBQ sauce onto each side of the chicken. The sauce will caramelize slightly, creating that sticky, irresistible BBQ coating that everyone loves. Be careful not to apply the sauce too early, as the sugars in the BBQ sauce can burn if left on the grill for too long.
Grill the chicken for an additional 3-5 minutes on each side, allowing the sauce to heat through and adhere to the chicken. For extra flavor, you can baste the chicken again right before taking it off the grill.
Step 5: Rest the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through and beautifully glazed with BBQ sauce, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken, making each bite tender and juicy.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled BBQ chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, making it a versatile family meal. Here are some serving suggestions to complete your dinner:
- Grilled Vegetables: Toss some bell peppers, zucchini, and onions on the grill alongside your chicken. A quick brush of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper will complement the BBQ chicken perfectly.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled, corn on the cob is a classic summer side that goes hand-in-hand with BBQ chicken.
- Potato Salad or Coleslaw: Creamy sides like potato salad or coleslaw provide a nice contrast to the tangy BBQ sauce.
- Fresh Salad: A light garden salad with a zesty vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the grilled chicken.
- Garlic Bread: Add some toasted garlic bread on the side to soak up any extra BBQ sauce.
Feel free to get creative with your sides, or use whatever you have on hand for a quick and easy dinner solution.
Tips for Busy Families
Busy families will appreciate that this recipe is not only easy to make but also adaptable. Here are some tips to make the process even smoother:
- Prep Ahead: You can marinate the chicken the night before or in the morning. Just keep it covered in the fridge, and it will be ready to throw on the grill when dinnertime rolls around.
- Batch Cook: Grilling multiple chicken breasts at once allows for easy meal prep. Use leftovers in salads, sandwiches, or wraps for lunch the next day.
- Sauce Variety: While classic BBQ sauce is always a hit, feel free to experiment with different flavors like honey mustard, spicy buffalo, or even teriyaki sauce for a twist on this family favorite.
FAQs
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F.
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Yes, but keep in mind that bone-in chicken will take longer to cook. Adjust your grilling time accordingly and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
What if I don’t have a grill?
You can cook the chicken indoors using a grill pan or broiling it in the oven. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier than breasts, so they work great for grilling. Just adjust your cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer.
How can I avoid burning the BBQ sauce?
Apply the BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling to prevent burning. The sugars in the sauce can char if cooked too long on the grill.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or enjoy it cold in a salad or sandwich.