This Grilled BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe yields juicy, tender chicken finished with smoky barbecue sauce. It’s a simple, reliable grilling recipe ideal for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love this Grilled BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe!
BBQ chicken breast is one of the easiest and most versatile proteins to grill. It works as a main course, sliced over salads, served on rice, or tucked into sandwiches and wraps. With a simple spice rub and your favorite barbecue sauce, boneless skinless chicken breasts transform from bland to flavorful in minutes.
This method uses an easy dry rub of common pantry spices and a final basting of BBQ sauce for a classic, caramelized finish. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights and tasty enough for weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts – Choose pieces that are similar in size and thickness so they cook evenly. You can also use chicken thighs or tenders as a variation.
- Simple spices – Garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper create a flavorful base. Adjust seasonings to taste.
- BBQ sauce – Use your favorite bottled or homemade sauce to baste and finish the chicken.
See the recipe card below for exact measurements and step-by-step instructions.
How to Grill BBQ Chicken Breast
Step 1 – Mix the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
Step 2 – Season the chicken: Rub the seasoning evenly over 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts. Let rest briefly or refrigerate up to 24 hours for more flavor.
Step 3 – Prepare the grill: Preheat the grill to about 350°F (medium-high). Oil the grates to prevent sticking. This technique works with gas or charcoal grills; you can also cook indoors on a grill pan or cast-iron skillet.
Step 4 – Grill the chicken: Place the chicken on the hot grill. Cook 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, to develop color and initial cooking.
Step 5 – Baste with BBQ sauce: Brush each side with about ¼ cup BBQ sauce, flip, and brush the other side. Cook an additional 3 minutes, then baste again and continue until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 6 – Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice or serve whole.
Grilled BBQ Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 4 Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- In a small bowl, stir together ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Preheat the grill to 350°F. Oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Place the seasoned chicken on the hot grill and cook 5–7 minutes per side.
- Brush the chicken with ¼ cup BBQ sauce, flip and brush the other side with another ¼ cup. Cook 3 minutes.
- Flip again, baste with more sauce if desired, and cook an additional 3–4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Move the chicken to a plate, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve.
Recipe Notes
The cook time will vary based on the size and thickness of the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4–5 days.
Expert Tips
- Hot grill: A properly heated grill helps seal in juices and produces a nice sear.
- Even thickness: Pound or trim breasts to a uniform thickness so they cook evenly.
- Rest the chicken: Let cooked chicken rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Indoor option: If you can’t grill outside, use a cast-iron skillet or grill pan, or finish in the oven.
Seasoning Variation Ideas
- Spicy BBQ: Use a spicy sauce or add ½ tsp cayenne to the rub.
- Hawaiian style: Mix a little pineapple juice into the BBQ sauce before basting.
- Honey BBQ: Stir honey into your sauce for a sweeter glaze.
- Taco twist: Replace the rub with taco seasoning for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories 180 kcal
, Carbohydrates 10 g
, Protein 26 g
What to Serve with Grilled Chicken?
Grilled chicken pairs well with many sides, especially those you can cook on the grill. Popular choices include grilled corn on the cob, foil-roasted potatoes, grilled bell peppers, zucchini spears, tomatoes, or a simple salad and rice.
Storing Suggestions
- Make ahead: Season the chicken and refrigerate up to 24 hours before grilling.
- Store leftovers: Keep cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4–5 days.
- Use leftovers: Reheat for sandwiches, wraps, salads, or serve over rice for quick meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chewiness usually comes from undercooking, overcooking, or uneven cooking. Use a meat thermometer and aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. Thinner pieces cook quickly, so watch them closely.
Brining helps retain moisture: soak chicken in a saltwater solution before cooking. Also, avoid overcooking and let the meat rest after grilling to keep it juicy.
To prevent burning, start with the plain seasoned chicken and add BBQ sauce halfway through cooking. Baste multiple times for a nicely caramelized glaze.
Cooking time depends on thickness. Generally, grill 5–7 minutes per side, then finish with sauce and continue until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Pound or trim breasts for even thickness if needed.
We love hearing from you. If you make this Grilled BBQ Chicken Breast recipe, please leave a comment or review and tell us what sides you served with it.