Get ready to fire up your grill and dazzle everyone at your next cookout with this Grilled BBQ Chicken! This recipe is a perfect marriage of juicy, smoky chicken breast and sweet, tangy barbecue sauce, all brought together with layers of bold spices. Whether you’re a seasoned grillmaster or just love making easy, crowd-pleasing meals, this dish is guaranteed to become a staple on your summer table. The keyphrase here is Grilled BBQ Chicken, and trust me—you’ll want to remember it, because you’re about to make your new favorite dinner.

Grilled BBQ Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Grilled BBQ Chicken truly stand out is how just a handful of kitchen staples can turn plain chicken into something unforgettable. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, building up flavor and texture without complicating the process.

Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless cuts for even cooking and beautiful grill marks every time.
Barbecue sauce: Use your favorite variety—sweet, smoky, spicy—since it will define your chicken’s final flavor.
Olive oil: This not only keeps the chicken moist but also acts as the perfect base for your spice blend.
Smoked paprika: It amps up that BBQ essence and infuses everything with a subtle smoky aroma.
Garlic powder: For a savory punch that mingles perfectly with the barbecue sauce.
Onion powder: Lends a gentle sweetness and depth of flavor that’s hard to beat.
Salt: Essential for seasoning, making all the other flavors shine through.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of heat and earthiness, balancing the sweet barbecue glaze.
Fresh chopped parsley (optional): A sprinkle on top not only adds bright color but a fresh, herby finish.

How to Make Grilled BBQ Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Grill

Start by heating up your grill to medium-high—this is where the magic happens. Lightly oil the grates so your chicken doesn’t stick and you get those gorgeous, professional-looking grill marks. A clean, hot grill is the key to that irresistible grilled BBQ chicken char on the outside and juiciness within.

Step 2: Mix the Spice Blend

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir; this flavorful oil will coat your chicken like a savory shield, sealing in moisture and creating a mouthwatering crust when grilled.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Pat your chicken breasts dry and brush both sides generously with your spice-infused oil. Take your time here! A thorough coating ensures every bite is packed with that perfect Grilled BBQ Chicken goodness. If you have a few extra minutes, let them marinate for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Place the chicken on the preheated grill. Sizzle away for about 6 to 7 minutes a side, turning just once for those picture-perfect grill lines. The goal is to cook until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C)—no guesswork, just juicy success!

Step 5: Add the BBQ Glaze

Here comes the chef’s touch! In the last 2 minutes of grilling, slather a thick layer of barbecue sauce on each side of the chicken. The heat will caramelize the sauce, locking in flavor and giving you that sticky, glossy finish every Grilled BBQ Chicken lover craves.

Step 6: Let It Rest

Once off the grill, let your chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This step is crucial—it helps the juices redistribute so each bite stays tender and flavorful. Don’t skip it, even if you’re impatient!

How to Serve Grilled BBQ Chicken

Garnishes

Sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over your hot-off-the-grill chicken adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh, herbal lift. If you want to get creative, try thinly sliced green onions or a dash of extra smoked paprika on top—it’s all about making your Grilled BBQ Chicken as beautiful as it is delicious.

Side Dishes

This is the kind of chicken that loves good company! Pair it with summer classics like creamy coleslaw, buttery corn on the cob, or a big, bright garden salad. You could also tuck it into a soft bun with extra barbecue sauce or slice it over a bed of fluffy rice for a hearty meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not turn your Grilled BBQ Chicken into a showstopper? Slice it and serve over grilled veggies for a colorful platter, chop it up for loaded BBQ chicken tacos, or arrange it on a cutting board with extra sauce, pickles, and rustic bread for a gorgeous family-style spread. The possibilities are endless and tasty!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), store the cooled Grilled BBQ Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. This makes it perfect for easy lunches, quick salads, or meal prep throughout a busy week.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay tasty for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before you’re ready to eat.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in the oven at 350°F with a splash of chicken broth or extra barbecue sauce to keep everything moist. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave works too, just cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often come out even juicier. Just adjust the grilling time slightly, as thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through.

What type Main Course

Go with your personal favorite—classic, spicy, smoky, or even a fruity variety. The barbecue sauce is what gives Grilled BBQ Chicken its signature flavor, so use one you truly love for the best results.

Do I need a meat thermometer?

While not strictly required, a meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of grilling and ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked every time. Aim for 165°F for safe and juicy chicken.

How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?

Preheat your grill and lightly oil the grates just before adding the chicken. This helps prevent sticking and also creates those desirable grill marks, making your Grilled BBQ Chicken look extra appetizing.

Can I marinate the chicken ahead of time?

Definitely! Letting the chicken sit in the olive oil and spice mixture for up to two hours before grilling gives the flavors more time to mingle and soak into the meat. It’s a great step for maximizing taste if you have extra time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a simple, flavorful, and absolutely satisfying dish, this Grilled BBQ Chicken checks every box. The combination of smoky spices and sweet, sticky barbecue sauce creates an unforgettable meal that’s perfect for family dinners or weekend gatherings with friends. Give it a try—you’ll be coming back to this recipe all season long!

Grilled BBQ Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 28 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Grilled BBQ Chicken recipe is perfect for summer grilling. Juicy chicken breasts are seasoned with a flavorful spice mix, grilled to perfection, and finished with a generous slather of barbecue sauce. Easy to make and incredibly delicious!

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite variety)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
Prepare the Spice Mix: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Season the Chicken: Brush the chicken breasts with the oil and spice mixture on both sides.
Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Add Barbecue Sauce: During the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush a generous amount of barbecue sauce on each side of the chicken.
Rest and Serve: Remove from the grill, let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side.