Grilled BBQ Chicken
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Grilled BBQ Chicken is the kind of dinner that makes your neighbors peek over the fence and suddenly “remember” they need to borrow something. Juicy, smoky, and slathered in sweet, sticky sauce—it’s summer on a plate. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or just trying to win dinner tonight, this recipe is ridiculously easy and totally foolproof.
There are so many sides you can serve with this chicken to make it a meal! Try my potato salad, coleslaw, mac and cheese, and baked beans!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy grilled chicken recipe – This recipe is beginner-friendly and perfect for stress-free grilling.
- Weeknight dinner idea – Quick prep and big flavor make it a go-to for busy weeknights.
- Summer BBQ recipe – A must-have for your summer cookout lineup.
- Family dinner recipe – Kid-approved and picky-eater friendly.
This Grilled BBQ Chicken starts with a simple grilled chicken marinade that’s packed with flavor and pantry-friendly ingredients. It tenderizes the chicken while layering in a sweet, smoky, and slightly tangy kick that makes every bite irresistible.
Whether you’re planning a laid-back summer cookout or just need a quick weeknight win, this recipe delivers. A brush of BBQ sauce at the end caramelizes perfectly on the grill—proof that simple really can be spectacular.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to standout bbq chicken breast is in the flavor layering. This recipe starts with a chicken breast marinade for grilling that pulls double duty—tenderizing the chicken and infusing it with smoky, sweet, and tangy goodness. Here’s what you’ll need to make it magic:
- Chicken Breast – Boneless and skinless work best. For even cooking, try to pound them to an even thickness.
- Soy Sauce (low sodium) – Adds depth and umami without making things too salty. Stick with low sodium to keep the balance right.
- Balsamic Vinegar – Brings a subtle tang and helps tenderize the meat. Aged balsamic will give an even richer flavor.
- Brown Sugar – Sweetens the marinade and helps create those caramelized grill marks we all love.
- Olive Oil – Helps keep the chicken juicy while also preventing it from sticking to the grill.
- Worcestershire Sauce – A bold, savory boost that deepens the BBQ flavor without overpowering it.
- Garlic – Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor kick. If you’re short on time, garlic powder works too.
- BBQ Sauce – Brush this on at the end for a glossy, finger-licking finish. Use your favorite brand or homemade!
Once you’ve got everything prepped, your grill is just minutes away from turning these humble ingredients into your new favorite BBQ chicken.
Jesseca’s Recipe Review
This barbecue chicken breast is on repeat at our house all summer long. The marinade is simple but so flavorful, and that sticky BBQ finish is everything. Even my picky eater asked for seconds—which basically means it’s a certified win.
Tip from Jesseca:
Always let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. It keeps all that juicy goodness from running out and gives you time to sneak a bite before serving (chef’s privilege).
Variations and Substitutions
Whether you’re working with what you’ve got or just feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to tweak this Grilled BBQ Chicken recipe and still end up with a delicious dinner. Here are a few easy swaps and fun twists to try:
- Chicken thighs – Prefer dark meat? Thighs are a juicier, more forgiving option and perfect for grilling.
- Coconut aminos – Swap this in for soy sauce if you’re avoiding soy or gluten. It’s slightly sweeter but still adds that savory punch.
- Apple cider vinegar – No balsamic? Apple cider vinegar brings a bright, tangy flavor that works just as well.
- Honey or maple syrup – Out of brown sugar? Either of these natural sweeteners adds great flavor and helps with caramelization.
- Avocado oil – A great high-heat alternative to olive oil, especially if you’re grilling at higher temps.
- Spicy twist – Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a little kick.
- No grill? – No problem. You can bake the chicken at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes, then broil for a few minutes to char the sauce.
Play around with the ingredients to suit your taste or pantry—this recipe is super flexible and always a crowd-pleaser!
BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe
If you’ve got 10 minutes and a few pantry staples, this Grilled BBQ Chicken comes together with minimal effort and big-time flavor. The secret? A simple marinade and a generous brush of BBQ sauce at just the right time.
- Marinate the Chicken: Whisk together your marinade and coat the chicken.
- Preheat the Grill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for max flavor.
- Grill the Chicken: Grill the chicken over medium heat until cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: In the final few minutes, brush on your favorite BBQ sauce and let it caramelize.
Let the chicken rest before slicing, and you’re ready to serve up a backyard classic that tastes like you spent hours on it (spoiler: you didn’t). This is the BEST way to grill chicken breast.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
This bbq chicken breast recipe is just as good the next day—maybe even better. If you’re planning ahead or end up with leftovers (lucky you), here’s how to store it right:
- Make-Ahead: You can prep the marinade and get the chicken soaking up the flavor up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it in an airtight container or sealed bag in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill.
- Storage: Leftover grilled chicken should be cooled completely, then stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days.
- Reheat Like a Pro: To keep it juicy, reheat in a covered skillet with a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce over low heat. You can also microwave it in short bursts, but be sure not to overdo it—no one likes dry chicken.
- Freezer Option: You can freeze the cooked chicken, too! Wrap tightly and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs are a great substitute and tend to be more forgiving on the grill. Just adjust the cook time slightly since they may take a bit longer.
A minimum of 2 hours works well, but overnight gives the best flavor. Just don’t go beyond 24 hours or the texture of the chicken can start to break down.
You can bake the chicken at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes and broil for the last few to caramelize the BBQ sauce.
Wait until the last 2–3 minutes of grilling to brush on the sauce. Adding it too early can cause it to burn due to the sugar content.
Even 30 minutes is better than nothing. You can also score the chicken slightly before marinating to help the flavor soak in faster.
Barbecue Chicken Breast
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1/2 cup balsamic
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1.5 lb chicken breast (pounded to even thickness)
Topping:
- 1/2 cup bbq sauce
Instructions
Marinade
- In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine the marinade ingredients. Add the chicken breasts and toss to coat evenly. Cover or seal and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. For the best flavor, marinate overnight.
Cook
- When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium heat (about 375–400°F). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Place on the grill and cook for about 6–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- During the last 2–3 minutes of grilling, generously brush both sides of the chicken with BBQ sauce. Close the lid to help the sauce caramelize slightly without burning.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side, if desired.
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
