Juicy Grilled BBQ Chicken
Juicy Grilled BBQ Chicken Recipe
The aroma of grilled meat wafting through the air is a sure sign of summer, and nothing beats biting into a juicy grilled BBQ chicken breast. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, enjoying a family dinner, or craving the smoky, sweet goodness of BBQ sauce, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create mouthwatering flavors. With a quick marinade and the right grilling techniques, you’re just a few steps away from chicken that’s tender, flavorful, and the star of any meal.
Why you’ll love this dish
This Juicy Grilled BBQ Chicken recipe should be at the top of your must-try list for a multitude of reasons. Not only is it quick and easy, taking just about 30 minutes of prep time (plus marinating), but it also delivers layers of flavor that even kids will love. The combination of spices, lemon juice, and BBQ sauce creates a deliciously tangy and savory profile, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
"This BBQ chicken is a game changer at our summer cookouts! Everyone asks for the recipe!" – A happy home cook
How this recipe comes together
Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Here’s a quick look at the steps involved:
- Prep the Chicken: Start by ensuring your chicken breasts are evenly thick for consistent cooking.
- Mix the Marinade: Create a zesty marinade that includes olive oil, spices, and lemon juice to infuse flavor.
- Marinate: Allow the chicken to soak up those delightful flavors in the fridge.
- Grill: Cook the chicken on the grill, brushing with BBQ sauce for that perfect glaze.
- Serve: Let the chicken rest before garnishing and serving.
What you’ll need
Here’s the ingredient list to gather for this fantastic recipe:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Feel free to substitute chicken thighs for added flavor and moisture or use a gluten-free BBQ sauce if dietary needs require it!
Directions to follow
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making this incredible chicken:
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Prep the Chicken: If the chicken breasts are thick, pound them to an even 1-inch thickness for even cooking.
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Make the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the juice of one lemon and stir to combine.
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Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
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Preheat the Grill: Get your grill heated to medium-high. If using a charcoal grill, evenly distribute the coals.
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Get Ready to Grill: Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes.
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Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes on one side without moving them.
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Sauce and Flip: Flip the chicken breasts, and brush generously with BBQ sauce. Continue grilling for another 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
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Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and place it on a serving platter. Let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Best ways to enjoy it
There are several delightful ways to serve Juicy Grilled BBQ Chicken:
- Serve it on a bun for a BBQ chicken sandwich.
- Pair with classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or corn on the cob.
- Slice it up and add it to a fresh salad for a hearty meal.
- It’s also delicious on tacos, topped with avocado and cilantro.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your grilled BBQ chicken fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for about 3 months. When reheating, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to guarantee safety and taste.
Helpful cooking tips
Here are a few pro tips to ensure your grilled BBQ chicken turns out perfectly every time:
- Marination Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be; aim for at least one hour, but overnight is optimal.
- Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without drying out the chicken.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Give each piece space; this helps with even cooking and those beautiful grill marks.
Creative twists
Want to shake things up? Here are some fun variations for your Juicy Grilled BBQ Chicken:
- Different BBQ Sauces: Experiment with various regional BBQ sauces—try a spicy chipotle or a sweet honey mustard variation.
- Add Spice: Include cayenne pepper or chili powder in the marinade for an extra kick.
- Tropical Twist: Add pineapple or mango juice to the marinade for a fruity flavor!
Your questions answered
Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?
A: For the best flavor, marinate for at least one hour, but overnight is even better!
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and grilling.
Q: Can I make this recipe low-carb?
A: Absolutely! Simply skip the BBQ sauce or use a sugar-free version to enjoy a low-carb meal.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is done?
A: Use a meat thermometer to check—the chicken is safe to eat at an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
With this mouthwatering recipe in your kitchen arsenal, you’re all set to impress friends and family alike. Enjoy the succulent flavors and simplicity of Juicy Grilled BBQ Chicken, and let me know how yours turns out!
Juicy Grilled BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Ensure chicken breasts are evenly thick for consistent cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and the juice of one lemon.
- Place chicken breasts in the marinade, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove marinated chicken from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
- Place marinated chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on one side without moving.
- Flip the chicken breasts and brush generously with BBQ sauce. Continue grilling for another 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove from the grill, let rest for a few minutes, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
