Name: The Easiest BBQ Chicken Breast You'll Ever Make
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 2 tablespoon chicken seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/8 cup olive oil; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 cup barbecue sauce

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It may be one of the most common recipes, but it isn't always easy to make it great. This recipe is going to be the easiest BBQ chicken breast you've ever made. Not only is it fast and simple, but this method guarantees your chicken breast is cooked through but still juicy and tender. A perfect addition to your menu that is versatile, delicious, and easy to adjust to your preferred spice level.

BBQ Chicken Breast

Never again will you avoid making barbecue chicken. This recipe and easy method will make it simple to create the perfect tender and juicy chicken breast to serve alone, with your favorite sides, or as part of many other dishes.

If you like barbecue flavors, you will also love these oven-baked BBQ ribs. They are tender, easy to make, and fall off the bone. The perfect addition to your next barbecue meal. If you want something even easier to make, you'll love this Instant Pot pulled pork with a homemade spice rub. It's a great barbecue dish that is fast and easy for busy weeknights.

Can This Be Cooked on the Grill Instead?

If you prefer the char-grilled flavor, you can definitely prepare this on your gas or charcoal grill instead of in the oven. When making this on the grill, prepare and season as directed, then rather than searing in the skillet or grill pan, place on the hot grill. Cook for 4-6 minutes per side, depending upon how thick your chicken breast is.

How Do You Know When BBQ Chicken is Done?

When cooking chicken breast, the easiest way to make sure it is done cooking is to use a meat thermometer. I prefer the digital options that are designed for putting into the meat before it goes into the oven. The cord or wire can then be run out of the oven door and often these have a magnetic backing so they stick right to the oven door. The readout will tell you as the temperature rises, so you know when to pull out the chicken before it gets too dry.

Chicken breast is safe to consume at 165°F. I recommend cooking to 160°F and then removing from the oven and letting rest for an additional 5-10 minutes before serving. The residual heat in the chicken will continue cooking during this time and thus reach the desired safe temperature.

What Goes With BBQ Chicken Breast?

As mentioned before, this is one of the most versatile proteins you can add to your menu. Barbecued chicken goes well with so many of your favorite easy side dishes. Whether this is a weeknight meal or a dish for a family gathering, you can serve up any number of tasty sides. Below are just a few we enjoy!

What Other Ways Can I Serve Barbecue Chicken?

Since this is so versatile, you can use it for more than just a simple main dish. Add this barbecued chicken to any number of dishes as an easy flavorful protein. In fact, I love making large batches of this, then freezing so I have it already cooked to simply reheat and add to other meals. Below are a few good ideas that work well with this chicken.

Slice and serve on a bed of greens as part of a salad.
Put in a tortilla with lettuce, cheese, tomato, and extra sauce or Ranch dressing for a tasty wrap.
Dice and add to pasta with a bit of garlic and lemon.
Slice and use as the protein in a quesadilla or taco.

What Goes Into Chicken Seasoning?

If you don't keep a generic chicken seasoning blend on hand already, you may want to mix up a simple blend for this recipe. There are many options to choose from, but below is the basic blend I use when I don't have a ready-made option available.

½ teaspoon each black pepper, salt, dried basil, dried rosemary, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika,
¼ teaspoon each celery seed, dry mustard powder, dried parsley, and ground cumin
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon

Mix together and use as desired on chicken or other meats for a savory blend.

Do I Need to Use a Specific Barbecue Sauce?

You do not have to use a specific barbecue sauce to make this recipe. Since there are so many great prepared versions out there in the grocery stores, you can choose the ones that you prefer. If you need something good but also budget-friendly, you may reach for the classic Sweet Baby Ray's sauce. For those who need lower sugar options, the G Hughes sauces are excellent. There are tons of options to choose from including those that are spicy, mild, sweet, and a mixture of all.

Ingredients

Chicken breasts
Garlic powder
Chicken seasoning
Worcestershire sauce
Olive oil
Barbecue sauce
Salt

Handy Kitchen Tools

How to Make The Best BBQ Chicken Breast

Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, chicken seasoning, and salt, then coat with olive oil and Worcestershire sauce so that the chicken is completely coated. Rub in the seasoning well.

Heat a grill pan or indoor grill over medium heat.

Cook the chicken for 2 minutes per side.

Remove the chicken from the grill pan and place it into the waiting baking dish.

Brush the tops and sides of the chicken with barbecue sauce until coated well.

Bake, uncovered, on the top rack, for 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F-165°F.

Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to serve.

Chef's Tip

When baking this chicken recipe, after 5 minutes, place the oven on broil for 3 minutes to add a nice char to the top and a little texture to the chicken so it feels more like a traditionally grilled meat.

📖 Recipe

Yield: 4