Grilled BBQ Chicken Breasts (30 Minutes)
There’s something about summer that makes me crave the sizzle of the grill and the smoky aroma of BBQ. When the sun is shining and the days are long, firing up the grill becomes a ritual. One of my go-to recipes during this season is juicy Grilled BBQ Chicken Breasts.
They’re simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and always a hit at gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or just enjoying a quiet dinner on the patio, this grilled BBQ chicken is sure to please.
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I’ve been grilling chicken for as long as I can remember! BBQ chicken was our go-to when we entertained after we were first married. Over the years, I came up with my own BBQ seasoning and sauce, which not only made the chicken taste amazing but also kept things super budget-friendly — way more affordable than throwing a bunch of steaks on the grill.
Here in the Midwest, it’s pretty much a given that if you’re at a backyard party, you’ll find BBQ chicken on the menu right alongside macaroni salad, coleslaw, and a big pot of BBQ beans. It’s just what we do!
Tips for the Juiciest Grilled BBQ Chicken Breasts
- Pound it out! Lightly pound the chicken breasts so they’re the same thickness. It helps them cook evenly and keeps them from drying out.
- Don’t guess — grab a thermometer. Chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F. Trust me, it’s the easiest way to make sure your chicken stays juicy and not overcooked.
- Hold off on the sauce (at first). Wait until the last few minutes of grilling to slather on the BBQ sauce. If you add it too early, it can burn before the chicken’s done.
- Give it a rest. Let the chicken hang out for about 5 minutes after it comes off the grill. It keeps all those juices locked in!
Simple Ingredients
Recipe Notes
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – I use boneless, skinless for this recipe, but if you prefer bone-in chicken, you can definitely swap it in! Just keep in mind the cooking time will be a little longer.
- BBQ Spice Seasoning Blend – Use your favorite store-bought seasoning, or give my homemade BBQ rub a try for even more flavor.
- BBQ Sauce – Any favorite bottled sauce will work just fine, or you can make it from scratch with my easy homemade BBQ sauce recipe right here on the blog!
Step-by-Step Grill Instructions
Step 1: Prep the chicken.
Step 2: Brush on olive oil.
Step 3: Sprinkle with BBQ seasoning.
Step 4: Add chicken to a preheated grill (400 degrees). Cook on each side for 6 minutes. Sauce up the chicken and cook for an additional 2 minutes per side.
Step 5: Remove the chicken from the grill when it reaches 160 degrees. Cover it with aluminium foil and let it rest for 5 minutes. It will keep cooking to 165 degrees. Check to be sure the internal temp is 165 degrees before serving.
Oven Directions
Here’s my foolproof method: Bake at 400°F for about 18 minutes — no need to flip! Before slicing, let it rest for 5 minutes. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
Serving suggestions
Whether you’re keeping it casual or going full cookout mode, BBQ chicken breasts go great with classics like coleslaw and potato salad, or fresh picks like salads and grilled veggies. Don’t forget the mac and cheese — it’s always a win!
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap breasts for thighs, drumsticks, or wings.
- Try different spice blends — smoky, spicy, sweet.
- Use different BBQ sauces (honey BBQ, spicy chipotle, etc.).
- Make it a meal: Serve on buns for BBQ chicken sandwiches!
Did you make the recipe? Let us know what you thought by leaving a comment below and sharing it on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook! Thanks so much!
Recipe
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Juicy BBQ Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 2 Tablespoon BBQ Seasoning Rub store-bought or homemade
- ½ teaspoon Salt optional, depending on your rub
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ½-¾ cup BBQ Sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound with a mallet until they are an even thickness (about ½–¾ inch). This helps them cook evenly.
- Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and rub it in on both sides.1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- Sprinkle with BBQ seasoning, salt (if needed), and black pepper.2 Tablespoon BBQ Seasoning Rub, ½ teaspoon Salt, ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- Heat your grill to high heat (around 400°F). Lightly oil the grates or spray with non-stick grill spray.
- Place the chicken on the grill. Cover and grill for 6–7 minutes. Flip and grill for another 6–7 minutes on the other side.
- During the last 5 minutes of grilling, brush the chicken with BBQ sauce. Flip and brush the other side. Grill for another couple of minutes, flipping and brushing one more time, until the sauce is caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.½-¾ cup BBQ Sauce
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest covered for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. (The chicken will keep cooking while it rests) Be sure the temperature is at 165 degrees before serving.
Notes
How to Store and Reheat Grilled BBQ Chicken
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven or microwave with extra BBQ sauce.
- Slice and use for salads, wraps, or meal prep bowls.
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