The Best BBQ Chicken Breasts
This easy BBQ chicken breast recipe is all about simplicity and bold flavor. With no need for lengthy marinades, you get juicy, tender chicken coated in your favorite barbecue sauce. Whether grilled or oven-baked, this dish brings that sweet, smoky BBQ flavor to your table in just 30 minutes—perfect for weeknights or backyard cookouts.
Servings: 4
Calories: 190kcal
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ½ cup BBQ sauce your favorite variety
Instructions
Grill Method
- Preheat the grill to high heat (450°F) for direct cooking. Clean the grates.
- Drizzle chicken breasts with olive oil and rub to coat. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken on the hot grill, cover, and cook for 5–6 minutes until the chicken releases easily from the grates.
- Flip and cook for another 4–5 minutes.
- Baste the top with BBQ sauce, flip, and cook for 2 more minutes. Repeat on the other side.
- Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Remove from the grill, loosely cover with foil, and rest for 5 minutes (temperature will rise to 165°F).
Oven Method
- Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- Drizzle each chicken breast with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
- Brush with BBQ sauce and return to the oven for another 5–8 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and slightly charred and the internal temp is 160°F.
- Let rest a few minutes before serving (temperature will rise to 165°F).
Notes
Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for faster, even cooking.
Chicken thighs or bone-in cuts can be substituted—just adjust cook time accordingly.
Serve with extra BBQ sauce for dipping or drizzling.