This juicy grilled BBQ chicken is a backyard classic made easy. With just a few pantry staples and your favorite BBQ sauce, these flame-kissed chicken breasts turn out tender, smoky, and packed with flavor—perfect for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners alike!
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 brand – Sweet Baby Ray’s and Stubbs are great options)
Grill Method (Recommended):
Preheat your grill to high (around 450°F) and clean the grates well.
Drizzle chicken breasts with olive oil, rub it in, and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Place chicken on the hot grill, cover, and cook for 5–6 minutes until they naturally release from the grates.
Flip and cook for another 4–5 minutes on the other side.
Brush one side with BBQ sauce, flip, and grill for 2 minutes. Repeat on the other side with more sauce.
Grill until internal temperature reaches 160°F. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes—chicken will rise to a safe 165°F as it rests.
Serve with additional BBQ sauce if desired.
Oven Method (Alternative):
Preheat oven to 450°F.
Drizzle chicken with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and place on a foil-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 15 minutes, then brush tops with BBQ sauce.
Return to oven and bake an additional 5–8 minutes, until sauce is bubbly and internal temp reaches 160°F.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
For juicier chicken, lightly pound the breasts to even thickness before grilling.
Want more flavor? Marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking.
Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness—overcooked chicken dries out fast!
Pair with grilled corn, coleslaw, or potato salad for a full BBQ feast.