BBQ Grilled Chicken Breasts

If bold, smoky flavors are what you’re after, this BBQ grilled chicken breast recipe is a must-try. Every bite is infused with rich barbecue seasoning, thanks to a perfectly balanced blend of spices and the magic of the grill. They’ve got an irresistible char that locks in the juices, leaving you with chicken that’s supremely flavorful and mouthwateringly tender. It kind of goes with everything, too. Serve it as your centerpiece dish or as a flavorful addition to your favorite salad, sandwich, or wrap (I love it in this BBQ Chicken Salad).

This recipe is insanely easy to master, even if you’re not super familiar with grilling! It’s an excellent choice for busy weeknights, laid-back weekend cookouts, and even for those moments when you’re looking to impress but don’t have a ton of time to spare. Try it!

Grilled Chicken Breasts with That Perfect BBQ Flavor

Sure, you’ve grilled chicken before. But not like this. Here’s why you need to try this recipe ASAP:

• BIG BBQ flavor. Thanks to the seasoning and grilling process, each bite of this chicken is bursting with bold, smoky flavors that linger on your taste buds, calling you back for more.
• Juicy and tender. The hot grill really locks the flavorful juices in the meat. The result? Tender, succulent pieces of chicken you won’t be able to resist.
• Simple to make (with minimal clean-up). I love grilling, in part because it’s generally super straightforward, and clean-up is so easy! No scrubbing of greasy pots and pans! This BBQ chicken is no exception!

This is one of those recipes you might already have many (or even all) of the ingredients for, as we speak. Here’s a checklist for you (you’ll find exact measurements in the recipe card below):

• Chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless breasts are my top choice, but you can use any cut of chicken you’d like. Just note that some cuts need a bit more (or less) time on the grill.
• Seasonings – I made my own seasoning blend with kosher salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and chili powder. You can substitute the blend with one tablespoon of BBQ rub or use equal parts salt and pepper.
• Avocado oil – To keep the chicken from sticking to the grate. Vegetable oil will also work.
• Barbecue sauce – For brushing over the chicken as it grills.

How to Make BBQ Grilled Chicken Breasts

Ready to fire up the grill? Here’s a quick look at how to make this amazing chicken. Don’t forget to scroll to the recipe card below for more detailed instructions.

• Grill. Grill the chicken for 4-6 minutes (lid closed), brush with half of the BBQ sauce, and grill for another 4-6 minutes (lid closed). Reduce the heat to medium, flip the chicken, brush with the remaining BBQ sauce, and grill for 2-4 minutes, or until fully cooked.
• Rest. Remove the chicken from the grill and rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with additional BBQ sauce, if desired.

Tips for Success

Grilled chicken may sound like the easiest thing in the world (and it kind of is), but paying attention to the following grillin’ tips will really up your game. Trust me.

• Pound to even thickness. When pounding the chicken, try to ensure an even thickness of ~1/2 inch. Otherwise, you risk uneven cooking.
• Preheat the grill. Preheat the grill all the way to high heat before throwing the chicken on the grate. This will help ensure proper, even cooking and that the chicken develops a nice char that locks those juices in!
• Use a meat thermometer. I strongly recommend using an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Don’t have one? Make a small cut in the largest piece of chicken. The juices should run clear. If the juices are on the pinker side, grill the meat for a little longer.
• Let it rest. Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. During this time, the juices will redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.

Make it a Meal

Looking for the perfect sides to pair with this juicy, succulent grilled chicken? I’ve got you covered:

• Corn Bread. You can’t have BBQ without some warm cornbread, in my opinion. Butter up one of my Gluten Free Cornbread Muffins or a slice of this Gluten-Free Cornbread. Corn Pudding would be fun, too!
• Garlic bread. Not a cornbread person? My Gluten Free Garlic Breadsticks or these Gluten Free Garlic Knots pair beautifully with this savory BBQ chicken.
• Grilled veggies. While you’ve got the grill going, throw some veggies on the grate! This Grilled Asparagus Recipe or Grilled Zucchini Recipe is so easy!
• Other classic BBQ sides. This chicken goes well with pretty much any potluck fave. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with this Hawaiian Coleslaw, my Bacon Ranch Potato Salad, and this Broccoli Salad.
• Make it a salad. Or a sandwich. Or a wrap! These chicken breasts are super versatile. Chop one up and add the pieces to my Strawberry Mango Salad, or toss it between slices of Gluten Free French Bread.