BBQ chicken breast is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have tender, juicy chicken smothered in a sweet and tangy homemade barbecue sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a backyard gathering, potluck or dinner any night of the week, this recipe will soon become a go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making BBQ chicken breast at home is inexpensive and requires just a handful of ingredients you likely already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Chicken breasts are very lean and become dry and tough when overcooked, so boneless and skinless breasts are ideal for making juicy BBQ chicken. Allow about 1 breast per person.
- BBQ sauce – You can use store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce. For homemade, mix 1 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon mustard powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Onion powder – Onion powder adds savory flavor.
- Chili powder – Just a small amount of chili powder gives the chicken a little kick.
- Garlic powder – Garlic powder provides a subtle garlic taste.
- Salt and pepper – Salt and pepper are seasoning essentials.
- Butter or oil – Coating the pan with butter or oil prevents sticking.
- Aluminum foil – Foil helps the chicken cook evenly.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfect BBQ chicken breast every time:
Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Take a baking dish large enough to hold the chicken breasts in a single layer and coat lightly with nonstick cooking spray or oil.
Season the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Sprinkle both sides evenly withsalt, pepper, onion powder, chili powder and garlic powder.
- Rub the seasonings into the meat.
Sear the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter or oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- When hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
- The sear gives a nice flavor and color.
Bake the Chicken
- Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish.
- Pour about 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce over the chicken, using a spoon or brush to evenly coat the tops.
- Tent the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and registers 165°F on a meat thermometer.
Finish with Sauce
- Carefully remove the foil (be cautious of steam).
- Brush the chicken all over with more BBQ sauce.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
- Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Serve and Store
- Serve the BBQ chicken breast hot, warm or at room temperature. It also stores well for meal prep.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Tips for Juicy, Flavorful BBQ Chicken Breast
Follow these helpful tips for the most delicious results:
- Use thick, boneless breasts – Thin breasts overcook quickly. Aim for breasts at least 1 inch thick.
- Brine if time allows – Soaking chicken in a salty brine ensures juicy, seasoned meat.
- Don’t overcook – Chicken dries out once it exceeds 165°F. Use a meat thermometer.
- Let it rest – Allowing chicken to rest 5+ minutes after cooking allows juices to redistribute.
- Char the sauce – Broiling after saucing caramelizes the BBQ flavor.
- Serve with crunchy coleslaw – Cool, vinegar-based coleslaw perfectly complements the chicken.
- Make a few days ahead – BBQ chicken tastes even better after the flavors meld.
Favorite Ways to Use Leftover BBQ Chicken
Leftover BBQ chicken breast provides endless quick meal ideas:
- Slice and use for BBQ chicken sandwiches or wraps.
- Dice and add to a leafy salad topped with corn, tomatoes, avocado and ranch dressing.
- Shred and pile on mini buns for slider sandwiches.
- Chop and stir into macaroni and cheese or rice.
- Cut up and mix with mayo for BBQ chicken salad.
- Dice and combine with beans, corn and salsa for BBQ chicken tacos.
- Shred and fold into omelets or frittatas.
- Mix with mayo and stuff into a hollowed out tomato or lettuce cups.
Common Questions about Making BBQ Chicken Breasts
If you’re new to cooking boneless chicken breasts, here are answers to some common questions:
How long does it take to bake chicken breasts?
In a 375°F oven, boneless chicken breasts take 15-20 minutes to bake until fully cooked through and no longer pink inside. Larger, thicker breasts may take slightly longer.
Can you bake chicken frozen?
It’s best to thaw frozen chicken breasts before baking. But if needed, bake frozen breasts at 375°F for about 30 minutes, until 165°F. They may be less evenly cooked.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover chicken?
To reheat leftover BBQ chicken breast, place in a skillet with a bit of water over medium-low heat until warmed through, about 5 minutes per side. Or reheat in the microwave at 30 second intervals until hot.
How do you keep baked chicken breast from drying out?
To prevent dry chicken, use thick, boneless breasts, brine if time allows, don’t overcook, and tent with foil while baking. Letting rest before cutting also keeps juices locked in.
Can you freeze cooked BBQ chicken breasts?
Yes, cooked BBQ chicken breast freezes well for 2-3 months. Cool fully before freezing in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Ready to Make Your Own BBQ Chicken Breast?
Juicy BBQ chicken breast is easy to make right in your own oven. With just a few pantry staples and a simple cooking method, you can enjoy this versatile crowd-pleasing chicken any night of the week. Use leftover chicken in all kinds of quick meals too. For tender, flavorful chicken, follow the seasoning, searing, baking and saucing steps above. Adjust cooking times as needed for thicker breasts. Soon this recipe will become a go-to dinner favorite your whole family will request again and again.