Do you put barbecue sauce on chicken before or after grilling?

Before and during for best results. Marinating the chicken in barbecue sauce infuses each breast with flavor. Then brush in thin layers to prevent burning. You can drizzle any remaining BBQ sauce on after.

Do you flip the BBQ chicken?

Yes. Flip your chicken halfway through cooking so it cooks evenly. This will also give you beautiful sear marks on each side and helps lock in the flavor.

How to grill BBQ chicken breast without drying out?

When grilling, make sure your grill isn’t too hot, keep the lid on, and don’t overcook your chicken. If your chicken breasts are very thick, I recommend slicing them in half parallel to the cutting board before pounding.

Can I use bone-in and skin-on chicken?

Sure, just grill it a bit longer. The best way to check if your chicken is ready is with an internal read thermometer inserted into the thickest part close to the bone but not touching it.

Tender Grilled BBQ Chicken Breast

This simple grilled chicken breast recipe achieves a perfect balance of smoky, caramelized flavors and juicy tenderness. By marinating the chicken in a flavorful barbecue blend and using proper grilling techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in your own backyard. It is the perfect centerpiece for summer gatherings or a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

List of ingredients

4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (2 pounds)
1 cup BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

step-by-step instructions

Step: Place chicken breasts on a cutting board, cover with a piece of plastic wrap and pound slightly with a meat mallet or rolling pin until even thickness.
Step: In a large bowl, add barbecue sauce, oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper and whisk. Add chicken breasts, stir with tongs to coat and let marinate for 30 minutes to up to 24 hours.
Step: Preheat grill on medium-high (450-500 degrees F) and rub with oiled paper towel. Place chicken on the grill, brush with BBQ sauce, close the lid and grill for 5 minutes.
Step: Open the lid, brush with more BBQ sauce and flip. Brush with BBQ sauce again, close the lid and cook for another 5 minutes or until internal read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the breast registers 165 F.
Step: Remove chicken from the grill, cover with foil and let rest for 5-10 minutes.
Step: Slice and serve with your favorite side like rice and broccoli or make BBQ chicken salad.

Keys to Succulent Grilled Poultry

Pounding for Even Cooking

Chicken breasts are naturally thicker on one end and thinner on the other, which often leads to the thin side becoming dry before the thick side is cooked. Pounding the meat creates a consistent shape that cooks predictably and prevents the risk of overcooking the narrower portions.

The Role of the Grill Lid

Keeping the lid closed during the cooking process is essential for creating a small oven environment around the chicken. This ambient heat helps cook the center of the meat thoroughly while allowing the barbecue sauce to caramelize on the surface without burning.

Monitoring Internal Temperature

Using a digital meat thermometer is the only truly reliable way to confirm your chicken is done. Aiming for 165 degrees Fahrenheit ensures the chicken is safe to eat while maintaining its peak juiciness, as going significantly past this temperature can turn the texture tough and dry.

Refining Your Flavor Profile

Selecting the Right Barbecue Sauce

The flavor of your final dish depends largely on the sauce you select. Look for a sauce with a smooth consistency and a balance of vinegar, molasses, and spice to ensure it coats the meat evenly and forms a beautiful, glossy finish when exposed to the grill’s heat.

Adjusting the Heat Levels

If you prefer a spicy kick, feel free to whisk in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of hot sauce into your marinade bowl. Conversely, if you prefer a sweeter profile, a splash of honey or maple syrup can be added to the sauce mixture to increase the caramelization levels.

Enhancing the Smoky Aroma

If you are using a charcoal grill, the fuel provides natural smokiness, but on a gas grill, you can achieve a similar effect by using wood chips in a smoker box. Hickory or applewood chips are excellent choices that pair perfectly with standard barbecue sauce profiles.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Classic Picnic Accompaniments

Grilled chicken pairs wonderfully with traditional sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or grilled corn on the cob. These sides offer a cool, crisp, or creamy contrast to the warm, bold flavors of the charred barbecue sauce.

Healthy Vegetable Pairings

For a lighter meal, serve the chicken alongside grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or a fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette. The brightness of fresh vegetables helps cut through the richness of the barbecue sauce, providing a well-rounded dining experience.

Turning Leftovers into Meals

Leftover chicken can be shredded and utilized in various ways throughout the week. It makes an excellent topping for a hearty BBQ chicken salad, a filling for lunch wraps, or even a protein-packed addition to a bowl of rice and steamed broccoli.

Storage and Preparation Advice

Proper Refrigeration Methods

If you have leftovers, allow the chicken to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Properly stored, it will remain safe to eat for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep.

Freezing for Future Use

To preserve the best texture for long-term storage, freeze the cooked chicken breasts individually in airtight freezer bags or containers. This method prevents ice crystals from forming on the surface and helps the chicken retain its moisture for up to 3 months.

Reheating for Maximum Moisture

When reheating, avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the chicken rubbery. Instead, place the chicken in a baking dish with a tablespoon of water or broth, cover it, and warm it in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through.

Common Queries Addressed

Why does the sauce burn on the grill?

Barbecue sauce contains sugar, which will burn if exposed to high heat for too long. Apply your final layers of sauce toward the end of the cooking process to ensure a caramelized finish without charred or bitter spots.

Can I grill chicken straight from the fridge?

It is better to let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before grilling. This helps the meat cook more evenly and prevents the sudden drop in grill temperature that can happen when cold meat hits hot grates.

What is the benefit of resting the meat?

Resting the chicken for at least 5 minutes allows the muscle fibers to relax and the juices to redistribute throughout the breast. If you slice it immediately, the juices will run out onto the board, resulting in a significantly drier final product.