The Best BBQ Chicken Breasts
This easy BBQ chicken breast recipe is perfect for grilling or baking, giving you tender, juicy meat with a sweet and smoky flavor. No need for marinades—just season, cook, and brush with your favorite BBQ sauce for a simple yet crowd-pleasing meal.
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 for direct cooking over high heat (450°F). Brush the grates clean.
- Drizzle chicken breasts with olive oil and rub to coat evenly. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Place chicken on the grill, cover, and cook for 5–6 minutes until it releases easily from the grates.
- Flip and cook for another 4–5 minutes.
- Brush BBQ sauce on the top side, flip, and cook for 2 more minutes. Repeat on the other side.
- Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (it will rise to 165°F while resting).
- Transfer to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Oven Method
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Drizzle chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
- Brush tops with BBQ sauce, return to oven, and bake for another 5–8 minutes, until sauce begins to bubble and char slightly and internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving to allow temp to rise to 165°F.
Notes
Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick, even cooking.
Bone-in or thigh cuts can be used—adjust cooking time as needed.
Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.