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Easy Grilled BBQ Chicken Recipe with Smoky BBQ Sauce

Classic American Cookout · Weeknight Dinner · Smoky, tender, and incredibly fast to make

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even 1-inch thickness)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 3/4 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce

Method
 

  1. 1: Prep the meat. Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. Removing excess surface moisture helps the oil and spices stick better and ensures a proper sear on the grates.
  2. Step 2: Mix the rub. In a small bowl, whisk together the kosher salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until well combined.
  3. Step 3: Oil and season. Coat the meat evenly with the extra virgin olive oil. Rub the spice mixture generously over both sides right before you are ready to cook.
  4. Step 4: Preheat the grill. Heat your grill to medium-high, aiming for about 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Clean the grates thoroughly and lightly oil them to prevent sticking.
  5. Step 5: Sear the first side. Place the seasoned meat directly on the hot grates. Let it cook undisturbed for five to six minutes to develop deep, beautiful marks and a savory crust.
  6. Step 6: Flip and finish cooking. Turn the pieces over and continue cooking for another four to five minutes until they are nearly done.
  7. Step 7: Baste with sauce. Brush a thin, even layer of barbecue sauce on both sides. Let it cook for another two minutes per side until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized, and the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
  8. Step 8: Rest and serve. Remove the meat from the heat and transfer it to a clean cutting board. Let it rest for five minutes before slicing to lock the juices inside