The Best BBQ Chicken Breasts
This simple yet flavorful BBQ chicken breast recipe skips complicated marinades and focuses on easy grilling (or oven baking) for juicy, tender results every time. Brushed with your favorite barbecue sauce, this recipe delivers sweet, smoky, and perfectly cooked chicken that's ideal for any occasion.
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time25 minutes mins
Total Time30 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: bbq chicken, easy chicken breast recipe, grilled chicken, oven baked BBQ chicken, summer grilling
Servings: 4
Calories: 190kcal
- 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
Grill Method
Preheat the grill for direct cooking at high heat (450°F). Brush the cooking grates clean.
Drizzle chicken breasts with olive oil and rub to coat evenly. Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
Place the chicken on the hot grill. Cover and cook for 5–6 minutes, or until the chicken releases easily from the grates.
Flip the chicken and cook for another 4–5 minutes.
Baste the top with BBQ sauce, flip, and cook for 2 more minutes. Repeat on the other side.
Continue cooking until the chicken is firm and fully opaque, with an internal temperature of 160°F (it will rise to 165°F while resting).
Transfer to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Oven Method
Preheat the oven to 450°F.
Drizzle each chicken breast with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Place on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
Brush the top of the chicken with BBQ sauce, return to the oven, and bake for another 5–8 minutes until the sauce begins to bubble and char slightly, and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Let rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing the temp to rise to 165°F.
Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick, even cooking.
Chicken thighs or bone-in pieces can also be used; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.