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Grilled BBQ Chicken on white platter topped with parsley.
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5 from 16 votes

Easy Grilled BBQ Chicken Breast

Seasoned with a sweet and smoky dry rub and finished with tangy BBQ sauce, this Grilled BBQ Chicken is juicy, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time13 minutes
Resting Time5 minutes
Total Time28 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Author: Kristen Chidsey

Equipment

Ingredients

  • olive oil for brushing grill/grill pan
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar light or dark
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts trimmed of any fat
  • ½ cup prepared BBQ sauce plus additional for serving.

Instructions

  • Lightly brush the grill grates or grill pan with oil, then preheat to medium-high heat.
  • In a small mixing bowl combine 2 teaspoons brown sugar, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
    Dry rub for grilled BBQ chicken breasts being mixed in small bowl.
  • Trim any fat or grizzle off the chicken, place between two pieces of plastic wrap (or parchment paper), and gently pound until until even thickness is reached. Aim for about ½-inch thick, you aren't looking to make thin cutlets.
    6 trimmed and pounded chicken breasts on wooden cutting board before seasoning.
  • Evenly sprinkle the prepared dry rub over each side of the chicken. Using your hands, rub the blend over the surface of each breast to adhere.
    6 chicken breasts on cutting board that have been seasoned with homemade dry rub.
  • Place the seasoned chicken on the preheated grill. Cover and cook for 5 minutes without disturbing. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 4 minutes.
    Partially grilled chicken breasts seasoned with dry rub on grill plate showing grill marks.
  • Brush the top of the chicken with BBQ sauce, flip, and cook for 2 minutes. Brush the other side with BBQ sauce, flip again, and cook for 2 more minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 163-165°F (73-74°C).
    Pastry brush brushing chicken breast with BBQ sauce.
  • Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and tent with foil. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes for the juices to redistribute. Serve with additional BBQ sauce on the side if desired.
    Three grilled BBQ chicken breasts on platter topped with parsley.

Video

Notes

Use Chicken Thighs: Grill as directed, cooking the thighs until the reach an internal temperature of 185°F.
Oven Directions: Bake seasoned chicken breasts at 425°F for 15 minutes, add sauce, bake 6-10 more minutes, or until 165°F.
Adjust seasonings: Skip brown sugar to reduce sugar; add a pinch of cayenne pepper to spice blend to add a bit of heat. 
BBQ Sauce: Use what you love. Sweeter for kids, tangier or spicy for more kick.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in fridge for up to 3 days. Enjoy cold or reheat gently at 350°F in an oven-safe dish with a bit of water, covered tightly with foil.

Nutrition

Calories: 139kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 520mg | Potassium: 447mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 363IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg
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