Enjoy a tender, sweet, and tangy grilled BBQ chicken breast made with a straightforward marinade. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are marinated, then cooked on a gas grill or a grill pan until they are juicy with a slightly crisp exterior and a bright barbecue glaze.
This BBQ grilled chicken breast recipe is quick, reliable, and perfect for weeknight dinners or backyard cookouts. The marinade is a simple mix of olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper that seasons the meat and helps keep it moist during cooking. After marinating, the chicken gets a few coats of your favorite barbecue sauce for sweet, smoky flavor.
These grilled chicken breasts pair wonderfully with classic sides like mustard potato salad, fresh leafy salads, or roasted vegetables. Serve them sliced over a bed of greens or alongside roasted sweet potatoes for a balanced meal.
Recipe summary
- Quick and easy: After an overnight marinade, the chicken grills in minutes and is ready in under 30 minutes of active time.
- Bright, balanced flavor: Garlic and olive oil in the marinade build savory depth while barbecue sauce adds sweet, tangy notes.
- Healthy and family-friendly: Naturally high in protein and low in carbs, this is a versatile recipe that appeals to a wide range of tastes.
Ingredients for Grilled Barbecue Chicken
Chicken breasts: Use four thick, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for juicy results.
Olive oil: About 1 teaspoon in the marinade to add richness and help the flavors cling.
Garlic: Two cloves, minced, or more to taste.
Salt and pepper: Kosher or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to season.
BBQ sauce: 1/2 cup (low-sugar options work well), either store-bought or homemade.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Breasts
1. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag. Add the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Seal the bag and massage the mixture around the chicken so each piece is well coated.
2. Refrigerate and marinate overnight for best flavor. If short on time, marinate for at least 1–2 hours.
3. Remove the chicken from the fridge 30 minutes before grilling to bring it closer to room temperature.
4. Preheat a gas grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or the pan to prevent sticking.
5. Brush the chicken breasts with barbecue sauce and place them on the hot grill. Cook for about 4 minutes on the first side.
6. Flip the chicken, brush the other side with more barbecue sauce, and continue grilling for another 4–6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Remove the chicken from the grill and brush once more with sauce. Let the breasts rest for 5–10 minutes so the juices redistribute. Slice and serve warm.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Brush the chicken with oil before placing it on the grill to reduce sticking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the meat.
- Feel free to use low-sugar or homemade BBQ sauce to control sweetness and sodium.
- Avoid overcooking: remove the chicken as soon as it hits 165°F to prevent a dry, rubbery texture.
- Alternative proteins: this method works well with chicken thighs, drumsticks, fish fillets, or pork chops—adjust cooking times accordingly.
- If your breasts are very thick, consider butterflying or pounding them to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Use a reliable food thermometer to check doneness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you grill chicken breasts? Grill about 4 minutes per side, then check the internal temperature. Cook until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
How do you keep chicken moist on the grill? Marinate ahead of time and avoid overcooking. Let the meat rest after grilling to retain juices.
Do you grill chicken with the lid open or closed? For this quick, high-heat method keep the lid open. If using a thicker cut or indirect heat, closing the lid can help cook more evenly.
Should I marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce? The marinade of oil, garlic, salt, and pepper provides savory depth. You can add a small amount of BBQ sauce to the marinade, but save most of it for brushing during and after grilling.
What to Serve With Grilled BBQ Chicken
- Crispy sweet potato fries
- Oven-baked honey garlic chicken wings
- Crispy oven-roasted asparagus
- Watermelon and feta salad
- Cucumber and avocado salad
- Street corn salad
More Recipes You Will Love
- Grilled lemon dill salmon skewers
- Grilled steak with pineapple salsa
- Italian-style grilled chicken breast
- Cilantro lime grilled salmon
- Baked buffalo chicken breast
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Grilled BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe With Marinade
Servings: 4 • Prep: 5 mins • Cook: 8 mins • Marinating: ~8 hrs • Total: ~8 hrs 13 mins
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup barbecue sauce (low sugar if preferred)
- Kosher sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in a zip-top bag. Add olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper; massage to coat evenly.
- Marinate in the refrigerator overnight, or at least 1–2 hours if short on time.
- Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before grilling.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high and oil the grates.
- Brush chicken with BBQ sauce and grill 4 minutes. Flip, brush again, and grill another 4–6 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the grill, brush once more with sauce, and let rest 5–10 minutes. Slice and serve.
Notes
- To avoid sticking, oil the grill or brush the chicken with a little oil before cooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
- Feel free to substitute other proteins; cooking times will vary.
Nutrition (approx.)
Calories: 330 kcal • Carbohydrates: 15 g • Protein: 48 g • Fat: 7 g • Sodium: 631 mg
