Grilled BBQ Chicken

Grilled BBQ Chicken

4 servings
Fire up the grill—this easy BBQ chicken is absolutely brimming with rich, smoky barbecue flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1¾ pounds chicken tenderloins or boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic

    minced

  • 1¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • About 1 cup store-bought barbecue sauce or <a href="https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/homemade-bbq-sauce.html">homemade BBQ sauce</a>

Directions

  1. 1

    If using boneless skinless chicken breasts, place the chicken breasts one at a time in a 1-gallon zip-lock bag; using a meat mallet, pound the breasts to an even ½-inch thickness. (Skip this step if using tenderloins.)

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, garlic, salt, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne. Place the chicken in the bowl and, using tongs, toss until the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and place in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 6 hours or up to 24 hours.

  3. 3

    Preheat the grill to high and oil the grates. Grill the chicken, covered, for 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the chicken, and then brush with some of the barbecue sauce. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes more. (Note that tenderloins will cook faster than breasts.)

  4. 4

    Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and serve with the remaining barbecue sauce alongside.

Grilled BBQ Chicken

Grilled BBQ Chicken

25 min4 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving that irresistible rich, smoky barbecue flavor without the fuss? This Grilled BBQ Chicken recipe delivers perfectly seasoned, tender chicken that’s incredibly easy to make, bringing that classic cookout taste to your table any night of the week.

What makes this recipe truly shine is the thoughtful combination of a vibrant spice rub and your favorite barbecue sauce. The blend of smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and a hint of cayenne pepper creates a deep, complex flavor profile that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of brown sugar, ensuring every bite is bursting with taste.

Get ready for succulent, juicy chicken with a beautifully charred exterior, coated in a sticky, sweet, and tangy barbecue glaze. The aromatic spices infuse the chicken, creating a dish that feels both robust and comforting. This recipe promises a satisfying meal that’s straightforward to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for home cooks looking for big flavor without a lengthy ingredient list or complicated steps.

This recipe is designed for flexibility. Feel free to use chicken tenderloins for a quicker cook, or opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a heartier portion. While a good quality store-bought barbecue sauce works wonderfully, you can elevate the experience even further with a homemade BBQ sauce. If you prefer less heat, simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.

Serve this grilled BBQ chicken as the star of a casual weeknight dinner or as the centerpiece of a backyard gathering. It pairs beautifully with classic summer sides like corn on the cob, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.

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