Are you ready to elevate your grilling game and impress your friends and family with the juiciest, most flavorful chicken breasts you've ever made? Look no further! Our "Perfectly Barbecued Chicken Breasts" recipe is a game-changer, combining simple ingredients with expert techniques to deliver mouthwatering results every time. With just 30 minutes from prep to plate, you’ll be savoring tender, smoky chicken that’s bursting with flavor. Get ready to fire up the grill and discover the secrets to barbecued chicken perfection!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove chicken breasts from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better seasoning adherence and creates a nice sear.
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, barbecue sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk ingredients until well blended.
- Coat each chicken breast thoroughly with the prepared marinade, ensuring complete and even coverage on all sides.
- Preheat barbecue grill to medium-high heat, targeting a temperature around 375-400°F (190-204°C).
- Clean and oil grill grates to prevent chicken from sticking and to create attractive grill marks.
- Place marinated chicken breasts on the grill, positioning them at a 45-degree angle to create classic crosshatch grill marks.
- Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes on the first side without moving, allowing proper caramelization and sear.
- Flip chicken breasts and continue grilling for an additional 6-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness, inserting it into the thickest part of the chicken breast.
- Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5-7 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Optionally, brush with additional barbecue sauce before serving for extra flavor and shine.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always remember to remove the chicken breasts from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them reach room temperature, ensuring even cooking throughout.
- Dry for Success: Patting the chicken dry with paper towels is crucial. This step not only enhances seasoning adherence but also helps achieve that coveted sear.
- Marinate Well: Make sure to coat the chicken breasts thoroughly with the marinade. This not only infuses flavor but also keeps the chicken moist while grilling.
- Preheat the Grill: Aim for a medium-high heat of around 375-400°F (190-204°C) on your grill. This temperature is perfect for creating a nice char on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
- Perfect Grill Marks: For those classic crosshatch grill marks, place the chicken at a 45-degree angle on the grill. Don’t flip it too soon; let it sear for 6-8 minutes on each side for the best results.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked. An internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) guarantees it's safe and succulent.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for 5-7 minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender, flavorful bites.
- Add Extra Flavor: For an extra burst of barbecue goodness, brush on additional barbecue sauce just before serving. It adds a beautiful glaze and enhances the flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 95mg
