Description
This Juicy Grilled BBQ Chicken recipe features tender, marinated boneless chicken breasts grilled to perfection with a smoky BBQ sauce glaze. Marinated with a mix of aromatic spices and fresh lemon juice, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner or summer cookout. The chicken stays moist and flavorful with a satisfying balance of smoky, tangy, and savory notes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
Finishing
- 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Start by preparing the chicken breasts; if they are too thick, pound them to an even 1-inch thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Make Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the squeezed lemon juice into the mixture.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to this marinade and ensure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are evenly distributed.
- Rest Chicken: Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature, around 20-30 minutes before grilling.
- Grill First Side: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes on one side without moving them.
- Grill Second Side with Sauce: Flip the chicken breasts, then brush generously with BBQ sauce. Continue grilling for another 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest Chicken: Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and place it on a serving platter. Let it rest for a few minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate chicken overnight if time allows.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- To prevent sticking, lightly oil the grill grates before cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier BBQ sauce, choose one with a kick or add chili powder to the marinade.
- Allowing the chicken to rest after grilling helps the meat stay juicy.
