Description
This Grilled BBQ Chicken Breast recipe offers a flavorful, juicy main dish perfect for summer cookouts or a quick weeknight dinner. Tenderized and marinated with a smoky dry rub and a blend of spices, the chicken is grilled to perfection and finished with a tangy BBQ sauce glaze. Garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, it’s a balanced and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts (4 breasts)
Marinade & Seasoning
- 3 tbsps. dry BBQ rub (McCormick’s or similar)
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. black pepper (or less to taste)
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 3 tbsps. light tasting olive oil or canola oil
- 1-2 tbsps. sriracha sauce
- Salt to taste
For Grilling & Serving
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce (for brushing)
- Oil spray (for grill rack)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Chopped cilantro (for garnishing)
Instructions
- Pound the chicken: Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken breasts evenly, flattening them slightly to ensure they cook evenly and become tender.
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine the dry BBQ rub, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, olive oil (or canola oil), sriracha sauce, and salt. Mix thoroughly to create the marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, coating each piece well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to let the flavors penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F to 400°F). Spray the grill rack lightly with oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for 7-8 minutes on one side, then flip and cook another 7-8 minutes on the other side. Continue until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is cooked through.
- Brush with BBQ sauce: During the last couple of minutes of grilling, brush the chicken breasts with BBQ sauce to create a sticky, flavorful glaze.
- Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and transfer to a plate. Cover loosely with foil and let rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve: Garnish the chicken with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the meat.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight if time allows.
- You can adjust the amount of sriracha based on your preferred spice level.
- Ensure the grill is well-oiled to prevent sticking and tearing of the chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately check for doneness at 165°F.
- If you don’t have a grill, this recipe can be adapted for stovetop grilling or broiling in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American