Grilled BBQ Chicken

The aroma of grilled chicken wafting through the air is one of the quintessential joys of summer. This Grilled BBQ Chicken recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with a sweet and smoky BBQ glaze, taking only about an hour from brining to grilling perfection. The secret lies in the brining process, which ensures that the meat remains flavorful and moist.

This recipe is perfect for family get-togethers, weekend barbecues, or any time you want to impress with minimal effort. The brined chicken can be prepped a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy, tender chicken thanks to the brining process.
• Quick, taking just about an hour from start to finish.
• The BBQ sauce caramelizes beautifully for a perfect finish.
• Simple ingredients that create big flavors.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients for your delicious grilled chicken.

For the Brine

• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup salt
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

For the Chicken

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

For Grilling

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

Use any BBQ sauce of your choice for flavor variety.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Brown sugar: use white sugar if necessary
• Olive oil: can substitute with vegetable oil
• BBQ sauce: any brand or homemade sauce works

How to Make It

Follow these steps to create your grilled BBQ chicken.

Mix the Brine

Combine water, salt, and brown sugar in a bowl until dissolved to create the brine.

Brine the Chicken

Submerge chicken breasts in the brine and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Preheat the Grill

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

Dry the Chicken

Remove chicken from brine and pat dry with paper towels.

Season the Chicken

Rub the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, ensuring even coverage.

Grill the Chicken

Grill chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Add BBQ Sauce

Brush BBQ sauce on chicken during the last few minutes of grilling, allowing it to caramelize slightly.

Rest the Chicken

Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Yes, chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Microwave or grill for 3-4 minutes until warmed through.

Tips for Best Results

• Always brine the chicken for at least one hour for maximum moisture.
• Keep an eye on the grill temperature to prevent burning.
• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce overnight before grilling.
• Let the chicken rest before slicing to retain its juices.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
• Pair with coleslaw for a refreshing side.
• Great for sandwich fillings or sliders at gatherings.