Perfect Grilled Chicken Breasts Recipe

These Perfect Grilled Chicken Breasts are a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy a classic summer meal! Imagine juicy, tender chicken breasts infused with the smoky flavors of the grill and your favorite BBQ sauce. This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal prep time. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a beginner, this recipe will help you achieve perfectly grilled chicken every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Juicy: Marinating the chicken in BBQ sauce adds a delicious flavor and helps to keep the chicken moist and tender during grilling.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly simple to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
• Versatile: Serve these grilled chicken breasts with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, salad, or mashed potatoes. They’re also great for meal prepping or using in sandwiches and wraps.
• Perfect for Summer: This recipe is a classic summer meal that’s perfect for enjoying outdoors with family and friends.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. You can also use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• BBQ sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce. Bachman’s Japanese BBQ sauce is a great option for this recipe, but any BBQ sauce will work.
• Nonstick spray: Used to prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill grates.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Perfect Grilled Chicken Breasts

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or a shallow container and pour the BBQ sauce over them. Seal the bag or cover the container and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the BBQ sauce and become more tender.

Step 2: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to high heat, or about 450°F. Once the grill is hot, spray the grates with nonstick spray or use tongs and a paper towel coated in olive oil to grease the grates. This will prevent the chicken from sticking.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Place the marinated chicken breasts directly on the hot grill grates, top side down. Reduce the heat to medium-high and close the lid. Cook for 6 minutes, then flip the chicken breasts and close the lid again. Cook for another 6 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 155°F. If the chicken is not cooked through after 6 minutes on the second side, continue cooking with the lid closed until it reaches the desired temperature.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken breasts from the grill and let them rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Marinate the chicken: Marinating the chicken in BBQ sauce adds flavor and helps to keep it moist during grilling.
• Use a meat thermometer: An instant-read thermometer is the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry. Cook it just until it reaches 155°F, as it will continue to cook as it rests.
• Let the chicken rest: Resting the chicken after grilling allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
• Customize the flavor: Experiment with different types of BBQ sauce or add your favorite spices to the marinade for a personalized flavor.

How to Serve

These Perfect Grilled Chicken Breasts are delicious with a variety of sides:

• Grilled Vegetables: Grilled corn on the cob, zucchini, or bell peppers would be delicious accompaniments.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for grilled chicken.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Perfect Grilled Chicken Breasts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can also prepare them ahead of time or store leftovers for later.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts?

Yes, you can! However, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts will take longer to cook.

2. Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?

Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the chicken for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.

3. Can I use a different type of sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce or marinade.

4. Can I add other seasonings to the chicken?

Definitely! You can add your favorite spices to the marinade or sprinkle them on the chicken before grilling.

This Perfect Grilled Chicken Breasts Recipe is a simple, flavorful, and versatile way to enjoy a classic summer meal. With its easy preparation, juicy chicken, and delicious BBQ flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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