Southern BBQ Chicken Recipe

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless pieces that cook quickly and evenly on the grill.

Bbq sauce: Adds a smoky, tangy flavor to the chicken during the final minutes of grilling.

Olive oil: Used to coat the chicken, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and the marinade.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the seasoning mix.

To ensure your chicken breasts remain juicy and flavorful, consider using a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken; it should read 165°F when fully cooked. This prevents overcooking and ensures the meat is safe to eat. Additionally, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, making them a great alternative to chicken breasts.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with homemade bbq sauce: You can control the ingredients and adjust the sweetness, tanginess, and spiciness to your preference.

• olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it suitable for grilling or baking.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor and can reduce the need for additional salt.

• freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and a different flavor profile to the dish.

• Allow the chicken breasts to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess and bacterial growth.
• Place the cooled chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help maintain its moisture and flavor.
• Store the chicken in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within 3-4 days. Ensure the temperature of your fridge is set to 40°F (4°C) or below.
• For longer storage, freeze the chicken. Place the wrapped or containerized chicken in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of its freshness. Frozen chicken can be stored for up to 3 months.
• When ready to use, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, but be cautious as this may dry out the chicken.
• To retain the bbq sauce flavor, consider brushing a fresh layer of bbq sauce on the chicken before reheating. This will enhance its taste and keep it moist.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken breasts in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  3. Heat for about 20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  4. For an extra burst of flavor, brush a little more bbq sauce on the chicken before serving.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil.
  2. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  3. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is heated through.
  4. Add a bit more bbq sauce if desired, and serve hot.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the chicken breasts on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep the chicken moist.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Let it sit for a minute before serving to allow the heat to distribute evenly.

• Grill Method:

  1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
  2. Wrap the chicken breasts in aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  3. Place the wrapped chicken on the grill and heat for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  4. Unwrap and brush with additional bbq sauce before serving if desired.

• Grill: Used to cook the chicken breasts over medium-high heat, providing that classic BBQ flavor.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine olive oil, salt, and black pepper for the chicken rub.

• Tongs: Essential for placing the chicken on the grill and flipping it to ensure even cooking.

• Basting brush: Used to apply the BBQ sauce onto the chicken breasts during the last few minutes of grilling.

• Meat thermometer: Useful for checking that the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for prepping the chicken breasts before grilling.

• Knife: Used to trim any excess fat or uneven parts from the chicken breasts.

• Plate: For resting the chicken after it has been removed from the grill, allowing the juices to redistribute.

• Aluminum foil: Optional, but can be used to tent the chicken while it rests to keep it warm.

Marinate in advance: Prepare the chicken breasts with the olive oil, salt, and black pepper mixture the night before to save time on the day of grilling.

Use a meat thermometer: This ensures the chicken is cooked perfectly without having to guess, saving you time and avoiding overcooking.

Preheat the grill: Make sure your grill is preheated to the right temperature before placing the chicken on it, which speeds up the cooking process.

Brush sauce early: Apply the bbq sauce a few minutes before the chicken is done to allow it to caramelize quickly.