Southern BBQ Chicken Recipe

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these are the main protein for the dish.

Bbq sauce: Adds a tangy, smoky flavor to the chicken.

Olive oil: Helps to keep the chicken moist and adds a subtle richness.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the chicken.

Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and complexity.

Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with a savory, aromatic flavor.

To ensure your chicken breasts remain juicy and flavorful, consider marinating them in the olive oil mixture for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This allows the salt, pepper, and garlic powder to penetrate the meat more deeply, enhancing the overall taste. Additionally, using a meat thermometer can help you achieve the perfect doneness; aim for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure the chicken is fully cooked yet still moist.

• 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 flavors to your preference.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor along with umami, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used if you prefer a less pungent taste.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh garlic provides a more robust and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.

• Allow the chicken breasts to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to soggy chicken.

• Use airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to store the chicken. This helps maintain the flavor and prevents freezer burn.

• If using freezer bags, remove as much air as possible before sealing. This can be done by pressing the air out manually or using a vacuum sealer.

• Label each container or bag with the date and contents. This ensures you know how long the chicken has been stored and helps with meal planning.

• For short-term storage, place the chicken in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• For long-term storage, place the chicken in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality.

• When ready to use, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor of the bbq chicken.

• Reheat the chicken gently to avoid drying it out. You can do this in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, use a microwave, but be sure to cover the chicken to retain moisture.

• If you have leftover bbq sauce, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to a week and can be used to refresh the chicken when reheating.

• Consider slicing the chicken before storing. This makes it easier to use in salads, sandwiches, or wraps later on.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken breasts in an oven-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the meat moist.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the chicken from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Optionally, brush with additional bbq sauce before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil or butter.
  2. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  3. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is heated through.
  4. Add a bit of bbq sauce during the last minute of reheating to refresh the flavors.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the chicken breasts on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to trap moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If needed, add a bit more bbq sauce and heat for an additional 1-2 minutes.

• 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, turning halfway through.
  4. Unwrap and brush with additional bbq sauce during the last few minutes for a fresh, smoky flavor.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Optionally, brush with more bbq sauce before serving for an extra kick.

• Grill: Used to cook the chicken breasts, providing that classic BBQ flavor and grill marks.

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

• Tongs: Essential for turning the chicken breasts on the grill without piercing the meat.

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

• Meat thermometer: Helps ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking the internal temperature.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface to rest the chicken after grilling.

• Knife: Useful for trimming any excess fat or uneven parts of the chicken breasts before cooking.

• Plate: Used to serve the chicken once it has rested.

Marinate in advance: Prepare the chicken breasts with the olive oil and spice rub the night before. This allows the flavors to penetrate and saves time on the day of grilling.

Use a meat thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F, reducing guesswork and cooking time.

Preheat the grill: Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before placing the chicken on it. This ensures even cooking and reduces overall grilling time.

Brush sauce early: Apply the bbq sauce a few minutes before the chicken is done to allow it to caramelize quickly, enhancing flavor without extending cooking time.