Easy 5-Ingredient BBQ Chicken Recipe for Perfect Quick Dinners
A quick and easy BBQ chicken recipe using just five simple ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners. This dish delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with a smoky-sweet BBQ sauce.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup (240 ml) BBQ sauce (smoky-sweet, e.g., Sweet Baby Ray’s or Stubb’s)
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. (About 5 minutes)
- Place a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Let it warm until shimmering but not smoking. (2 minutes)
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on one side. Flip and cook the other side for 3-4 minutes. The chicken should be mostly cooked through but not fully done yet. (8-10 minutes)
- Pour the BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the skillet. Lower the heat to medium-low and cover with a lid. Let the chicken simmer gently in the sauce for 8-10 minutes, turning once halfway through to coat both sides. (10 minutes)
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C). If unavailable, cut into the thickest part to check that the juices run clear. (1 minute)
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and spoon any extra sauce from the pan over the top. Let it rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices before slicing. (5 minutes)
Notes
Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure a good sear. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Keep heat low when simmering in BBQ sauce to prevent drying out. Use a thermometer to avoid overcooking. Rest chicken before slicing to lock in juices. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if sauce thickens too much.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 7
- Protein: 35
Keywords: BBQ chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinners, 5-ingredient recipe, weeknight meals, smoky BBQ chicken