Juicy BBQ Broiled Chicken Breast
Nutritional value per serving
Calories280kcal
Carbs8gram
Fat6gram
Protein38gram
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (choose fresh, firm, and plump breasts)2 pieces
- Your favorite BBQ sauce (look for one with a balance of sweetness and tanginess)4 tbsp
- Olive oil (extra virgin for best flavor)1 tbsp
- Salt (fine sea salt is best for even seasoning)0.5 tsp
- Freshly ground black pepper (use freshly ground for more aroma)0.25 tsp
This recipe shows you exactly how to broil chicken breast with BBQ sauce to achieve a juicy, flavorful meal with minimal fuss. Broiling is a quick and effective cooking method that caramelizes the BBQ sauce beautifully, giving the chicken a delicious smoky char. With clear step-by-step instructions and important food safety tips, even beginners can confidently prepare safe and tasty chicken breasts. The total ingredient cost for this recipe is approximately $7 (USD), €6.50 (EUR), £5.50 (GBP), or ₹550 (INR). Each serving contains approximately 280 calories. This recipe is suitable for a balanced diet and is easy in complexity, with about 25 minutes total time including preparation and cooking.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the chicken breasts
1Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps get a nice broil. Lightly brush or rub olive oil over both sides of each breast. Sprinkle salt and black pepper evenly on both sides for seasoning. This preps the chicken for even cooking and flavor infusion. (Timing: 5 minutes)
Preheat the broiler
2Set your oven rack about 6 inches (15 cm) from the broiler element and turn on the broiler to high heat. Let it preheat for about 5 minutes so it’s hot enough to broil evenly.
Broil the chicken breasts with BBQ sauce
3Place the chicken breasts on a broiler-safe pan or baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup. Broil the chicken breasts for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, carefully flip them over using tongs. Brush about 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce onto the cooked side, broil for another 5 minutes. Then flip again, brush remaining BBQ sauce on the cooked side, and broil for an additional 3-5 minutes. Total broiling time is approximately 13-15 minutes depending on thickness. This layering of sauce caramelizes it nicely, giving a great BBQ flavor.
Check doneness and food safety
4Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the chicken breast. Chicken is safely cooked at an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). The juices should run clear when pierced and the texture should be firm but not dry. Avoid cross-contamination by using clean utensils and plates for cooked chicken only.
Rest before serving
5Remove chicken from the broiler and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. Resting helps the juices redistribute for a moist and tender bite.
Cooking Tips
1If the chicken breasts are very thick, pound them to an even thickness (about 1.5 cm) before cooking to ensure even doneness.
2For a smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the seasoning.
3If you don’t have a meat thermometer, check doneness by cutting into the thickest part to ensure the meat is no longer pink and juices run clear.
4Store any leftover cooked chicken in the refrigerator within 2 hours and consume within 3-4 days.
Equipment needed
- Oven with broiler setting
- Broiler-safe baking sheet or pan
- Aluminium foil (optional, for easy cleanup)
- Meat thermometer (recommended for safety)
- Tongs
- Basting brush
- Paper towels
Grocery shopping list
- [ ] Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pieces) - $4.50
- [ ] BBQ sauce (1 bottle, you'll use about 4 tbsp) - $2.00
- [ ] Olive oil (small bottle or use from pantry)
- [ ] Salt (use from pantry)
- [ ] Black pepper (freshly ground recommended, use from pantry)
Tips: Choose chicken breasts that are firm, plump, and have a pinkish color without any unpleasant odor. Pick a BBQ sauce you enjoy—can be sweet, spicy, or smoky depending on your preference.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It’s best to use fully thawed chicken breasts before broiling to ensure even cooking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or use a microwave defrost setting if needed.
How can I avoid dry chicken breasts when broiling?
Pounding the chicken to an even thickness, not overcooking, and letting the meat rest after cooking helps keep it juicy. Also, brushing BBQ sauce in layers locks in moisture.
Can I use other sauces instead of BBQ sauce?
Yes, you can use teriyaki sauce, honey mustard, or your favorite marinade. Just watch for sugars that can burn quickly under the broiler and adjust timing accordingly.
Is a meat thermometer necessary?
A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure chicken is safely cooked to 74°C (165°F) without overcooking. If you don’t have one, check that juices run clear and no pink remains inside.