Juicy Grilled BBQ Chicken Breasts Perfect Every Time
This recipe guarantees perfectly juicy, smoky, and caramelized grilled chicken breasts every time. A quick brine ensures moisture, a two-zone fire prevents burning, and a final BBQ glaze creates a sticky, flavorful crust. Master the technique for a summer dinner that will impress everyone.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each)
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 cups cold water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, dissolve the kosher salt and brown sugar in the cold water. Submerge the chicken breasts completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 2 hours.
- 2
Remove the chicken from the brine and pat it completely dry with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil and season all over with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- 3
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C) for direct searing, leaving one side cooler for indirect cooking.
- 4
Place the chicken on the hottest part of the grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving them, until deep, dark grill marks appear. Flip and sear the other side for another 4-5 minutes.
- 5
Move the seared chicken to the cooler side of the grill. Cover the grill and cook for another 8-12 minutes, flipping once, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- 6
In the last 3 minutes of cooking, brush each breast generously with BBQ sauce. Flip and brush the other side. Let the sauce caramelize slightly.
- 7
Remove the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 full minutes before slicing and serving.
Cook it from the original
This recipe comes from besthomemaderecipes.com. Their page has the author’s own photos, notes and tips — the best place to cook it from.
Open the recipe on besthomemaderecipes.com