Southern BBQ Chicken Recipe

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these are the main protein for the dish, providing a lean and tender base for the BBQ flavors.

Bbq sauce: This is the star of the recipe, adding a rich, tangy, and smoky flavor to the chicken. Choose your favorite brand.

Olive oil: Used to coat the chicken breasts, helping to keep them moist and adding a subtle richness.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and the BBQ sauce.

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

To ensure your chicken breasts remain juicy and flavorful, consider marinating them in the olive oil, salt, and black pepper mixture for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This allows the seasonings to penetrate the meat more deeply. Additionally, when applying the bbq sauce during the last few minutes of cooking, use a clean brush to avoid cross-contamination and to ensure a rich, caramelized coating.

• 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.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Substitute with pork tenderloin: Pork tenderloin is tender and cooks similarly to chicken breasts, providing a different but delicious protein option.

• Your favorite brand bbq sauce - Substitute with homemade bbq sauce: Making your own BBQ sauce allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your liking.

• Your favorite brand bbq sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce offers a sweet and savory flavor profile that can be a delightful twist on traditional BBQ chicken.

• Olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil has a high smoke point and adds a subtle, unique flavor to the dish.

• Olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil is a healthy alternative with a high smoke point, making it suitable for cooking chicken.

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

• Salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a different texture and a slightly different flavor profile compared to regular table salt.

• Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used to maintain the peppery taste without the black specks.

• Black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a spicy kick, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their BBQ chicken.

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

• Place the cooled chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This ensures that the chicken stays moist and prevents it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.

• Store the BBQ chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.

• For longer storage, freeze the chicken breasts. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the bag with the date.

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

• Reheat the BBQ chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to retain moisture.

• If you prefer a crispy exterior, reheat the chicken breasts on the grill for a few minutes on each side. Brush with additional bbq sauce if desired to enhance the flavor.

• Serve the reheated Southern BBQ chicken with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, or a fresh garden salad.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover chicken breasts in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  4. Heat for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through.
  5. Optionally, brush a little extra bbq sauce on top before serving.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil.
  2. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet.
  3. Cover the skillet with a lid to keep the moisture in.
  4. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is heated thoroughly.
  5. Add a splash of bbq sauce if desired.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the chicken breasts on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through.
  4. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until the chicken is hot.
  5. Add a bit more bbq sauce if needed.

• Grill Method:

  1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
  2. Wrap the chicken breasts in aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  3. Place the wrapped chicken on the grill.
  4. Heat for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until warmed through.
  5. Optionally, unwrap and brush with additional bbq sauce for the last 2 minutes.

• Grill: Used to cook the chicken breasts over medium-high heat, giving them a smoky flavor and grill marks.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the olive oil, salt, and black pepper before rubbing the mixture onto the chicken.

• Tongs: Handy for flipping the chicken breasts on the grill to ensure even cooking on both sides.

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

• Meat thermometer: Helps to check if the chicken is fully cooked by ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

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

• Knife: Useful for slicing the chicken if you want to serve it in smaller pieces.

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

Marinate in advance: Prepare the olive oil, salt, and black pepper mixture and marinate the chicken breasts the night before. This saves time and enhances flavor.

Preheat the grill: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before you start cooking. This reduces cooking time and ensures even grilling.

Use a meat thermometer: Check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it's fully cooked. This avoids overcooking and saves time.

Brush sauce early: Apply the BBQ sauce a few minutes before the chicken is done to save time and allow the sauce to caramelize.