Southern BBQ Chicken Recipe

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

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

Olive oil: Used to help the spices adhere to the chicken and to keep it moist.

Garlic powder: Provides a subtle garlic flavor without the need for fresh garlic.

Onion powder: Adds a mild onion flavor to the spice rub.

Smoked paprika: Gives the chicken a smoky, slightly sweet flavor.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the spice rub.

To ensure your chicken breasts remain juicy and flavorful, consider using a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken and look for an internal temperature of 165°F. This helps avoid overcooking, which can dry out the meat. Additionally, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.

• 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 liking.

• olive oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil has a neutral flavor and a similar smoke point, making it a suitable replacement.

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

• onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Fresh onions offer a stronger and more natural onion flavor.

• smoked paprika - Substitute with regular paprika and a drop of liquid smoke: This combination can mimic the smoky flavor of smoked paprika.

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

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat level but a slightly different flavor profile, making it a good alternative.

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

• For short-term storage, place the chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• To freeze, wrap each chicken breast individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This prevents freezer burn and makes it easy to thaw only the amount you need.

• Place the wrapped chicken breasts in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness. The chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months.

• When ready to use, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker option, use the defrost setting on your microwave, but be careful not to start cooking the chicken.

• Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

• To keep the chicken moist during reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water and cover with foil or a microwave-safe lid.

• If you have leftover bbq sauce, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat and brush it on the chicken during reheating for extra flavor.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken breasts in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For an extra burst of flavor, brush on some additional bbq sauce during the last 5 minutes of reheating.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is warmed through. Add a bit more bbq sauce if desired.

• Microwave Method: Place the chicken breasts on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking and turning the chicken halfway through. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until the chicken is thoroughly warmed.

• Grill Method: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Wrap the chicken breasts in aluminum foil to keep them moist. Place on the grill and heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. Brush with additional bbq sauce during the last minute of reheating for that fresh-off-the-grill taste.

• Sous Vide Method: If you have a sous vide machine, set it to 140°F (60°C). Place the chicken breasts in a vacuum-sealed bag and immerse in the water bath for about 45 minutes. This method ensures the chicken remains juicy and tender. Finish with a quick sear in a hot skillet if you prefer a bit of a crust.

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

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create the spice mixture.

• Tongs: Essential for placing the chicken on the grill, flipping it, and removing it once cooked.

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

• Meat thermometer: Helpful to ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface to rest the chicken breasts after grilling.

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

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper accurately.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure out the BBQ sauce.

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

Pre-mix the spices: Combine the olive oil and spices in advance to save time when you're ready to cook.

Use a meat thermometer: This ensures the chicken is cooked perfectly without needing to cut into it, saving time and keeping the juices intact.

Marinate overnight: Rub the chicken breasts with the spice mixture the night before to enhance flavor and reduce prep time on grilling day.

Preheat the grill: Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before you start cooking to ensure even cooking and save time.