Experience the rich and smoky flavors of the South with this Southern BBQ Chicken recipe. Perfect for a summer cookout or a cozy family dinner, this dish brings together a blend of spices and a tangy bbq sauce that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples. However, if you don't usually stock smoked paprika, it might be worth picking up at the supermarket. This spice adds a unique smoky flavor that is essential to the dish. Also, make sure you have a good quality bbq sauce on hand, as it will significantly impact the final taste.

Ingredients For 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.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
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.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
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.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
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.
How to Reheat Leftovers
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.
Best Tools for This Recipe
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.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
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.

Southern BBQ Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken Breasts boneless, skinless
- 1 cup BBQ Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- 1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- 2. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- 3. Rub the chicken breasts with the spice mixture.
- 4. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.
- 5. Brush the chicken with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.
- 6. Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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