Introduction
Transform simple chicken breasts into a flavor explosion with this ridiculously quick and easy BBQ chicken griddle recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste without the restaurant-quality time commitment. Get ready to impress your family with minimal effort—because you deserve a delicious, stress-free dinner!
Why This Works
This recipe shines because of its simplicity and speed. Griddling the chicken ensures perfectly seared exteriors and juicy interiors, while the smoky BBQ sauce adds a burst of flavor. It’s a complete meal in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for even the most hectic schedules. Plus, cleanup is a breeze!
Key Ingredients
🐔 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
🍯 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
🧂 1 teaspoon salt
🌿 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
🧈 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
2️⃣ Heat the Griddle: Preheat your griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil.
3️⃣ Sear the Chicken: Once the oil is shimmering, place the chicken breasts on the hot griddle. Sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until nicely browned.
4️⃣ BBQ Time: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
5️⃣ Simmer & Glaze: Cover the griddle and let the chicken simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Basting occasionally with the sauce will create an amazing glaze.
6️⃣ Rest & Serve: Remove the chicken from the griddle and let it rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing and serving.
Handy Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. This is crucial for food safety!
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in your favorite BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the griddle. Working in batches ensures even cooking.
Heat Control
Medium-high heat is key for achieving a beautiful sear on the chicken. Reducing the heat to medium-low after searing allows the chicken to cook through gently and prevents burning. Always monitor the heat and adjust accordingly.
Crunch Factor
While this recipe doesn’t focus on a “crunch,” the searing process creates a slightly crisp exterior to the chicken, offering a nice textural contrast to the juicy interior.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the BBQ sauce for extra tang.
- Use a grill pan for extra smoky flavor.
- For even faster cooking, butterfly the chicken breasts before cooking (slice them horizontally almost all the way through).
Storage Tips
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This recipe isn’t typically gifted, but you could package leftover chicken in a cute container for a neighbor or friend.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy BBQ: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the BBQ sauce.
🌟 Sweet & Smoky: Use a honey-based BBQ sauce and add a teaspoon of smoked paprika.
🌟 Tangy BBQ: Mix in a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the BBQ sauce.
🌟 Garlic BBQ: Add 2-3 minced garlic cloves to the BBQ sauce before cooking.
Troubleshooting
- Chicken is dry: Don’t overcook! Use a meat thermometer and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest before slicing.
- Chicken is burning: Reduce the heat! Ensure the griddle isn’t too hot before adding the chicken.
- Sauce is too thick: Add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to thin it out.
FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen chicken? A: It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking.
Q: Can I use a different type of sauce? A: Absolutely! Teriyaki, honey garlic, or even a simple balsamic glaze would work well.
Q: Can I bake this instead of grilling? A: Yes, you can bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. Add the BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Q: How many does this recipe serve? A: This recipe serves 4 people.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time? A: You can marinate the chicken ahead of time, but it’s best to cook this recipe right before you want to eat.
Conclusion
This Quick BBQ Chicken Griddle Recipe is your new weeknight go-to! It’s fast, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Share your delicious creations with us using #QuickBBQChicken on social media! Enjoy!
30-Minute BBQ Chicken: Griddle-Fast Weeknight Winner
A quick and delicious BBQ chicken recipe that can be made in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the griddle or skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts on the griddle and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the BBQ sauce on the chicken and sprinkle cheese on top if desired.
- Cover the griddle with a lid to melt the cheese for about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the griddle and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with additional BBQ sauce if desired.
Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- If you like a smoky flavor, use a smoked BBQ sauce or add a few drops of liquid smoke to your sauce.