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Juicy BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe

This juicy BBQ chicken breast is tender, smoky, and coated in a sticky homemade barbecue glaze. The chicken is seasoned, baked until juicy, then brushed with barbecue sauce for a caramelized finish. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard cookouts, or meal prep. Serve it with roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, coleslaw, or your favorite vegetables.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Course: dinner, lounch
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder optional
  • ½ cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter optional, for extra richness
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If needed, pound them to an even thickness.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili powder.
  4. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then coat both sides evenly with the seasoning mixture.
  5. Place the chicken in a lightly greased baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 15 minutes.
  7. Remove the chicken from the oven and brush both sides generously with the barbecue sauce.
  8. Return to the oven and bake for another 5 to 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. For a caramelized finish, switch the oven to broil and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent the sauce from burning.
  10. Brush with melted butter, if using, and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  11. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use your favorite barbecue sauce, whether smoky, sweet, spicy, or honey-flavored.
  • Brushing the sauce on during the last part of baking helps prevent it from burning.
  • Always use a meat thermometer to ensure juicy, perfectly cooked chicken.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Serve with baked potatoes, corn on the cob, mac and cheese, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.