Grilled BBQ Chicken

Let me teach you how to grill BBQ chicken without burning the sauce. The key to this recipe is in the basting. Our easy homemade BBQ sauce is perfect for this one, but you can swap it for bottled sauce to save a few minutes.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 12

Total Time 17

Servings servings

Calories 256kcal

Author Karly Campbell

Ingredients

1/4 cup hot water
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon espresso powder optional
1 1/4 cups ketchup
2 tablespoons mustard
1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
1 teaspoon soy sauce
6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded to an even thickness
3 tablespoons barbecue dry rub optional

Instructions

Preheat grill to 350 degrees.
Add the hot water, brown sugar, and espresso to a medium mixing bowl and stir to dissolve the sugar and espresso powder.
Add the ketchup, mustard, vinegar, liquid smoke, and soy sauce to the bowl and whisk well to combine. Remove half of the sauce to a small bowl to serve as a dip for the chicken.
Pound the chicken breasts into an even thickness so they cook evenly. If using the dry rub, generously coat the chicken in the rub, using your hands to rub it in well.
Place the chicken on the grill and brush the tops with the sauce. Cover the grill and cook for 5 minutes.
Flip the chicken and brush with the sauce. Continue cooking for 2 minutes and then flip and baste again. Repeat, basting and flipping every 2 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
Serve with the reserved dipping sauce.

Notes

The espresso powder does not make this taste like coffee, but does add amazing flavor to this. It's optional, but highly recommended. Hot brewed coffee in place of the water and espresso powder may be substituted or you can leave it out altogether.

We love this homemade sauce, but you can use a store bought sauce or try out our Carolina BBQ sauce or Bourbon BBQ sauce instead, if you prefer.

The barbecue dry rub is totally optional but does add an extra layer of flavor to the chicken. If you skip the dry rub, season your chicken with salt, pepper, and maybe a dash of garlic powder or smoked paprika.

Nutrition