Southern BBQ Chicken Recipe

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless pieces that are easy to cook and absorb flavors well.

Bbq sauce: Adds a smoky, tangy flavor to the chicken; choose your favorite variety.

Olive oil: Helps to keep the chicken moist and adds a subtle richness.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and other ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the seasoning mix.

To ensure your chicken breasts remain juicy and flavorful, consider marinating them in the olive oil, salt, and black pepper mixture for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This allows the seasoning to penetrate deeper into the meat. Additionally, using a meat thermometer can help you achieve the perfect doneness; aim for an internal temperature of 165°F.

• 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 sweetness, tanginess, and spiciness to your preference.

• olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it suitable for grilling or frying.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor and can also provide the necessary saltiness.

• freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a spicy kick and can enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Allow the chicken breasts to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to soggy chicken.
• Store the grilled chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This will help maintain its moisture and flavor.
• Place the wrapped or containerized chicken in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within 3-4 days. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat.
• For longer storage, freeze the BBQ chicken. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring you remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container or bag with the date of freezing. This helps you keep track of how long the chicken has been stored.
• When ready to eat, thaw the chicken breasts in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor of the chicken.
• Reheat the BBQ chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is heated through without drying out.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken on the stovetop. Place it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Cover and heat for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• For a quick option, use the microwave. Place the chicken breasts on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking and turning halfway through.
• Serve the reheated Southern BBQ chicken with your favorite sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover chicken breasts in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the chicken moist.
  4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
  5. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet.
  4. Cover and cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is warmed through.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the chicken breasts on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking and flipping halfway through.
  4. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until the chicken is hot.

• Grill Method:

  1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
  2. Wrap the chicken breasts in aluminum foil.
  3. Place the foil-wrapped chicken on the grill.
  4. Grill for about 5-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is heated through.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket.
  3. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is hot and crispy.

• Grill: Used to cook the chicken breasts to perfection, providing that smoky, charred flavor.

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the olive oil, salt, and black pepper to create the seasoning mixture.

• Tongs: Handy for placing the chicken breasts on the grill and flipping them without piercing the meat.

• Basting brush: Ideal for brushing the BBQ sauce onto the chicken breasts during the final minutes of grilling.

• Meat thermometer: Useful for checking that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is fully cooked.

• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for resting the chicken breasts after grilling.

• Knife: Necessary for trimming any excess fat or uneven edges from the chicken breasts before cooking.

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

Marinate in advance: Mix olive oil, salt, and black pepper with the chicken breasts the night before to save time on preparation.

Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by using a meat thermometer, which can speed up the process and avoid overcooking.

Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill while you prepare the chicken to reduce waiting time.

Brush sauce early: Apply the BBQ sauce a few minutes earlier to allow it to caramelize properly, saving time on additional cooking.

Rest the chicken: Let the chicken rest under foil to keep it warm and juicy, reducing the need for reheating.