Quick BBQ Chicken
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4 ¼ lb. each
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Calories
1958 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Lunch, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Quick BBQ Chicken
Description
This Quick BBQ Chicken recipe uses either chicken breasts or thighs seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. If using chicken breasts, pounding them to uniform thickness ensures even cooking. The chicken is pan-seared in a hot skillet with neutral oil until browned on both sides and cooked to an internal temperature of 165ºF. After turning off the heat, the chicken is brushed with barbecue sauce and allowed to rest five minutes, allowing flavors to meld and juices to redistribute.
The cooking method is simple yet effective at delivering tender and juicy chicken with a slightly smoky flavor enhanced by the paprika and savory garlic. The barbecue sauce adds a tangy glaze that complements the spices.
This preparation makes a practical weeknight option that pairs well with salads, rice, or steamed vegetables. It can be sliced for sandwiches or served whole for a main dish.
Variations include using chicken thighs as shown in instructional photos, which offer a richer texture. Following proper rest after cooking improves moistness and flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp smoked paprika $0.10
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder $0.05
- 1/4 tsp salt $0.02
- 1/4 tsp black pepper $0.03, freshly cracked
- 1 lb. chicken $4.63, boneless, skinless
- 1 Tbsp neutral cooking oil $0.04, generic cooking oil
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce $0.11
Instructions
- If using chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness to ensure quick and even cooking. To pound the breast, place them on a cutting board and cover with a piece of plastic wrap. Use a mallet or rolling pin to pound the thicker areas to an even ½ to ¾-inch thickness. There is no need to pound chicken thighs.
- Combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Season both sides of the chicken pieces with the spice blend.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the cooking oil and swirl to coat the surface of the skillet. Add the seasoned chicken and cook on each side until well browned and cooked through (an internal temperature of 165ºF), about 5-7 minutes on each side.
- Turn the heat off and brush both sides of the chicken with BBQ sauce. Let the chicken rest five minutes before slicing and/or serving.
Notes
- Chicken breasts should be pounded to an even ½ to ¾-inch thickness for uniform cooking, but this is not necessary for chicken thighs.
- Both chicken breasts and thighs can be used; the recipe photos show both types to guide visual process.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4¼ lb. each
Amount Per Serving
Calories 1958 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 0.25lb. chicken | |
| Calories | 195.8kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 6.95g | 2% |
| Protein | 25.68g | 51% |
| Fat | 6.63g | 10% |
| Sodium | 419.55mg | 17% |
| Fiber | 0.4g | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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