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A plate featuring an easy BBQ chicken dinner, ready to be served.

Classic Easy BBQ Chicken Dinner

This classic easy BBQ chicken dinner is perfect for a weeknight meal and can be cooked in the oven, on the grill, or in an air fryer. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying dish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Small bowl
  • Baking sheet (for oven)
  • Grill (for grilling)
  • Air fryer (for air frying)
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Meat thermometer

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce

Seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Garnish (Optional)

  • Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Pat the chicken dry and prepare a seasoning mixture with olive oil and spices (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper). Then, rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.

Cooking Method Options

  • For oven baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place chicken on a greased baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • For grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat, oil the grates, and grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) with a nice char.
  • For air frying, preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C), place chicken in a single layer, and air fry for 12-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through and golden brown.

Saucing and Serving

  • During the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, generously brush both sides of the chicken with BBQ sauce and continue cooking until bubbly and slightly caramelized.
  • Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving whole; garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.

Notes

The cooking times are approximate and may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken and the specific cooking equipment used. Always ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Resting the chicken after cooking helps to keep it moist and tender.