Stovetop Barbecue Chicken (15-Minute Recipe)

(10 votes)
91 Comments
6 minutes
May 28, 2023
Andi GleesonJump to Recipe

We all have that amazing feeling regarding a barbecue Sunday evening, where some close friends come around, and everything smells delicious. The sizzling chicken on the barbecue looks mouth-watering and everyone seems to have an amazing time. Why can’t we also have this wonderful Sunday evening on a rainy day? Well, now, with the stovetop bbq chicken recipe, we can!

So, we don’t need a grill, a yard, or a grill master to have a delicious bbq chicken meal. You can always enjoy a perfect festive meal indoors with this quick and easy Stovetop BBQ Chicken recipe! This is also an all-time reader favorite recipe, and I hope you will love it too!

Enjoy a wonderful BBQ meal anytime. This very easy-to-make recipe is exactly what you need. There’s nothing better than enjoying a wonderful grilled meal with your family. This is a recipe that you will love for sure. Thus, try it out now and never regret!

Enjoy a Stovetop BBQ Chicken indoors with this quick and easy recipe!

Brief History

Grilling was started in the 17th century in the Arawak tribe of the Caribbean and South America. These people built a flame over a fire with sticks and placed the meat on it. This style of cooking was known as barbacoa. Spanish conquistadors used this concept and developed it till people in south America accepted it in the 18th century. Hours were spent roasting pigs over a fire, and various seasonings and types of wood were employed to give the flesh a variety of flavors.

BBQ Chicken

Chicken that has been grilled, barbecued, or smoked is referred to as BBQ chicken. There are numerous international and regional cooking methods. A spice rub, barbecue sauce, or both are frequently used to season or coat barbecued chicken. You can use chicken breast or boneless, skinless thighs for this recipe. Use the option which is perfect.  The chicken is totally covered in the most delicious sweet sauce once the BBQ sauce becomes extremely thick and sticky.

Chicken Thighs

The chicken thighs must be boneless for the recipe. They’re fantastic because they cook quickly and have a high BBQ sauce to chicken ratio due to their small size. Additionally, they have a little more fat than chicken breasts, making them even more soft and juicy.  it is extremely easy to make and so flavorful. The cooking method for skillet BBQ chicken thighs begins on the stovetop and is then moved to the oven to complete.

These Easy One Pan Barbeque Chicken Thighs are a large family favorite all year round. They’re delicious and easy to make, perfect for foodies and people that follow low-carb or keto diets. They only require one pan and overflow with barbeque flavor and crispy chicken thighs.

How to Make Stovetop BBQ Chicken Breast?

Now, let’s find out some essential details about the recipe, before getting started.

  • This recipe is written for two, but it is easy to scale.
  • Using a lid speeds up the cooking process, which is especially great for busy cooks.
  • The last time I made it, I used this recipe from Simply Scratch to make my own BBQ sauce. (Although I butchered the recipe to use what I had on hand, and I also reduced the sugar, I’m sure it’s great as written, too.)
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Stovetop Barbecue Chicken - 15 minutes is all you need for perfectly juicy #BBQ chicken!

Stovetop BBQ Chicken Recipe

15 minutes is all it takes to make the best juicy barbecue chicken on your stovetop!

  • Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 tsp. chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp. onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  • dash of cayenne pepper optional
  • 1/2 c. barbecue sauce

Instructions

  1. Mix olive oil, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper in a medium bowl. Add raw chicken and coat evenly.
  2. Heat medium skillet (preferably iron) over medium-high heat and coat with cooking spray. Place chicken breasts in skillet, cover, and cook 5 minutes.
  3. Turn chicken, replace cover, and cook an additional 5 minutes.
  4. Remove cover and check chicken for doneness with probe thermometer or testing if juices run clear. When cooked completely, pour half of BBQ sauce over chicken.
  5. Turn chicken over, and pour remaining sauce over the other side.
  6. Cook 2-3 minutes more while using a spoon or basting brush to coat chicken with sauce.
  • Author: Andi
  • Prep Time: 2
  • Cook Time: 13
  • Category: Main
  • Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition Information

Per serving

Calories419 kcalCarbohydrates5 g
Protein44 gFat24 g
Saturated Fat5 gPotassium418 mg
Iron0.4 mgSodium2011 mg
Vitamin A35IUFiber1 g
Sugar3 gVitamin C1.3 mg
Cholestrol231 mgCalcium6 mg

Is Stovetop Chicken Healthy?

  • Protein-rich chicken thighs are a wonderful source of protein. It’s a healthy, mouthwatering recipe.
  • The Gluten Free Garlic and Herb Putters just seemed to go well with a Stove Top BBQ Chicken as the main dish. These are tasty, with Yukon Gold potatoes that are sweet and buttery and full of that great garlic flavor. 
  • By the way, this Stove Top BBQ Chicken would be wonderful on a Wholemeal Roll, similar to a burger, if you have a healthy additional Food option available. You could even add some cheddar if you have a little healthy extra left over.
  • It is flavorful and nutritious. It had a fantastic flavor and was both juicy and tender. This is one delicious barbeque chicken dish.
  • This boneless barbecue chicken is soft, juicy, and delicious—perfect for the whole family. Additionally, adding your preferred gluten-free barbeque sauce may make this recipe gluten-free.

Reason To Love Chicken

  • Chicken is a dish that appeals to individuals of all ages.
  • It is less expensive than other forms of beef, hog, or fowl.
  • It’s one of the easiest protein sources to obtain.
  • It is crucial for nourishment at all stages of life.

How to Store?

  • Barbecue leftovers last 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. You can freeze it in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months if you don’t intend to eat it within 3 to 4 days.
  • Barbecue that has been vacuum-sealed will be kept in the freezer for two to three months. After this time, eating cooked chicken may cause a foodborne disease since germs can continue to develop even in the refrigerator.

Stovetop BBQ Chicken vs. Grilled BBQ Chicken

Did you grow up eating barbecue chicken? It wasn’t a regular dish in our family, but I remember having it at a friend’s house when I was a kid almost every weekend. They cooked bone-in BBQ chicken on the grill and eating it was messy. Imagine the scene was so messy that they always prepared a few wet washcloths available at the table.

However, I suppose that I still remember this particular scene because I hated getting messy as a kid just as much as I do now. Having to eat saucy chicken with my hands made a lasting impression. Although, my stovetop barbecue chicken recipe isn’t messy to eat at all, and you can make it in a hurry. Not to mention you do not actually need a grill. That’s perfect for satisfying your BBQ craving during bad weather!

On the other hand, enjoying a hot meal in the fresh air, surrounded by my neighbor’s garden plants, was definitely more enjoyable than eating indoors. Yes, if the weather doesn’t allow us to eat outside, the alternative of this stovetop bbq chicken recipe is great. However, if it is sunny, I don’t see why we would choose not to spend our evening in the fresh air.

Enjoy Your Stovetop BBQ!

Finally, I am interested in your angle on this issue. What is your favorite way to cook and serve bbq chicken?  I recommend you serve this with this baked mac and cheese recipe. Will the stovetop bbq chicken recipe become handy on a rainy day for you too? Tell me all about your barbecue experience and share your advice in the comments section!

 Looking for more great recipes that don’t need a grill? Try these three all-time favorites!

Andi Gleeson

91 comments

Donna Bergman
3 years ago

I have cooked this several times, just love it, thanks !

Cary
6 years ago

I had a craving for bbq chicken and all I had was chicken breasts, so glad I came across your recipe it turned out delicious better than I expected! I did not have chili powder so I added extra cayenne, so simple and tasty can’t wait for my husband to try it! I will definitely cook this dish up more often thank you!!

Chuck
6 years ago

It is really good, I cooked it in my big rectangle cast iron dutch oven because it gave me the largest cooking surface. Good mix of rub ingredients which I brushed on. I will try this again.

Chuck
6 years ago

One added note, I ate at a Jamaican restaurant once, and the combination of spice and the spicy Baby Ray’s was almost like Jamaican jerk sauce.

bbq chicken marinade
6 years ago

I’m really enjoying the theme/design of your blog. Do you ever run into any browser compatibility problems?
A few of my blog visitors have complained about my site not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Firefox.

Do you have any ideas to help fix this issue?

Lynn
6 years ago

Will make again….I also made the suggested homemade sauce recipe and I used boneless skinless thighs. This was delicious! My son actually said “Mom, if you made this for company they would be impressed”. Does it get better than that?

Cherl
6 years ago

Very good recipe! I used SBR’s barbecue sauce and the “gravy” over mashed potatoes was so good! Actually made a double batch of the herb/oil mix to rub all over 3 skinned leg quarters. Will definitely make this over and over again! A keeper.

Rhonda
5 years ago

Same here….the SBR gave the chicken and mashed potatoes a perfect taste!!

Osama
6 years ago

One of the most delicious chicken I have ever cooked!!! Thank you sooooo much!

Donna Bergman
7 years ago

Hi, I made this tonight and we absolutely loved it, thanks for the recipe, will definitely make it again. Took about 20 minutes to cook, thick breasts. Donna

Debbie
7 years ago

We love BBQ chicken, so will definitely try this out. Well, as soon as our grocery stores get ingredients in! We’re just outside of Houston and everything was closed for days. So nice to see blue skies!

Lillian
7 years ago

Hello I will try that BBQ chicken very soon looks amazing…I’m praying that you and your family are safe and well I noticed that Your from Austin Texas and hopefully not near that storm. I’m from the Buffalo NY area and we get lots of snow storms neither one is good .

Amanda Oberkiser
7 years ago

Love this recipe but like another commenter I too used regular skillet and had to switch from spray to shortening or oil because the spray just burned in the pan. Thanks so much for recipe!

Keri
7 years ago

Fantastic recipe! I made this the other night and will repeat again tonight. Thanks, Andi!

Andi Gleeson
7 years ago

I’m so glad you like it, Keri! Thank you!

Joe N
7 years ago

Wonderful! The rub has an excellent blend of spices and the barbecue sauce (of your choice) completes it with tang. I recommend allowing the chicken to sit for at least 15 to 30 minutes (or more if you like) with the rub and oil in the refrigerator (not much longer is necessary). When it comes around to cooking, I used a grated skillet to achieve that “grill” effect, and cooked the chicken so that it started to char on the grate-marks. With a mild crust and plenty of flavor, this chicken is great by itself or if you cook it through, pull it, then hit it with the BBQ sauce. Maybe add some black pepper and/or mustard powder if you desire, but rubs are usually preferential. I loved this one!

Joe N
7 years ago

* love this one ;)

Joe N
7 years ago

OH and I also cut the thick chicken breast longways into two thinner slices… makes for easier cooking and you’re less likely to dry it up in my opinion.

Joe N
7 years ago

And it may not need 10 minutes… I did about 4 minutes on each side, took it out, then basted it.

Joe N
7 years ago

SORRY I keep posting. This chicken goes great with white rice!

Rryeh
7 years ago

I really like this chicken a lot but I am having a few problems when making it. I am using a regular pan, not cast iron, and when I only sprayed the pan I got a thick layer of burnt stuff on it. Then, when I used more oil I burnt the chicken. Any tips? Thanks!

Amanda Oberkiser
7 years ago

I did the same thing so I used shortening instead of spray looks and tastes amazing!!

Tami
7 years ago

HI Andi, thanks for this recipe. it’s exactly what i was looking for. do you if i can make it in advance and freeze in a ziploc?

Iqra
7 years ago

Nice recipe here thanks for sharing it!

Andi Gleeson
7 years ago

I’m glad you like it, Iqra. Thanks so much!

Joanne
7 years ago

I am looking forward to trying this recipe. BBQ chicken is one of my favorites!

Sheila
7 years ago

I have made this twice now. The only thing I did different was after I coated the chicken with the spices and oil, I put it in the fridge for 30 minutes to marinate. It was so delicious! My daughter who is a picky eater had seconds. This is a new family favorite. Thanks for sharing.

Andi Gleeson
7 years ago

I’m so happy you like it, Sheila. Thanks so much for your nice message!

Lynnette McGee
8 years ago

Wow! This is great,I hate the grill out doors but this is so easy and my family just loves it thanks.

Andi Gleeson
8 years ago

Thank you so much, Lynette! I’m so happy you like my recipe ?

Marvelyn
8 years ago

Fantastic! I stumbled upon this looking for a quick week night dinner. It came together quickly with great flavors, nice and juicy. Putting this in my recipe box. Thanks!

Andi @ The Weary Chef
8 years ago

So glad you like it, Marvelyn. Thank you!!

Sameer
8 years ago

Awesome recipe, my daughter and i enjoyed eating it

Andi Gleeson
8 years ago

I’m so happy to hear it, Sameer. Thank you!

PAT
8 years ago

I think you have some great recipes, I don’t understand why it is so hard to get to a readable version of a recipe.

Andi Gleeson
8 years ago

Hi, Pat. Thanks for your feedback. On this BBQ chicken post, the recipe is on a second page. Is that what you mean? I’ve thought about setting up my recipes to be all on one page or readers can click a link at the very beginning to skip to a page with just one photo and the recipe. Some people like reading the story and seeing all the photos, but some just want to cut to the chase. I’m trying to come up with a way to make everyone happy. What would be your ideal set up when you come to see a recipe? Thank you!

Margaret
8 years ago

Can I substitute chicken breast for 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs?

Andi Gleeson
8 years ago

Hi, Margaret! Bone-in chicken usually takes longer to cook, so I would just plan to increase the cook time a bit and make sure it’s cooked through. Otherwise it should be fine. Thanks for your question!

Liz
8 years ago

Thank you Andi for the nice chicken recipe. Have a great weekend!

Andi Gleeson
8 years ago

This one is a classic, Liz. Always turns out well. Thank you!!

Charissa
9 years ago

Yummy! I love easy recipes. But how could I convert this to the oven?

Andi Gleeson
9 years ago

Hi, Charissa! Thank you, and I’m sorry for not responding sooner. This recipe is really geared toward the stovetop. If you made it in the oven, I would try baking the seasoned chicken for about 20 minutes at 350, then basting it, cooking 5 minutes, flipping it, basting it again, and cooking for 5 minutes longer. Just make sure the chicken is cooked through. Hope that helps!

Janie
9 years ago

Awesome chicken, I didn’t have any BBQ sauce but it was great without it!

THANK YOU!

Andi Gleeson
9 years ago

Thank you, Janie! So glad you liked it! :)

lynn
9 years ago

By far the best receipe for a beginner made it tonight for dinner and it was perfect: )

Andi Gleeson
9 years ago

I’m so happy to hear that it turned out well for you. Thanks, Lynn!

sierra
9 years ago

I liked this recipe. I made it even simpler by using Trader Joe’s Bold and Spicy BBQ sauce which is really good! and then just using olive oil salt n pepper and BBQ sauce in a bowl. Skipped all the rest and just cooked on a skillet like she said. Came out great and only took 10 mins. So easy! You can even use already cut up chicken tenders they sell at TJs. Add a salad and Bam! dinner is done. Was even thinking of adding some cut onions and bell peppers to the mix for extra veggies.

Angel
9 years ago

That was AMAZING!! I loved the flavors! I have never thought to use the skillet! Really really loved it! Thank you!

Andi Gleeson
9 years ago

Thank you so much, Angel! I’m so happy you liked it!

Kate
9 years ago

I made this for my boyfriend and myself tonight and we loved it! So easy and SOOO delicious! I paired it with sautéed zuchinni and fruit salad. Can’t wait to check out your other recipes! I’m in college and all about quick and easy :)

Andi
9 years ago

I’m so glad to hear it, Kate! Thank you!

Christel
9 years ago

I tried this, I was a bit worried about the bbq taste.
but it was DELICIOUS!!!!!!
I highly recommend this to everyone.
So simple, easy, quick and it taste amazing, it has so many flavors

I have never made anything this good, I loved it!!!
I just stared cooking so i’m trying out new things.
I made the chicken and broccoli on the side, it goes together nicely.
I did use a bit more olive oil and went with my gut with certain spices but i guess that’s the best way to cook. Very good guidelines and amazing results.
I will deff make this again! Thank you so much

Andi
9 years ago

I’m so glad you made it your own and were happy with the result. Thanks so much for your nice comment, Christel, and sorry for my very late reply!

Tasha
9 years ago

Great recipe! It saved my life while I was cleaning my oven. Instead of boneless chicken breast I used party wings and homemade barbecue sauce. My husband loved it and so did I. Keep the recipes coming:)

Andi
9 years ago

Thank you, Tasha! I’m glad this one was a hit at your house. Hope to hear from you again soon :)

Brent
9 years ago

This came out really well, thank you! I used thighs, next time I will double the seasoning. Just discovered your website and I am excited to try the frittata recipe you recently posted.

Andi
9 years ago

Thank you, Brent! I’m glad you liked the chicken, and I think you will love the frittata too. Hope to hear from you again soon :)

Gabby
9 years ago

Loved this recipe. My boyfriend didn’t believe I could cook…until I made this! I didn’t have chicken breasts so I used chopped up chicken tenders and they came out so yummy!! Such a simple recipe. Thank you for sharing!

Andi
9 years ago

Thank you so much, Gabby! All my recipes are pretty easy, so keep cooking and your boyfriend will be very impressed :)

Erin
9 years ago

This recipe is fantastic!!! It was a hit with my husband and I will for sure be making this again! Thanks for sharing!

Andi
9 years ago

Thanks so much, Erin! I’m so glad you liked it!

Jojo
10 years ago

Hi! Just want to tell you I made this chicken for the 2 nd time tonight, and it was delicious! Thank you so much, hubby liked it too and he’s fussy! It was so nice not to have to worry about grilling; we’re not allowed to have gas grills in our complex. definitely keeping this on the regular rotation. ps, I also doubled so we could have extras for lunch. Thanks again! :-)

Andi
10 years ago

So glad you and your husband liked it, Jojo! Thanks for coming back to let me know :)

Jenny Busch
10 years ago

I’m looking for a salmon dip, do have any?
Jenny

Andi
10 years ago

Hi, Jenny. Unfortunately, I don’t have one. How soon do you need it because I love salmon and now think I’ll make one soon! Are you looking for a hot or cold dip?

Jenny Busch
10 years ago

I find I like most all your recipes, thank you for them.
As for the chicken salad, any time you are ready to make it. Very very simple one, not too many ingredints , please.
Jenny

Andi
10 years ago

Thank you so much, Jenny! I thought you wanted a salmon dip? Now I’m going to have to add chicken salad to the list too. I’m going to start coming to you for my recipe ideas ;) Have a good weekend!

Jenny Busch
10 years ago

Sorry, Yes I also would like a salmon dip recipe. Both Salmon dip and a chicken salad to make sandwitchs, Please.

JennyB

Andi
10 years ago

Hi, Jenny! I made you a salmon dip recipe today. Hope you like it!

Laura
10 years ago

The Best BBQ chicken I have ever had.

Andi
10 years ago

Wow! Thank you, Laura! I’m so happy you liked it.

Lisa Davis
10 years ago

Just want you to know, I am very funny about recipes. First a picture of the finished meal has to be appealing, then I check out the recipe and comments if any. If they all fall in place, I try it….you recipe caught my attention and cooking it as I type. I am indeed intrigued at the out come but just in the ingredients, it already appears to be a winning comb and excited at the out turn of this meal! Thank you for the recipe!

Andi
10 years ago

Hi, Lisa! It’s a good thing you didn’t come here when I posted this recipe early in my blogging career or the picture might have scared you off ;) I really appreciate that you put your trust in me to try this chicken, and I hope you loved it. Have a great week!

JHart
10 years ago

I’m making this for a family that just had a baby… wanted to test it out the day before to make sure it was good. It is PERFECTION!!! I’m not very experienced with cooking meat and don’t have an outdoor grill, so I have never attempted BBQ chicken on the stove. But this was awesome, super tasty, and very easy. Plus it calls for almost all ingredients that I had handy, with the exception of garlic powder — I just substituted a clove of fresh garlic. THANK YOU! Will be making again!

Andi
10 years ago

Thank you so much for such a nice review! I’m so happy you liked the chicken, and I hope your friends enjoyed it too. Thanks again, and I hope to hear from you again soon :)

Aimee
10 years ago

Omg I love this recipe!! Instead of using it with full chicken breasts me and my girlfriend cut up the chicken into pieces and made it and put it on a salad! It was the best damn thing I have ever had! Thanks for posting it!! I will deff for sure be making it again :)

Andi
10 years ago

Ooh BBQ chicken salad sounds really good! I’m so happy that you loved the chicken so much. Thanks so much for your sweet comemnt, Aimee!

Kelly
10 years ago

Wow, this chicken came out so juicy – I’m really impressed! What a great and easy recipe. Thanks for sharing it with us. :) I’ll definitely be making this again soon.

Andi
10 years ago

Hi, Kelly! I’m so happy you liked the chicken, and I hope you find some other recipes you’d like to try too :) Have a great week!

Steve
10 years ago

It has been a hit at my house. Currently cooking it again, :)

Andi
10 years ago

Thank you so much for your comment, Steve. I’m really happy to know that your family likes the recipe!

Kayla
10 years ago

This chicken is fast, easy, and soo delicious!!! I made this for my family for the first time about a month ago, and we have had it atleast twice a week ever since! I’ve had to start buying industrial size jugs of BBQ! Best BBQ chicken I’ve ever had!

Andi
10 years ago

Kayla, this made my day! I am thrilled that you like my recipe so much, and I laughed out loud about the industrial size jug of BBQ sauce. Thank you so much for your comment :)

Judy M Kiss
10 years ago

stove top bbq chicken. Hello I’m 50 years old and love to cook.. I’ve been trying many indoor bbq chicken recipes and your was absolutely the best of them all! My family loved it as well. I am going to give the recipe to my daughter as well.. Keep up the good work!
Sincerely Judy

Andi
10 years ago

Thank you so much for your comment, Judy. I’m so sorry it has taken me a few days to reply! It made me very happy to hear that you liked this chicken recipe so much, especially after you’ve tried lots of others. Hope to see you back here again soon :)

Cole
11 years ago

My friends said I couldn’t cook until I tried this recipe! Never cooking bbq chicken any other way

The Weary Chef
11 years ago

Hi, Cole! This is the best review EVER. Thanks so much, and I’m very happy that the recipe turned out so well for you!

felecia
11 years ago

Very yummy! :)

The Weary Chef
11 years ago

Thanks so much, Felecia!

Kirsten
11 years ago

I doubled the olive oil and spices and used on 3 breasts cut in half. We loved the extra flavor. I’ve made BBQ chicken before in a skillet and it never was this juicy and flavorful! I plan on using some of your other recipes as well. Thank you for sharing.

The Weary Chef
11 years ago

Kirsten, thanks so much for coming back to tell me you liked the recipe! You made my day, and I hope to see you back soon :)

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