Stovetop Barbecue Chicken (15-Minute Recipe)

We all have that amazing feeling regarding a barbecue on Sunday evenings, when 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, you wont regret it!

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 whichever cut of chicken you prefer.  The chicken is totally covered in the most delicious sweet sauce and once the BBQ sauce is cooked it becomes extremely thick and sticky.

Chicken Thighs

I recommend boneless chicken thighs for this 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. These skillet BBQ chicken thighs can be completely cooked on the stovetop without the need of a grill or the oven.

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

Why I love making BBQ chicken on the Stovetop

1. You can make this recipe all year round. I am sure we all know someone who will startup the grill in freezing weather but, for most of us grilling is reserved for the spring, summer and fall.
2. It is faster than a grill or oven. You do not need to wait for the stovetop to heat up as you do a grill or oven and you are able to cook at a high and controlled heat making it much easier and faster.
3. You can still get caramelization on the stovetop. Yes it is not as easy as on the grill with the flames but if you have your pan at the right temperature and you watch it you can still nicely caramelize your chicken.
4. It will make your house smell like delicious BBQ and not smoke. I love the smell of a charcoal grill when I’m outside, but I do not want that in the house. When making BBQ chicken on the stovetop you get all that BBQ aroma and none of the smoke.

How to Make Stovetop BBQ Chicken Thighs?

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.)

Stovetop BBQ Chicken Substitutions and Modifications

This recipe is pretty simple so you might ask what is there to change. Not a lot, but you can try these out if you want some variation.

• I love chicken thighs but you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs. Just keep in mind that they will probably take 1-2 minutes more per side to cook. You can also finish them in the oven for 5 minutes at 350 degrees after adding the remaining sauce.
• For a sweeter sauce you can add 1 tablespoon of honey or brown sugar.
• If you like more vinegar-based BBQ sauces or Carolina BBQ, you can add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to the sauce. I recommend adding the vinegar 1 tablespoon at a time and tasting it so it is to your liking. I personally prefer sweet BBQ with vinegar-based coleslaw on the side. To me that is heaven!
• For some kick, you can add a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce. If you do not want the vinegar tang from the hot sauce, you can add 1/2 or 1 full teaspoon of cayenne pepper, instea of the optional dash, depending on your desired heat level.

Stovetop BBQ Chicken Recipe

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

• Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

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• 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 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

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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

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 Potatoes just seemed to go well with a Stove Top BBQ Chicken as the main dish. These are tasty, Yukon Gold potatoes that are sweet and full of that great garlic and herb flavor. 
• By the way, this Stove Top BBQ Chicken would be wonderful on a whole wheat Roll, similar to a burger, if you have buns, rolls or sliders on hand. You could even add some cheddar cheese and coleslaw to your sandwich.
• The chicken is flavorful and nutritious. It had a fantastic flavor and was both juicy and tender. This is one delicious barbecue chicken dish.
• This boneless barbecue chicken is soft, juicy, and delicious—perfect for the whole family. Additionally, using your preferred gluten-free barbecue 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 meats such as beef or pork.
• 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.

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. The scene was so messy that they always prepared a few wet washcloths for the table.

However, I suppose that I still remember this particular scene so distinctly 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. My stovetop barbecue chicken recipe isn’t messy to eat at all because the chicken is boneless so it is easy to eat with a knife and fork. And you can make it in a hurry because boneless chicken cooks faster. 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!