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 have this wonderful Sunday evening on a rainy day too? 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, after all. 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!
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.)
BBQ Chiken on the Stove 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 it was a messy affair to eat it. 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, I guess. 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 indoor. 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 would we choose not to spend our evening in the fresh air?
Finally, I am really interested in finding out your angle on this issue. What is your favorite way to cook and serve bbq chicken? 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!
Easy BBQ Recipes Without a Grill Needed
Looking for more great recipes that don’t need a grill? Try these three all-time favorites!
| Prep Time | 2 minutes |
| Cook Time | 13 minutes |
| Servings |
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- 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
Ingredients
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Rate this recipe!
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- Mix olive oil, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper in a medium bowl. Add raw chicken and coat evenly.
- Heat medium skillet (preferably iron) over medium-high heat and coat with cooking spray. Place chicken breasts in skillet, cover, and cook 5 minutes.
- Turn chicken, replace cover, and cook an additional 5 minutes.
- 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. Turn chicken over, and pour remaining sauce over the other side. Cook 2-3 minutes more while using a spoon or basting brush to coat chicken with sauce.
Donna Bergman says
I have cooked this several times, just love it, thanks !
Cary says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
Same here….the SBR gave the chicken and mashed potatoes a perfect taste!!
Osama says
One of the most delicious chicken I have ever cooked!!! Thank you sooooo much!
Donna Bergman says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
Fantastic recipe! I made this the other night and will repeat again tonight. Thanks, Andi!
Andi Gleeson says
I’m so glad you like it, Keri! Thank you!
Joe N says
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 says
* love this one ;)
Joe N says
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 says
And it may not need 10 minutes… I did about 4 minutes on each side, took it out, then basted it.
Joe N says
SORRY I keep posting. This chicken goes great with white rice!
Rryeh says
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 says
I did the same thing so I used shortening instead of spray looks and tastes amazing!!
Tami says
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 says
Nice recipe here thanks for sharing it!
Andi Gleeson says
I’m glad you like it, Iqra. Thanks so much!
Joanne says
I am looking forward to trying this recipe. BBQ chicken is one of my favorites!
Sheila says
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 says
I’m so happy you like it, Sheila. Thanks so much for your nice message!
Lynnette McGee says
Wow! This is great,I hate the grill out doors but this is so easy and my family just loves it thanks.
Andi Gleeson says
Thank you so much, Lynette! I’m so happy you like my recipe ?
Marvelyn says
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 says
So glad you like it, Marvelyn. Thank you!!
Sameer says
Awesome recipe, my daughter and i enjoyed eating it
Andi Gleeson says
I’m so happy to hear it, Sameer. Thank you!
PAT says
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 says
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 says
Can I substitute chicken breast for 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs?
Andi Gleeson says
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 says
Thank you Andi for the nice chicken recipe. Have a great weekend!
Andi Gleeson says
This one is a classic, Liz. Always turns out well. Thank you!!
Charissa says
Yummy! I love easy recipes. But how could I convert this to the oven?
Andi Gleeson says
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 says
Awesome chicken, I didn’t have any BBQ sauce but it was great without it!
THANK YOU!
Andi Gleeson says
Thank you, Janie! So glad you liked it! :)
lynn says
By far the best receipe for a beginner made it tonight for dinner and it was perfect: )
Andi Gleeson says
I’m so happy to hear that it turned out well for you. Thanks, Lynn!
sierra says
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 says
That was AMAZING!! I loved the flavors! I have never thought to use the skillet! Really really loved it! Thank you!
Andi Gleeson says
Thank you so much, Angel! I’m so happy you liked it!
Kate says
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 says
I’m so glad to hear it, Kate! Thank you!
Christel says
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 says
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 says
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 says
Thank you, Tasha! I’m glad this one was a hit at your house. Hope to hear from you again soon :)
Brent says
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 says
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 says
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 says
Thank you so much, Gabby! All my recipes are pretty easy, so keep cooking and your boyfriend will be very impressed :)
Erin says
This recipe is fantastic!!! It was a hit with my husband and I will for sure be making this again! Thanks for sharing!
Andi says
Thanks so much, Erin! I’m so glad you liked it!
Jojo says
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 says
So glad you and your husband liked it, Jojo! Thanks for coming back to let me know :)
Jenny Busch says
I’m looking for a salmon dip, do have any?
Jenny
Andi says
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 says
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 says
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 says
Sorry, Yes I also would like a salmon dip recipe. Both Salmon dip and a chicken salad to make sandwitchs, Please.
JennyB
Andi says
Hi, Jenny! I made you a salmon dip recipe today: https://wearychef.com/smoked-salmon-cream-cheese-dip/ Hope you like it!
Laura says
The Best BBQ chicken I have ever had.
Andi says
Wow! Thank you, Laura! I’m so happy you liked it.
Lisa Davis says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
It has been a hit at my house. Currently cooking it again, :)
Andi says
Thank you so much for your comment, Steve. I’m really happy to know that your family likes the recipe!
Kayla says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
My friends said I couldn’t cook until I tried this recipe! Never cooking bbq chicken any other way
The Weary Chef says
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 says
Very yummy! :)
The Weary Chef says
Thanks so much, Felecia!
Kirsten says
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 says
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 :)