Quick Barbecued Chicken
Juicy boneless chicken breasts are coated in a smoky, sweet, tangy barbecue sauce made from ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, soy, and spices, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seed ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes ⓘ
- dash liquid smoke ⓘ
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil ⓘ
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, onion, celery seed, 1/4 teaspoon salt, red pepper flakes, and liquid smoke if desired.
- Cook and stir over low heat for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, season the chicken breasts with remaining salt.
- In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.
- Brush the chicken with the prepared barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Serve the chicken hot with additional sauce if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider adding more liquid smoke to the sauce. You can substitute honey or maple syrup for brown sugar for a different sweetness profile. If you don’t have red wine vinegar, cider vinegar works well too. For chicken, thighs can be a great alternative if you prefer dark meat. Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the barbecued chicken with a side of coleslaw or corn on the cob for a classic summer meal. It pairs beautifully with Country Market Bean Soup for a heartier option. You can also serve it over a bed of rice or with a fresh garden salad to balance the rich flavors of the barbecue sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover barbecued chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or additional barbecue sauce to keep it moist. Cover the skillet to help heat evenly, cooking until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Barbecued Chicken contains roughly 49 calories, with 4g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2653mg per serving (115% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the barbecue sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the barbecue sauce in advance. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. This not only saves time but allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste when you use it for cooking.
What can I use instead of chicken breasts?
You can easily substitute chicken thighs or drumsticks for this recipe. Dark meat tends to stay juicier and can add a different flavor profile. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary, ensuring the chicken is cooked through.
Is this recipe suitable for grilling?
Absolutely! You can grill the chicken instead of using a skillet. Just brush the chicken with the barbecue sauce while grilling and turn occasionally. Grilling adds a nice char and smoky flavor that complements the sauce beautifully.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).