Barbecue Dry Rubbed Chicken

Moist and flavorful, Barbecue Dry Rubbed Chicken is perfect for any gathering or weeknight dinner. This dish features a homemade sweet and spicy dry rub that enhances the natural taste of chicken, making it a standout choice for barbecue lovers. Quick to prepare and grill, it brings a delightful explosion of flavors, ensuring you impress your family and friends on various occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe requires only 5 minutes of prep time, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Flavorful Dry Rub: The unique blend of spices creates a delicious crust that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it with pineapple salsa or your favorite side dishes for a customizable meal.
• Healthy Option: With low calories and high protein content, it’s a guilt-free choice for health-conscious eaters.
• Perfect for Grilling: Ideal for outdoor barbecues or indoor grilling, this chicken adapts to any cooking environment.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your Barbecue Dry Rubbed Chicken, gather the necessary tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or grill pan
• Small mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Paper towels
• Meat mallet or rolling pin

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or grill pan: Essential for achieving that perfect char and smoky flavor on your chicken.
• Small mixing bowl: Helps in easily combining all dry rub ingredients without mess.
• Measuring spoons: Ensure accurate measurements for consistent flavor every time.

Ingredients

For this delicious Barbecue Dry Rubbed Chicken recipe, gather the following ingredients:

For the Dry Rub

• 1-2 Tb paprika
• 2 Tb light brown sugar
• Pinch red pepper flakes
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder

For the Chicken

• 2-3 chicken breasts (roughly 1lb)

For Garnish

• Pineapple salsa

How to Make Barbecue Dry Rubbed Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Rub

Combine all dry rub ingredients in a small mixing bowl. Stir until they are well mixed and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. To ensure even cooking, pound them down to an even thickness. Coat all sides generously with the dry rub mixture.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill over medium-low heat. This step is crucial as it ensures that your chicken cooks evenly without burning.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Place the coated chicken breasts on the grill. Cook them for about 5-8 minutes on each side, or until they are no longer pink in the center.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair it with fresh pineapple salsa for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your delicious Barbecue Dry Rubbed Chicken!

How to Serve Barbecue Dry Rubbed Chicken

Serving Barbecue Dry Rubbed Chicken can elevate your meal experience. Consider pairing this flavorful dish with various sides and sauces to enhance its taste and presentation.

Add a Flavorful Sauce

• Pineapple Salsa: The sweet and tangy notes of pineapple salsa complement the spicy dry rub perfectly, adding freshness.
• Barbecue Sauce: Drizzle your favorite barbecue sauce over the chicken for an extra layer of flavor.

Create a Colorful Salad

• Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that balances the heat of the chicken.
• Garden Salad: A simple garden salad with mixed greens and a vinaigrette dressing complements the rich flavors of the chicken.

Pair with Grains

• Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf serves as a great base that soaks up juices from the chicken.
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with herbs and vegetables offers a nutritious side while keeping the meal light.

How to Perfect Barbecue Dry Rubbed Chicken

Achieving perfectly cooked Barbecue Dry Rubbed Chicken is all about technique. Here are some essential tips to ensure delicious results every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spices enhance flavor significantly, making your dry rub vibrant and aromatic.
• Pat Chicken Dry: Properly drying the chicken helps the rub adhere better, ensuring maximum flavor.
• Even Thickness: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking. This prevents some parts from drying out while others remain undercooked.
• Preheat Your Grill: A well-heated grill ensures even cooking and gives you those desirable grill marks.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe eating.
• Rest Before Serving: Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling allows juices to redistribute, resulting in moist meat.

Best Side Dishes for Barbecue Dry Rubbed Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Barbecue Dry Rubbed Chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with butter adds sweetness that pairs nicely with the spicy flavors.
2. Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans provide a comforting side that enhances barbecue meals.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition, balancing out rich flavors.
4. Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is perfect for soaking up juices from the chicken, making it irresistible.
5. Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad offers a classic barbecue touch while cooling down any spice from the meat.
6. Macaroni and Cheese: This cheesy comfort food is always a hit at gatherings and complements grilled dishes beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Barbecue Dry Rubbed Chicken can be simple, but there are some common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Not patting the chicken dry: If you skip this step, the rub won’t stick well. Always use paper towels to remove excess moisture from the chicken.
• Skipping the pounding step: Uneven chicken breasts cook inconsistently. Pound them down to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
• Overcooking the chicken: Keep an eye on cooking time. Overcooked chicken becomes dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Ignoring resting time: Cutting into the chicken right away releases juices. Let it rest for a few minutes after grilling for juicier meat.
• Not adjusting spice levels: If you’re sensitive to heat, adjust red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper in the dry rub. Customize it to your taste preference.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooked Barbecue Dry Rubbed Chicken in an airtight container.
• It lasts up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Ensure it’s completely cooled before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing Barbecue Dry Rubbed Chicken

• Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months without loss of flavor.

Reheating Barbecue Dry Rubbed Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth, then place chicken in the skillet. Cover and heat until warmed, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Barbecue Dry Rubbed Chicken?

Barbecue Dry Rubbed Chicken is grilled chicken coated with a sweet and spicy dry rub mix, resulting in moist and flavorful meat.

How do I make my own barbecue dry rub?

You can easily make your own barbecue dry rub using ingredients like paprika, brown sugar, and spices such as garlic and onion powder.

Can I use other meats for this recipe?

Yes! While this recipe is great for chicken breasts, you can also use thighs or even pork chops, adjusting cooking times accordingly.

What should I serve with Barbecue Dry Rubbed Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, or refreshing pineapple salsa for added sweetness.

Final Thoughts

Barbecue Dry Rubbed Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. Its sweet and spicy flavors can elevate any meal, making it perfect for summer barbecues or cozy dinners at home. Don’t hesitate to customize the spice levels or try different side dishes; your taste buds will thank you!

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Barbecue Dry Rubbed Chicken

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 2

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Description

Barbecue Dry Rubbed Chicken is a flavorful and juicy dish that brings the perfect balance of sweet and spicy to your table. This easy-to-make recipe features a homemade dry rub that enhances the natural flavor of the chicken, making it an irresistible choice for family dinners or outdoor gatherings. With just five minutes of preparation, you can enjoy perfectly grilled chicken that’s quick to cook and bursting with flavor. Serve it alongside fresh pineapple salsa or your favorite sides for a customizable meal that’s sure to impress.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1–2 Tb paprika
• 2 Tb light brown sugar
• Pinch red pepper flakes
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 2–3 chicken breasts (approximately 1 lb)
• Pineapple salsa for garnish

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Instructions

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine all dry rub ingredients and mix well.
2. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and pound them to an even thickness.
3. Coat all sides of the chicken generously with the dry rub mixture.
4. Preheat your grill to medium-low heat.
5. Grill chicken for about 5-8 minutes on each side until cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
6. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving it with pineapple salsa.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Barbecue

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (150g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 50g
• Cholesterol: 140mg