How to Cook BBQ Chicken on Stove?

Are you craving the smoky, tangy goodness of BBQ chicken but don’t have access to a grill? Fear not! In this guide, we’ll show you how to create finger-licking BBQ chicken right on your stovetop.

No need for a backyard barbecue or fancy equipment—just a trusty skillet or grill pan and a few simple ingredients.

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, our stovetop BBQ chicken recipe will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Let’s dive into how to cook BBQ chicken on stove!

Choosing the Right Chicken

When it comes to stovetop BBQ chicken, selecting the right type of chicken is crucial for achieving juicy, flavorful results. Here’s what you need to know:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs

• Why? Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, and thighs are ideal for stovetop cooking because they cook evenly and quickly.
• Texture: Chicken breasts are lean and tender, while thighs have a slightly richer flavor due to their higher fat content.
• Versatility: Both cuts work well with BBQ flavors and absorb marinades effectively.

Marinating for Flavor

• Marinating Time: Allow your chicken to soak up delicious flavors by marinating it before cooking. Marinating times can vary, but aim for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours.
• Simple Marinade Recipe:
  • Combine soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, and a touch of olive oil.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
  • Mix well and coat the chicken thoroughly.
  • Refrigerate and let the flavors meld.

Remember, the quality of your chicken and the flavors you infuse during marination will make all the difference in your stovetop BBQ chicken adventure. Choose wisely, and get ready to savor those mouthwatering bites! 

Preparing the Marinade

Creating a flavorful marinade is the secret to transforming ordinary chicken into a BBQ masterpiece. Follow these steps to infuse your chicken with mouthwatering goodness:

Simple Marinade Recipe:

1. Ingredients:
   • Soy Sauce: Provides savory umami flavor.
   • Minced Garlic: Adds depth and aroma.
   • Honey: Balances the flavors with sweetness.
   • Olive Oil: Helps keep the chicken moist.
   • Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a subtle kick.
2. Mixing the Marinade:
   • In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, and a drizzle of olive oil.
   • Adjust the quantities to your taste preferences.
   • If you like a hint of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
3. Coating the Chicken:
   • Place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in a shallow dish.
   • Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated.
   • Cover the dish and refrigerate. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to allow the flavors to meld.

How to Cook BBQ Chicken on Stove?

Pan-Searing Method:

1. Preheat Your Skillet:
   • Place a heavy-bottomed skillet (preferably cast iron) on the stove over medium-high heat.
   • Let it get hot—this ensures a good sear on the chicken.
2. Oil and Season the Chicken:
   • Lightly coat the chicken with oil (vegetable oil or olive oil).
   • Season with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you like (paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne).
3. Sear the Chicken:
   • Lay the chicken in the hot skillet. You should hear a satisfying sizzle!
   • Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
4. Finish in the Oven (Optional):
   • If your chicken is thick, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven (375°F or 190°C) to finish cooking.
   • Bake for another 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Grill Pan Cooking:

1. Preheat Your Grill Pan:
   • A grill pan with raised ridges mimics the grill marks and adds flavor.
   • Heat the grill pan over medium-high heat until hot.
2. Oil and Season the Chicken:
   • Brush the chicken with oil to prevent sticking.
   • Season with your favorite BBQ rub or spices.
3. Grill the Chicken:
   • Lay the chicken on the grill pan at a diagonal angle to create those beautiful grill marks.
   • Grill for 4-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
4. Baste with BBQ Sauce:
   • During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce.
   • Let it caramelize slightly.

Cooking the Chicken

Cooking your marinated chicken to perfection is the exciting part! Follow these steps for juicy, flavorful stovetop BBQ chicken:

a. Preheat Your Grill Pan or Skillet:

• Place your grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
• Let it get nice and hot before adding the chicken.

b. Cooking Times:

• Boneless Chicken Breasts: Cook for approximately 4-6 minutes per side.
• Boneless Chicken Thighs: These may take a bit longer—around 5-7 minutes per side.
• Keep an eye on the chicken to prevent overcooking.

c. Internal Temperature:

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
• The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 165°F (74°C).

d. Basting with BBQ Sauce:

• During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce.
• The sauce will caramelize slightly, adding that irresistible smoky flavor.

e. Resting Period:

• Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan.
• Let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.

f. Serving Suggestions:

• Slice the BBQ chicken and serve it alongside your favorite sides:
  • Cornbread: A classic choice.
  • Coleslaw: Creamy and crunchy.
  • Baked Beans: Sweet and savory.

Basting with BBQ Sauce

Basting is the magic touch that elevates your BBQ chicken from good to exceptional. Here’s how to infuse that smoky, tangy flavor:

a. Timing Matters:

• Begin basting during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Too early, and the sauce may burn; too late, and it won’t have time to caramelize.

b. Brushing Technique:

1. Use a Silicone Brush:
   • A silicone brush works well when applying the sauce evenly.
   • It won’t melt or leave bristles behind like traditional brushes.
2. Apply Generously:
   • Brush the BBQ sauce over both sides of the chicken.
   • Be generous—you want that flavor to shine!

c. Caramelization:

• As the sauce heats up, it will caramelize slightly.
• This creates a glossy, sticky coating on the chicken.

d. Flavor Variations:

• Classic BBQ Sauce: Sweet, smoky, and tomato-based.
• Honey Mustard Glaze: Mix honey and Dijon mustard for a tangy twist.
• Spicy Chipotle: Add minced chipotle peppers for heat.

Resting and Serving

a. Resting Period:

• After cooking, remove the BBQ chicken from the pan or grill.
• Why Rest? Allowing the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes is essential.
  • During cooking, the juices move toward the center of the chicken.
  • Resting redistributes those flavorful juices throughout the meat.
  • The result? Juicier, more tender chicken.

b. Serving Suggestions:

• Slice your beautifully cooked BBQ chicken into portions.
• Pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal:
  • Cornbread: Soft, crumbly, and perfect for soaking up sauce.
  • Coleslaw: Creamy and tangy—balances the richness of the chicken.
  • Baked Beans: Sweet, savory, and a classic BBQ side.

Final Analysis

In this delightful culinary journey, we’ve explored how to cook BBQ chicken on the stove. There is no need for fancy grills or elaborate setups, just a trusty skillet and a hunger for flavor. Remember, cooking isn’t just about feeding the body; it’s about feeding the soul.

So gather your loved ones, share stories, and enjoy every juicy bite of your homemade stovetop BBQ chicken. Cheers to good food and great company!