If you are craving a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors packed into juicy chicken, then this Grilled Kansas City BBQ Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together a signature Kansas City-style dry rub with a hint of tangy BBQ sauce, resulting in mouthwatering grilled chicken breasts that burst with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a casual weekend cookout or a special family dinner, this recipe hits all the right notes with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that deliver impressive results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Grilled Kansas City BBQ Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward and accessible ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture, ensuring the chicken is both tender and bursting with that classic Kansas City BBQ vibe.
- 4 to 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The perfect canvas for absorbing the dry rub and BBQ sauce while grilling evenly.
- 6 Tbsp packed brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that helps create a beautiful crust.
- 3 Tbsp paprika: Provides a smoky, warm flavor and vibrant color.
- 2 tsp garlic powder: Brings savory depth without overpowering the other spices.
- 2 tsp chili powder: Offers a mild heat that complements the sweetness.
- 2 tsp onion powder: Adds subtle aromatic pungency that rounds out the spices.
- 1½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and tenderizes the chicken.
- 2 tsp black pepper: Lends a sharp, peppery bite to balance the sweetness.
- â…“ cup BBQ sauce: A finishing glaze that seals in moisture and infuses the signature Kansas City tang.
How to Make Grilled Kansas City BBQ Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Rub
Start by mixing the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl until evenly combined. This dry rub is the heart of your Grilled Kansas City BBQ Chicken Recipe, delivering that iconic sweet and smoky flavor profile.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts into a large ziplock bag and pour in the dry rub mixture. Seal the bag tightly and give it a good shake to coat every piece thoroughly. For best results, refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 2 hours or even overnight. The longer it marinates, the more those flavors penetrate deeply.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the bag, letting any excess rub fall off without rinsing it. Grill the chicken breasts until the internal temperature reads 165ºF, turning occasionally for even cooking. This usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes per side depending on thickness.
Step 4: Add the BBQ Sauce Glaze
In the last few minutes on the grill, brush the chicken on both sides generously with your favorite BBQ sauce. This step adds the final layer of that signature Kansas City BBQ flavor and helps form a beautiful caramelized coating before you remove the chicken from the heat.
How to Serve Grilled Kansas City BBQ Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or green onions offer a splash of freshness and color contrast, making your grilled chicken even more inviting. A sprinkle of sesame seeds can add a subtle crunch and visual appeal if you want an extra touch.
Side Dishes
Classic sides that complement this Grilled Kansas City BBQ Chicken Recipe include creamy coleslaw, buttery corn on the cob, or smoky baked beans. These traditional pairings not only balance the bold flavors but also bring variety in texture and temperature to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken sliced over a bed of fresh greens with a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce for a light, BBQ chicken salad. Alternatively, serve it alongside grilled pineapple or pile it high on a soft bun with pickles and onions for an irresistible BBQ chicken sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover grilled Kansas City BBQ chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. This makes for a quick protein-packed meal or snack the next day without any loss in flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep the chicken longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen grilled chicken can be stored for up to 3 months while maintaining good taste and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a covered skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven at 325ºF until heated through. Avoid overcooking to keep the meat juicy. You can add a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce while reheating to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work wonderfully and tend to be juicier and more forgiving on the grill. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to reach the right internal temperature.
Do I need to soak the chicken in the marinade overnight?
While 2 hours is sufficient to impart great flavor, marinating overnight really intensifies the taste and tenderness, making each bite even better. It’s a perfect step if you plan ahead.
What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
A thick, sweet, and tangy Kansas City-style BBQ sauce pairs perfectly with this recipe, enhancing the dry rub’s flavors. Choose your favorite bottled sauce or make your own for a personalized touch.
Can I make this recipe indoors if I don’t have a grill?
Yes! You can cook the chicken on a grill pan or broil it in the oven, keeping an eye on it to prevent burning. Though outdoor grilling adds that smoky flair, indoor methods can still yield delicious results.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Grilled Kansas City BBQ Chicken Recipe has a mild heat thanks to the chili powder, balanced by the sweetness of brown sugar and BBQ sauce, so it’s approachable for most palates without overwhelming spiciness.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Kansas City BBQ Chicken Recipe is a true champion of delicious simplicity, perfect for backyard gatherings or weeknight dinners that need a little something special. With its irresistible blend of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors, it’s a recipe you will want on repeat in your cooking rotation. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every juicy, flavorful bite!
Print
Grilled Kansas City BBQ Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Grilled Kansas City BBQ Chicken recipe features tender boneless skinless chicken breasts marinated in a sweet and smoky brown sugar and spice rub, grilled to perfection and finished with a tangy BBQ sauce glaze. Perfect for outdoor cookouts or a flavorful weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers classic Kansas City BBQ flavors with a simple preparation.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 to 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 6 Tbsp packed brown sugar
- 3 Tbsp paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
Finishing Sauce
- â…“ cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the spice rub: In a bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly mixed to create a flavorful dry rub.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large ziplock bag, add the spice rub mixture, seal the bag tightly, and shake well to coat the chicken evenly. Refrigerate the chicken for at least 2 hours and up to overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the bag and preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF, turning as needed to cook evenly on both sides.
- Apply BBQ sauce: While grilling, brush the chicken breasts with BBQ sauce on each side before removing from the grill to add a tangy, sticky glaze.
- Rest and serve: Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juiciness and allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the flavor and tenderizes the meat.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165ºF internal temperature.
- Choose your favorite Kansas City style BBQ sauce for authentic flavor.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
- For a smoky flavor, use charcoal or wood chips when grilling.
