Are you craving a mouthwatering chicken sandwich that combines smoky, caramelized flavors with tender, juicy meat? Look no further! Our Barbecued Chicken on a Bun recipe is about to become your new summer grilling obsession. Imagine biting into a perfectly grilled chicken breast, slathered in rich barbecue sauce, nestled between a golden, toasted bun - this isn't just a sandwich, it's a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to backyard barbecue paradise!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather 4 chicken breasts, 1 cup of barbecue sauce, 4 hamburger buns, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you are using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to burn until they are covered with white ash. For a gas grill, preheat for about 10 minutes.
- While the grill is heating, season the chicken breasts. In a bowl, combine the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.
- Once the grill is hot, place the seasoned chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on one side without moving them, allowing for nice grill marks to form.
- Flip the chicken breasts and cook for an additional 6-7 minutes on the other side. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken generously with the barbecue sauce, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is fully cooked. If not, continue cooking until it reaches the proper temperature.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist chicken.
- While the chicken is resting, you can lightly toast the hamburger buns on the grill for about 1-2 minutes, until they are golden brown.
- After the chicken has rested, slice each breast into strips or leave them whole, depending on your preference.
- Assemble the sandwiches by placing a piece of grilled chicken on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Add more barbecue sauce on top if desired, then cover with the top half of the bun.
- Serve the barbecued chicken on a bun with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw or potato chips, and enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Always preheat your grill to ensure even cooking and those beautiful grill marks.
- Use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness - 165°F is the magic temperature for safe, juicy chicken.
- Let the chicken rest after grilling to keep it moist and tender.
- Don't rush the barbecue sauce application - add it in the last few minutes to prevent burning and achieve a delicious caramelized glaze.
- Experiment with different barbecue sauce varieties to find your perfect flavor profile.
- Lightly toasting the buns adds an extra layer of texture and prevents them from getting soggy.
- For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours before grilling.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 95mg