Stovetop BBQ Chicken Recipe: A Smoky Delight Made Indoors!

Who says you need a grill to enjoy mouthwatering BBQ chicken? With this simple stovetop recipe, you can whip up tender, juicy chicken coated in smoky, tangy BBQ sauce right in your kitchen.

Whether cooking for a quick weeknight meal or hosting a casual dinner party, this recipe covers you—no grill required. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

•  4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts, if you prefer)
•  1 teaspoon salt
•  1 teaspoon black pepper
•  1 teaspoon garlic powder
•  1 teaspoon smoked paprika
•  1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for searing)

For the BBQ Sauce:

•  ½ cup store-bought BBQ sauce (or make your own)
•  1 tablespoon honey (optional for added sweetness)
•  1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a tangy kick)
•  1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for heat lovers)

Equipment Needed

•  A large stovetop-friendly skillet (cast iron works best for that golden sear!)
•  Tongs for flipping the chicken
•  A lid to cover the skillet while cooking

Preparation

  Prep the Chicken:

•  Trim any excess fat from the chicken.
•  Pat the chicken dry with paper towels (this ensures a great sear).
•  Rub the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Set it aside while you prepare the sauce.

Prep the Sauce:

•  If you’re customizing your BBQ sauce, mix it with honey, mustard, or hot sauce now. Stir well to combine.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Sear the Chicken

Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil or butter. Once it’s hot, place the chicken skin-side down in the skillet.

Let it sear for 3-5 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for another 3 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside (it won’t be fully cooked yet).

2. Simmer with BBQ Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Add the BBQ sauce to the skillet, stirring gently to pick up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Place the chicken back into the skillet, skin-side up, and spoon some of the sauce over the top.

Cover the skillet with a lid and let the chicken simmer for 20-25 minutes. Flip the chicken occasionally to coat it evenly in the sauce.

3. Glaze and Finish

Once the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F), remove the lid and let it simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes. This allows the BBQ sauce to thicken and create a sticky glaze. If you want an extra caramelized finish, turn up the heat slightly and watch closely to avoid burning.

Tips for Success

•  Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F in the thickest part. This guarantees juicy, perfectly cooked chicken.
•  Prevent Burning: Keep the heat on medium or lower once the sauce is added. BBQ sauce can burn quickly due to its sugar content.
•  Enhance the Smoky Flavor: Add a drop of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce for an authentic grilled taste.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your stovetop BBQ chicken with any of these delicious sides:

•  Creamy mashed potatoes
•  Classic coleslaw
•  Warm cornbread
•  Grilled or roasted vegetables

For garnish, sprinkle some fresh parsley or sliced green onions over the chicken before serving. This adds a pop of color and a fresh, herby finish.

Variations

•  Boneless Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Just reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.
•  Drumsticks: Chicken drumsticks work wonderfully with this recipe. Adjust cooking time as needed.
•  Spicy BBQ: Add extra hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce for a fiery kick.
•  Honey Mustard BBQ: Swap out some of the BBQ sauce for honey mustard for a tangy-sweet flavor.

Storage and Reheating

•  Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
•  Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
•  Reheating: Warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit more BBQ sauce to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the chicken.

FAQs

Q: Can I use skinless chicken for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Skinless chicken works well, though you won’t get that crispy sear. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to avoid drying it out.

Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative for searing.

Q: How do I prevent the BBQ sauce from burning?
A: After adding the sauce, keep the heat at medium or low and stir occasionally. If you notice it thickening too quickly, add a splash of water to loosen it up.

Q: Can I use homemade BBQ sauce?
A: Of course! Homemade BBQ sauce can add a personal touch. A simple recipe might include ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices.

With this stovetop BBQ chicken recipe, you can enjoy all the flavors of a backyard barbecue without stepping outside. The simplicity and versatility make it a go-to for any occasion. Give it a try, and don’t forget to let us know how it turned out!

Happy cooking!