Easy Stove Top BBQ Chicken is your shortcut to smoky, tangy goodness without the need for hours of slow cooking. This recipe is perfect for those busy evenings when you’re craving that barbecue flavour but don’t have time to fire up the grill or wait for a low-and-slow cook.
Here, tender chicken is simmered directly in a rich barbecue sauce made from simple pantry ingredients. The result? Juicy, flavour-packed chicken with every bite. Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or a last-minute meal that doesn’t skimp on taste.
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Calories in Stove Top BBQ Chicken
This recipe serves 4 and is 298 calories per serving
If you're looking for more recipes within the same calorie range, you'll find an abundance of options in my dedicated collection of 200+ calorie recipes.
If you're following a calorie-controlled diet or a healthy eating plan, it's important to calculate your daily calorie intake using a reliable calorie calculator. Please note that the calorie counts provided are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Personalizing your calculations is essential to meet your individual needs. By using a calorie calculator, you can make informed choices and stay on track with your dietary goals.
See the recipe card for full nutritional estimation.
Ingredients Notes
To make this recipe you will need the following ingredients:
- Chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, these work perfectly for stove-top cooking and absorb the barbecue flavours beautifully. Trim off any visible fat for a leaner dish.
- Onion: Sliced for a touch of natural sweetness and added texture. It softens and melds into the sauce as it cooks.
- Garlic (crushed): Infuses the sauce with savoury, aromatic flavour.
- Spices: A combination of paprika, smoked paprika, chilli powder, onion powder, and garlic powder creates the classic barbecue flavour profile with a touch of smoky heat. Adjust for your spice preferences.
BBQ Sauce Ingredients:
- Passata (or crushed tomatoes): The base of the sauce, providing a smooth, rich tomato flavour.
- Stock: Adds depth and balances the richness of the sauce. Use chicken or vegetable stock for the best results.
- Cider vinegar & balsamic vinegar: A duo of tanginess, with the cider vinegar adding brightness and the balsamic lending subtle sweetness and complexity.
- Maple syrup or Honey: Sweetens the sauce naturally, balancing the acidity.
- Soy sauce: Adds a savoury, umami element to enhance the overall flavour.
- Your favourite BBQ sauce: Rounds out the flavour, tying all the elements together for that signature barbecue taste.
Once you've gathered all the ingredients and prepared them accordingly, you're all set to create this easy and delightful recipe.
See the recipe card for specific quantities and instructions.
The Best Pan for Stove Top Recipes
When it comes to stove-top cooking, choosing the right pan can make all the difference. A pan with a large circumference and a deep, flat bottom is ideal for recipes like this. The ample surface area allows sauces to reduce evenly, intensifying their flavours while preventing them from spilling over during cooking.
For ease and convenience, a good-quality non-stick pan is a fantastic option. It makes cleanup a breeze, requires less oil for cooking, and is perfect for beginners or quick weeknight meals. However, if you’re looking for longevity and versatility, stainless steel pans are hard to beat. While they require a bit more care to prevent sticking—such as preheating the pan properly and using enough fat—I find they’re worth the effort. I regularly use stainless steel pans for searing, sautéing, and simmering because of their durability and ability to create beautiful browning, which adds incredible depth of flavour. Both types have their strengths, so it ultimately comes down to your cooking style and priorities.
Sides for Stove Top BBQ Chicken
The smoky, tangy flavours of stove-top BBQ chicken pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Whether you’re looking for vibrant veggies or something hearty and carby, here are some delicious ideas to complete your meal. I love to pair this with a baked potato and some sauteed onion, peppers and corn, but here are some other great suggestions.
Vegetable Sides:
- Sautéed peppers and onions
- Charred or steamed corn
- Roasted or steamed broccoli
- Baby greens salad with cucumber, red onion, and beets
- Roasted French Green Beans
- Grilled courgettes, sauteed or roasted courgettes (zucchini)
- Roasted or steamed cauliflower
- Creamy Cheesy Vegetable Bake
Carb-Based Sides:
- Extra Crispy Potatoes
- Scalloped Potatoes
- Perfect Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Butternut Squash Fries (great lower carb option)
- Curly Fries
- Roasted Butternut Squash Rice
- Red Pepper Coriander Rice
- Crushed Roast Potatoes
- Leek and Potato Bake
Mix and match from these options to create a balanced, satisfying plate that complements the BBQ flavours perfectly!
More Low Calories Chicken Recipes
Looking for some more chicken recipes? check out these:
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or if you would like more recipe ideas - head on over to the FULL RECIPE INDEX where you will find over 900 delicious recipes with calories and you can search by meal type, ingredients, course, diet and more.
All recipes on Slimming Eats have estimated nutritional information for your convenience.
FAQ for Stove Top Chicken
Yes, this dish freezes wonderfully, making it a great option for meal prep. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then transfer it, along with the sauce, to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or stock to refresh the sauce.
I don’t recommend using chicken breast for this recipe. Thighs are much better suited for this style of cooking, as they stay juicy and tender when simmered in the sauce. Chicken breast, on the other hand, is leaner and more prone to drying out, especially during the longer cooking and sauce-reducing process. For the best results and flavour, stick with chicken thighs.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce and keep it as delicious as the first time.
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Recipe Card
Easy Stove Top BBQ Chicken
Stove Top BBQ Chicken is your shortcut to smoky, tangy goodness without the need for hours of slow cooking. This recipe is perfect for those busy evenings when you’re craving that barbecue flavour but don’t have time to fire up the grill or wait for a low-and-slow cook.
Ingredients
- 700g (24.5oz) of uncooked boneless skinless chicken thighs, raw (trimmed of visible fat)
- 1 tablespoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon of onion powder
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- pinch of chilli powder (optional)
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves of garlic, crushed
For the BBQ Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons of your favourite Barbecue Sauce (optiona)
- ¾ cup (180gl) Passata
- 300ml (1.25 cups) of chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of maple syrup
- 1 tablespoons of soy sauce
Instructions
- Slice each chicken thigh in half and place them in a large, deep frying pan with the heat off.
- Sprinkle all the seasoning over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
- Add the sliced onion and crushed garlic to the pan, scattering them over the chicken.
- In a separate bowl, mix all the BBQ sauce ingredients together, then pour the sauce over the chicken.
- Turn the pan to high heat and bring everything to a boil. Once the sauce starts bubbling, reduce the heat to medium-high and let it bubble away. Avoid stirring during this time—only turn the chicken pieces over halfway through the cooking.
- Allow the sauce to reduce around the chicken for a rich and flavourful sauce. If the sauce reduces too much, add a splash of stock or water to loosen it.
- Serve with your favourite sides and enjoy!
Notes
Please see below for full nutritional info and additional details about recipe:
- Calories - scroll down to nutritional info box
- WW Points and other Slimming or Weight Loss programs - due to plans regularly changing and updating, we recommend calculating with the official tools you get as a member to those plans to ensure accuracy of values.
- Gluten Free Friendly - use gluten free stock and soy sauce
- Dairy Free Friendly
- ❄️ Freezer Friendly - see FAQ
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Nutrition Information
Yield 4 Serving Size 1 SERVINGAmount Per Serving Calories 298Total Fat 7gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 216mgSodium 776mgCarbohydrates 19gFiber 1gSugar 10gProtein 37g
Nutritional information and values etc are an estimate and is to be used for informational purposes only. Ingredients can vary greatly from brand to brand and therefore it would be impossible to give accurate information. It is always advised that you calculate by the ingredients you use.
Tracey Marshall says
Fantastic dish. All the family loved it.
Janet Beauchamp says
Lovely dish. Hubby loved it.
Sarah Powell says
I used Cbicken thighs as per the recipe and it was gorgeous, can’t wait to try it again with Pork. Such a tasty sauce, would highly recommend giving it a try.
Erin says
Hi I’ve made quite a few of your recipes before all have turned out really well and have gone into my regular menus. But this welll...I made this last Sunday to rave reviews from my partner. I had some leftovers. So I made the sauce again mixed with pasta and turned it into a pasta bake. Which was great! Can not recommend this recipe and the site in general. Thanks so much.
Karen says
I have just made this tonight, didn't have onion powder, garlic powder or smoked paprika. Had some liquid smoke of which I used a 1/4 tsp. Didn't add the onions because I have a son who will not eat veggies. Cooked the onions and peppers on the side just fried in firelight but they got a little crispy. Next time will just chuck them in with the sauce. Served it with syn free chips and salad. Just managed to stop my husband from adding olive oil to the salad so that was mixed with lemon juice and balsamic vinegar. It was absolutely gorgeous and I give it 5 stars even with the missing ingredients.
Shevy (Slimming Eats) says
thank you Karen, so glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Sarah Cookson says
I made this last week and my husband said it was the best meal I’d ever cooked for him! We’ve been together 22 years lol! Anyway, it’s amazing and I’m making it again tonight. Thank you.
Shevy (Slimming Eats) says
So happy to hear that. Thanks for commenting
Carol Adams says
I want to make a larger portion of this. Do I double the amount of spices?
Shevy (Slimming Eats) says
Hi Carol, yes I would double the spices.
Sally B says
Absolutely beautiful...
Sukiwilliams says
Hi. Looking forward to trying this. I don't have maple syrup and would rather not buy it unless I have to. Do you think that honey or golden syrup would work instead?
Shevy (Slimming Eats) says
Hi Suki - honey or brown sugar will work fine as an alternative to the maple syrup.
Hollie says
Can't wait to try this! Is there any alternative to maple syrup? Would honey work or does it have to be syrup?
Shevy (Slimming Eats) says
Hi Hollie - honey or brown sugar will work fine as an alternative to the maple syrup.
Natalie says
Ive just made this and both me and the hubby thoroughly enjoyed it. Most definitely a keeper xxx
Emma Hope says
I made the sauce to go with some pulled pork. It was really easy to make and absolutely delicious. The best low syn bbq sauce I've tried. Thank you.
Shevy (Slimming Eats) says
So glad you enjoyed it. It’s definitely one of my kids favourites.
Polly Bedford says
Since coming across your website very recently I’ve made a few of the recipes all have been delicious.
Just made this tonight and it was truly delicious. A huge thumbs up. And definitely one to remake again and again.
I also made your chips to go with it and they were a huge success also.
So glad I found your site and find myself looking for more recipes when I have those nights when I can’t sleep !!
Very happy Slimming Eats fan
Shevy (Slimming Eats) says
Hi Polly, thank you for taking the time to comment. I am so happy you are enjoying the recipes.
Sarah Holloway says
Please can you tell me what soy sauce is best to use, light or dark. Thank you
Shevy (Slimming Eats) says
I use just regular soy sauce, that is neither labelled as dark or light.
Cheryl says
Wow another amazing meal. Done so many of your recipes on here and all been absolutely gorgeous thank you.
Patt says
Is cider vinegar essential. I don’t have any and no real wish to buy it. Is there an alternative or just leave it out? Thank You. Looking forward to making this.
Shevy (Slimming Eats) says
Hiya, you can use any white vinegar in its place.
Helen Dale says
Absolutely loved this! I was a bit tentative as I hate vinegar, but when it comes together it’s just a gorgeous barbecue sauce. My other half and I will be having this regularly. Cheap to make too once you’ve invested in the maple syrup etc. Just need passata and chicken x
Amanda says
Made this tonight, was a big hit with the whole family, even my fussy son loved it! Will definitely be making it again!
Caz Berry says
Made this tonight and it was absolutely amazing, took a bit longer than 18 mins to reduce down but it got there in the end. Would make this again, thank you
Kirstie says
Found this tonight after hunting for an easy recipe using chicken thigh fillets...so pleased I did, it was delicious and had a big thumbs up from hubby too. Will definitely be making this again.
Thank you!
Elaine says
Really tasty. Will be cooking this again - highly recommended.
Francesca says
Made this for dinner tonight...it was AMAZING!! The chicken just fell apart. Thank you
Susan Stewart says
Could you do it in the slow cooker?
Siobhan (Slimming Eats) says
this recipe is best done on the stovetop, you need the bubbling for it to reduce down and make the yummy sauce.
Emma says
Will this work with chicken breasts? Many Thanks
Siobhan (Slimming Eats) says
It is best with thighs as they stay nice and tender, but other readers have used chicken breast.
Sanya says
Absolutely fabulous. So easy and quick to cook. Definitely a favourite in our house.
Kirsty says
Have you changed the recipe? Please can we have the old version back?
Siobhan (Slimming Eats) says
only very so slightly with the addition of barbecue sauce which improves the flavour, just omit if you want to keep to the original version.