Kansas City BBQ Chicken

Step 1

Pour the ketchup, molasses, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and garlic powder into a medium saucepan.

Step 2

Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until the brown sugar dissolves completely, about 1 minute.

Step 3

Place the saucepan on medium heat and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer—you'll see small bubbles breaking the surface steadily, about 3 minutes.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and deepens in color, about 8 minutes.

Step 5

Remove the saucepan from the heat and set it aside on the counter while you prepare the chicken.

Step 6

Pat each chicken breast dry with paper towels—this helps the surface brown better when it hits the hot grill.

Step 7

Season both sides of each chicken breast evenly with salt and black pepper by pinching the seasonings between your fingers as you sprinkle.

Step 8

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F if it has a thermometer) and wait until the grates are hot enough that a drop of water sizzles immediately, about 5 minutes.

Step 9

Lightly oil the grill grates by rubbing an oil-soaked paper towel across them using long-handled tongs, so the chicken won't stick.

Step 10

Place each chicken breast on the grill with space between them and close the lid—do not move them for 6 minutes so they develop a golden brown crust.

Step 11

Flip each chicken breast once using tongs and cook uncovered for 4 more minutes until the second side is golden brown.

Step 12

Brush the top of each chicken breast generously with the Kansas City sauce using a silicone basting brush, coating it evenly.

Step 13

Close the grill lid and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy and sticky, then flip each breast and brush the other side with sauce.

Step 14

Close the lid and cook for 2 more minutes until both sides are dark, caramelized, and sticky—the internal temperature should reach 165°F at the thickest part when tested with an instant-read thermometer.

Step 15

Remove all chicken breasts to a clean cutting board and let them rest for 3 minutes before serving.

Step 16

Transfer each chicken breast to a plate and drizzle any remaining sauce over the top in a thin stream from a spoon.