Easy Oven BBQ Chicken: How Long Do You Cook BBQ Chicken in the Oven for Perfect Results

Perfect Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner Solution

Wondering how long do you cook BBQ chicken in the oven? You’ll be pleased to know that this delicious meal requires just 45 minutes of baking time, with only 10 minutes of prep work. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave that sweet, tangy BBQ flavor but don’t have time to fire up the grill.

Why This Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe Works

Using bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts gives you the juiciest result when baking BBQ chicken. The skin crisps up beautifully while the meat stays tender and moist. Plus, the oven method is virtually hands-off, allowing you to prepare side dishes or help with homework while dinner cooks to perfection.

Ingredients for Perfectly Baked BBQ Chicken

• 4 whole skin-on, bone-in chicken breasts
• 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

How Long Do You Cook BBQ Chicken in the Oven? Your Complete Guide

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for baking chicken as it allows the meat to cook through while developing a delicious exterior.
2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings adhere better and promotes browning.
3. In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts, then rub with the spice mixture, ensuring all sides are well-coated.
5. Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a baking dish, skin side up.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
7. Remove from oven and brush generously with half of the BBQ sauce, making sure to coat the tops and sides.
8. Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes.
9. Brush with remaining BBQ sauce and bake for a final 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is slightly caramelized.
10. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Tips for the Best Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken

• Temperature check: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken has reached 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
• BBQ sauce selection: Choose a high-quality BBQ sauce for the best flavor. Sweet, spicy, or smoky – pick your favorite!
• Don’t rush the process: Adding the BBQ sauce in stages prevents burning and creates layers of flavor.
• Broil option: For extra caramelization, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes (watch carefully to prevent burning).

What to Serve with Your Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken

Complete your meal with these perfect accompaniments:

• Creamy coleslaw
• Corn on the cob
• Baked beans
• Mac and cheese
• Garlic bread
• Green salad with ranch dressing

Storing and Reheating Leftover BBQ Chicken

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 325°F (165°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can add a little extra BBQ sauce before reheating to keep the chicken moist.

Nutrition Information

Each serving provides approximately:

• Calories: 476 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Protein: 58g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 163mg
• Sodium: 937mg
• Sugar: 16g

Frequently Asked Questions About Baking BBQ Chicken

Can I use boneless skinless chicken breasts instead?

Yes, but they’ll cook faster (about 25-30 minutes total) and won’t be quite as juicy. Apply the BBQ sauce after the first 15 minutes of baking.

Should I cover the chicken while baking?

No, keeping it uncovered allows the skin to crisp up and the BBQ sauce to caramelize beautifully.

Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option and often even juicier. The cooking time will be similar.

Now that you know exactly how long do you cook BBQ chicken in the oven (45 minutes plus 10 minutes of prep), you can enjoy this family-friendly meal any night of the week. The combination of juicy chicken, bold spices, and caramelized BBQ sauce creates a dish that everyone will love.