Quick and Easy BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe: Oven-Baked Perfection in Under an Hour

Easy Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Breasts

Looking for a delicious bbq chicken breast recipe that’s both simple and flavorful? This oven-baked version delivers tender, juicy chicken with that perfect sweet and tangy BBQ glaze we all love. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about the sweet and smoky flavor of barbecue chicken. This recipe brings all that outdoor grilling flavor right to your oven, making it:

• Weeknight friendly – Ready in under an hour
• Healthier option – Baked instead of fried
• Family pleaser – Kids and adults both love this classic flavor
• Year-round solution – No grill needed, make it any season!

Ingredients for Perfect BBQ Chicken Breasts

• 4 whole skin-on, bone-in chicken breasts
• 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan
• Aluminum foil
• Basting brush
• Meat thermometer
• Mixing bowl

How to Make BBQ Chicken Breasts in the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create a seasoning blend.
3. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings stick better and promotes browning.
4. Drizzle olive oil over chicken breasts and rub them to coat evenly.
5. Sprinkle the seasoning blend over both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Place chicken breasts skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch.
7. Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven.
8. While chicken is baking, mix BBQ sauce with brown sugar in a small bowl.
9. After 25 minutes, remove chicken from oven and generously brush with the BBQ sauce mixture.
10. Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the sauce has caramelized.
11. For extra saucy chicken, apply another coat of BBQ sauce in the final 5 minutes of cooking.
12. Once done, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Pro Tips for the Juiciest BBQ Chicken

• Don’t skip the resting time. Those 5 minutes of patience make a huge difference in moisture retention.
• Use a meat thermometer. It’s the only reliable way to ensure chicken is perfectly cooked without drying out.
• Add BBQ sauce in layers. The caramelization that happens between applications creates deeper flavor.
• Line your pan with foil. BBQ sauce can burn and stick, making cleanup a nightmare otherwise.
• For a flavor boost, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to your BBQ sauce mixture.

Serving Suggestions

These bbq chicken breasts pair beautifully with:

• Creamy coleslaw
• Corn on the cob
• Baked beans
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Macaroni and cheese
• Green salad

Storing and Reheating Leftover BBQ Chicken

Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer: Wrap portions individually in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating: For best results, reheat covered in a 300°F oven with a splash of water or chicken broth until warmed through (about 15 minutes). Microwave reheating works but may make the chicken slightly rubbery.

Common Questions About Baked BBQ Chicken

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts?

Yes! Reduce cooking time to about 20-25 minutes total, applying BBQ sauce halfway through. They won’t be quite as moist as bone-in, but will still be delicious.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can season the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and keep refrigerated. Apply BBQ sauce only when ready to bake.

My BBQ sauce is burning, what should I do?

If your sauce is darkening too quickly, cover the chicken loosely with foil for the remainder of the cooking time.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

That depends on your BBQ sauce! Many commercial BBQ sauces are gluten-free, but always check the label to be sure.

Why This BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe Is a Family Favorite

This oven-baked bbq chicken breast recipe hits all the right notes – it’s easy to prepare, doesn’t require constant attention, and delivers that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors that everyone loves. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your rotation!

This recipe was inspired by AllRecipes.