Easy BBQ Chicken in Oven: One-Pan Weeknight Dinner That Delivers Big Flavor

Deliciously Easy BBQ Chicken in Oven – Ready in Under an Hour!

Why You’ll Love This Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of sweet, tangy BBQ sauce and juicy chicken. This recipe brings that magic indoors with these benefits:

• No Grill Required: Perfect year-round, regardless of weather
• Minimal Clean-up: Just one baking dish to wash
• Versatile: Works with different chicken cuts and BBQ sauce flavors
• Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters enjoy
• Meal Prep Champion: Leftovers taste amazing the next day

Ingredients for Perfect Oven BBQ Chicken

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts (about 3 pounds total)
• 1 cup high-quality BBQ sauce (plus extra for basting)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1 teaspoon liquid smoke for that outdoor grilled flavor

Ingredient Tips and Substitutions

The best easy BBQ chicken in oven starts with quality ingredients. Here are some helpful notes:

• Chicken Cuts: While bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts provide excellent flavor and juiciness, you can substitute boneless skinless breasts (reduce cooking time by 10-15 minutes) or chicken thighs (similar cooking time).
• BBQ Sauce: Your sauce makes a big difference! Choose your favorite store-bought variety or make your own. Hickory, honey, or spicy BBQ sauces all work wonderfully.
• Spice Level: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to kick up the heat if desired.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy BBQ Chicken in Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with foil for easier cleanup.
2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create a seasoning rub.
3. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure the seasonings stick and the skin crisps up nicely.
4. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken breasts, making sure to get under the skin for maximum flavor.
5. Place the chicken skin-side up in the prepared baking dish, leaving space between each piece.
6. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes to allow the skin to start crisping and the chicken to cook partially.
7. Remove from oven and brush generously with about half of the BBQ sauce, making sure to coat all sides.
8. Return to oven and bake for another 15 minutes.
9. Brush chicken with remaining BBQ sauce and bake for a final 5-10 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is caramelized.
10. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Pro Tips for Perfectly Juicy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken

• Don’t Rush the Process: Adding BBQ sauce too early can cause it to burn. The two-stage basting method ensures perfect caramelization.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: For foolproof results, check that chicken reaches 165°F at the thickest part.
• Line Your Pan: Foil or parchment paper makes cleanup much easier as BBQ sauce tends to get sticky when baked.
• Broil Option: For extra caramelization, broil for the final 1-2 minutes (watch carefully to prevent burning).

What to Serve with Your Oven BBQ Chicken

This versatile main dish pairs beautifully with classic BBQ sides:

• Classic Sides: Coleslaw, corn on the cob, baked beans, or potato salad
• Healthy Options: Roasted vegetables, garden salad, or steamed broccoli
• Starchy Sides: Mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, or cornbread
• Quick Additions: Dinner rolls, pickles, or a simple green vegetable

Storing and Reheating Leftover BBQ Chicken

This easy BBQ chicken in oven recipe works great for meal prep because the leftovers maintain their flavor and moisture:

• Refrigerator Storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer Option: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheating Method: For best results, reheat in a 325°F oven covered with foil until warmed through (about 15-20 minutes). Add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture. Alternatively, microwave at 70% power with a damp paper towel over the chicken.

Nutrition Information

FAQ About Making Easy BBQ Chicken in Oven

Can I use boneless skinless chicken breasts?

Yes! Reduce the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes, as boneless chicken cooks faster. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F internally.

How do I prevent the BBQ sauce from burning?

Add the BBQ sauce halfway through cooking rather than at the beginning. This allows the chicken to cook partially before the sauce has a chance to burn.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can season the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. You can also fully cook the chicken, refrigerate, and reheat when ready to serve.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Use your favorite! Sweet Baby Ray’s, Stubbs, or KC Masterpiece all work well. For a healthier option, look for low-sugar varieties or make your own from scratch.

Perfect Your Easy BBQ Chicken in Oven Tonight!

This easy BBQ chicken in oven recipe proves you don’t need a grill or complicated techniques to enjoy delicious barbecue flavor at home. With simple ingredients, minimal hands-on time, and reliable results, it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Try it tonight and enjoy the perfect balance of tangy, sweet BBQ goodness with juicy, tender chicken!

Recipe inspired by AllRecipes