Juicy BBQ Chicken Oven Recipe: Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner in Under an Hour

Easy Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken – Juicy, Flavorful, and Ready in Under an Hour

Looking for a simple yet delicious dinner option? This bbq chicken oven recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken with that perfect sticky-sweet barbecue glaze – no grill required! Perfect for busy weeknights or when the weather doesn’t cooperate for outdoor grilling.

Why You’ll Love This Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken

There’s something irresistible about the combination of tender chicken and tangy, sweet barbecue sauce. This recipe gives you all the flavors of summer grilling right from your oven, with minimal prep and cleanup. The chicken stays incredibly moist while developing that beautiful caramelized exterior we all crave.

Perfect BBQ Chicken Ingredients

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

How to Make BBQ Chicken in the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and promotes crispier skin.
3. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts, making sure to get under the skin for maximum flavor.
5. Place the chicken skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
6. Bake for 25 minutes, until the chicken begins to cook through.
7. Remove from the oven and generously brush each chicken breast with BBQ sauce.
8. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the BBQ sauce has caramelized.
9. For extra sticky, caramelized BBQ goodness, brush another layer of sauce on the chicken during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
10. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Pro Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Oven Recipe

Want to elevate your bbq chicken oven experience even further? Here are some expert tips:

• Choose the right BBQ sauce: Use a sauce you truly love, as it will be the dominant flavor. Homemade sauces work beautifully too!
• Don’t rush the process: The two-stage baking process (first plain, then with sauce) prevents the BBQ sauce from burning while ensuring fully cooked chicken.
• Temperature is key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F while staying juicy.
• Let it rest: Those 5 minutes of resting time are crucial for keeping the meat moist.

Serving Suggestions for Your Oven BBQ Chicken

This versatile main dish pairs perfectly with so many sides:

• Classic coleslaw for a cooling contrast
• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Cornbread or dinner rolls
• Baked beans for a traditional BBQ spread
• Roasted vegetables (try Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes)
• Fresh garden salad for a lighter option

Storing and Reheating Leftover BBQ Chicken

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they’ll keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. To reheat without drying out the chicken:

• Cover with foil and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through (about 15 minutes)
• Add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to the dish to create steam
• For extra flavor, brush with a fresh coat of BBQ sauce before serving

Why This BBQ Chicken Oven Recipe Works Every Time

The secret to this recipe’s success is in its simplicity. By using bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, you get built-in flavor and moisture protection. The skin crisps up beautifully while locking in juices, and the two-stage baking process ensures that your BBQ sauce caramelizes perfectly without burning.

Variations for Your Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken

Get creative with these delicious variations:

• Spicy BBQ Chicken: Add cayenne pepper to your spice rub or use a spicy BBQ sauce
• Honey BBQ: Mix honey into your BBQ sauce for extra sweetness
• Smoky BBQ: Add liquid smoke or smoked paprika to mimic that grilled flavor
• Different Cuts: This method works great with chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even a whole cut-up chicken

FAQs About Making BBQ Chicken in the Oven

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts?

Yes, though they’ll cook faster (about 20-25 minutes total) and won’t be quite as moist. Consider marinating them first and watch carefully to avoid overcooking.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken with the spice rub up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Apply the BBQ sauce just before baking for best results.

Why is my BBQ sauce burning?

BBQ sauce contains sugars that can burn easily. Always add it partway through cooking, never at the beginning.

How do I know when my chicken is done?

The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer – chicken is safe when it reaches 165°F at the thickest part. The juices should also run clear, not pink.

This bbq chicken oven recipe proves that you don’t need a grill to enjoy delicious barbecue chicken. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can have a crowd-pleasing dinner on the table any night of the week.

Recipe adapted from AllRecipes