Easy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken: Crispy, Juicy, and Ready in Under an Hour

Perfectly Juicy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken

Looking for a delicious dinner that doesn’t require hours of preparation? This oven baked BBQ chicken delivers all the smoky, sweet flavor of outdoor grilling with the convenience of indoor cooking. Ready in under an hour, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave homestyle comfort food without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe

There’s something truly magical about the combination of tender chicken and sticky, caramelized BBQ sauce. This recipe brings that magic to your dinner table with minimal effort. The skin gets beautifully crispy while the meat stays incredibly juicy—all without firing up the grill!

Plus, baking the chicken in the oven means you can prepare the rest of your meal while it cooks, making dinner preparation streamlined and stress-free.

Ingredients for Oven Baked BBQ Chicken

• 4 whole skin-on, bone-in chicken breasts
• 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce (plus extra for basting)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (helps with caramelization)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large baking dish or sheet pan
• Aluminum foil (for easier cleanup)
• Meat thermometer
• Basting brush
• Small mixing bowl

How to Make Perfect Oven Baked BBQ Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then season generously with the spice mixture, making sure to get under the skin for maximum flavor.
4. Place the chicken breasts skin side up in the prepared baking dish, making sure they’re not touching.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow the chicken to cook partially and the skin to start crisping.
6. In a small bowl, mix the BBQ sauce with brown sugar for added caramelization.
7. Remove the chicken from the oven and carefully brush each piece generously with the BBQ sauce mixture.
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 saucy chicken, brush with another layer of BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
10. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Pro Tips for the Juiciest Oven Baked BBQ Chicken

• Don’t rush the cooking process: Cooking at a moderate temperature allows the chicken to cook evenly without drying out.
• Add the BBQ sauce later in cooking: This prevents burning while still allowing time for the sauce to caramelize.
• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken: The bones help conduct heat evenly, and the skin protects the meat from drying out while adding delicious flavor.
• Let it rest: Those 5 minutes of resting time are crucial for juicy chicken!
• Check for doneness with a meat thermometer: This ensures your chicken is safely cooked without being overdone.

Perfect Side Dishes for Your BBQ Chicken

This oven baked BBQ chicken pairs beautifully with so many sides! Here are some fantastic options:

• Creamy coleslaw
• Classic macaroni and cheese
• Baked beans
• Cornbread
• Roasted vegetables
• Potato salad
• Garlic mashed potatoes

Make It A Complete Meal

For a well-rounded dinner, serve your oven baked BBQ chicken with a starchy side and a vegetable. Try pairing it with buttery corn on the cob and a fresh green salad for the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Storing and Reheating Leftover BBQ Chicken

Storage: Refrigerate leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through (about 15 minutes). Cover with foil to prevent drying out, and consider adding a little extra BBQ sauce before reheating.

Repurposing Leftovers

Leftover oven baked BBQ chicken makes excellent:

• BBQ chicken sandwiches with coleslaw
• Chopped salad toppers
• Quesadilla filling (with some cheese and grilled onions)
• BBQ chicken pizza topping

Nutrition Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust cooking time. Boneless chicken cooks faster (about 20-25 minutes total) and won’t be quite as moist as bone-in chicken. Consider marinating the chicken beforehand for extra juiciness.

Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually even more forgiving than breasts because they have more fat. They’ll be incredibly juicy and flavorful.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Use your favorite! Whether you prefer sweet, spicy, smoky, or tangy BBQ sauce, this recipe works well with any style. You can even use homemade BBQ sauce for a truly personalized dish.

Can I prep this in advance?

Yes! You can season the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking.

This oven baked BBQ chicken recipe is a versatile family favorite that delivers big flavor without requiring hours in the kitchen. The combination of juicy chicken and sticky, caramelized BBQ sauce creates a meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at your table!