Easy Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken: The Perfect Weeknight Dinner

Learning how to BBQ chicken in the oven is a game-changer for busy weeknights when you crave that smoky, sweet barbecue flavor but don’t have time to fire up the grill. This delicious oven-baked BBQ chicken delivers all the tangy, caramelized goodness of traditional barbecue with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Perfectly baked BBQ chicken in the oven with caramelized sauce

Why You’ll Love This Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about the sweet and tangy flavor of barbecue sauce caramelizing on juicy chicken. This recipe takes just 10 minutes of prep time and lets your oven do all the hard work. The result? Tender, flavorful chicken that tastes like it came straight from the barbecue pit!

Perfect for Any Season

One of the best things about learning how to BBQ chicken in the oven is that you can enjoy that delicious barbecue flavor year-round, regardless of weather conditions. No need to brave the cold or rain to satisfy your BBQ cravings!

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 whole skin-on, bone-in chicken breasts (about 3 pounds total)
1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce (plus extra for basting)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Best BBQ Sauce Options

While any BBQ sauce works well for this recipe, consider these options for different flavor profiles:

Classic Sweet: Traditional tomato-based BBQ sauce with molasses
Smoky: Chipotle or mesquite-infused sauce
Tangy: Carolina-style vinegar-based sauce
Spicy: Sauce with added jalapeño or habanero

Equipment Needed

Large baking dish or rimmed baking sheet
Aluminum foil
Meat thermometer
Basting brush
Mixing bowl

How to BBQ Chicken in the Oven: Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using).
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and promotes better browning.
Brush the chicken with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with the spice mixture, making sure to season both sides.
Place the chicken breasts skin-side up in the prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between each piece.
Bake for 25 minutes, then remove from the oven.
Brush each chicken breast generously with BBQ sauce, making sure to coat all sides.
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.
For extra caramelization, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve with additional warmed BBQ sauce on the side.

Pro Tips for Perfect Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken

Don’t rush the process: The two-stage baking method ensures juicy chicken with perfectly caramelized BBQ sauce.
Use a meat thermometer: The most reliable way to check for doneness is to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Let it rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in juicier chicken.
Save some sauce: Reserve a portion of the BBQ sauce for serving separately to avoid cross-contamination.

What to Serve with Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken

Complete your meal with these classic BBQ sides:

Creamy coleslaw
Baked beans
Cornbread muffins
Roasted corn on the cob
Potato salad
Mac and cheese
Garden salad

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

This BBQ chicken makes excellent leftovers! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also slice the chicken and use it for sandwiches, salads, or wraps.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts?

Yes! Reduce the initial baking time to 15-20 minutes before adding BBQ sauce, as they cook faster than bone-in chicken.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are an excellent choice and often stay more moist. The cooking time will be similar.

When should I add the BBQ sauce?

Add BBQ sauce halfway through cooking. This prevents the sauce from burning while still allowing enough time to caramelize beautifully.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Using bone-in, skin-on chicken helps retain moisture. Also, be careful not to overcook the chicken—use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Why This Method for How to BBQ Chicken in the Oven Works Every Time

The secret to perfect BBQ chicken in the oven lies in the two-stage cooking process. First, you’re cooking the chicken partially without sauce, which ensures it cooks evenly without the sauce burning. Then, adding the BBQ sauce halfway through allows it to caramelize and develop that signature sticky, sweet exterior that makes barbecue chicken so irresistible.

Now that you know how to BBQ chicken in the oven, you can enjoy this delicious comfort food any day of the week, regardless of the weather or season!

Recipe adapted from AllRecipes