Easy BBQ Chicken in the Oven – A Weeknight Dinner Solution
Making delicious bbq chicken in the oven is the perfect solution for busy families who want that outdoor grilled flavor without the hassle of firing up the grill. This oven-baked BBQ chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy meat with that sweet and tangy sauce we all love, ready in under an hour!
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When the craving for barbecue hits but the weather isn’t cooperating, this baked BBQ chicken recipe comes to the rescue! Using bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts ensures a moist, flavorful result every time. The chicken roasts to perfection while the barbecue sauce caramelizes into a sticky, delicious coating that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe
- Simple ingredients – Nothing fancy required!
- Quick prep – Only 10 minutes of hands-on time
- Versatile – Works with any BBQ sauce you love
- Family-friendly – A crowd-pleaser for all ages
- Indoor cooking – No grill needed for that BBQ flavor
Ingredients for Perfect BBQ Chicken in the Oven
- 4 whole skin-on, bone-in chicken breasts
- 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika works great too!)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Baking dish or sheet pan
- Aluminum foil
- Meat thermometer
- Basting brush
How to Make BBQ Chicken in the Oven – Step by Step
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking dish with aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings stick better and promotes crispy skin.
- In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken breasts, then rub the spice mixture all over them, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
- Place the chicken breasts skin-side up in the prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between each piece.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and generously brush each chicken breast with BBQ sauce, making sure to coat them well.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the sauce has caramelized.
- For extra saucy chicken, brush with additional BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Once done, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Pro Tips for the Best Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken
- Room temperature start: Remove chicken from the refrigerator 20 minutes before cooking for more even baking.
- Don’t rush the sauce: Adding BBQ sauce too early can cause it to burn. Always add it halfway through the cooking time.
- Check for doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked to 165°F.
- Rest before serving: Letting the chicken rest helps keep it juicy and tender.
- Sauce selection matters: Choose a high-quality BBQ sauce for the best flavor, or make your own!
Customizing Your BBQ Chicken
Flavor Variations
The beauty of this recipe is how easily it can be adapted to different flavor profiles:
- Spicy: Add cayenne pepper to your spice mix and use a spicy BBQ sauce
- Sweet & Tangy: Use honey BBQ sauce and add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- Smoky: Incorporate smoked paprika and a smoky BBQ sauce
- Herbal: Add dried thyme and rosemary to your spice mixture
What to Serve with Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken
Complete your meal with these perfect pairings:
- Creamy coleslaw
- Baked beans
- Cornbread
- Potato salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Mac and cheese
- Garden salad
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerating: Store leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then foil, before placing in freezer bags.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 325°F oven, covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Add a little extra BBQ sauce before reheating to keep the chicken moist.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving:
- 476 calories
- 23g carbohydrates
- 58g protein
- 15g fat (4g saturated fat)
- 163mg cholesterol
- 937mg sodium
- 16g sugar
Why BBQ Chicken in the Oven Is Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re planning a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting an indoor gathering, this bbq chicken in the oven recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The combination of juicy chicken and caramelized BBQ sauce creates a dish that satisfies cravings while keeping your kitchen routine simple and stress-free.
Recipe adapted from: AllRecipes
BBQ Chicken in the Oven
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking dish with aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings stick better and promotes crispy skin.
- In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken breasts, then rub the spice mixture all over them, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
- Place the chicken breasts skin-side up in the prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between each piece.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and generously brush each chicken breast with BBQ sauce, making sure to coat them well.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the sauce has caramelized.
- For extra saucy chicken, brush with additional BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Once done, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.