Easy Oven Baked BBQ Boneless Chicken Breast: A Weeknight Dinner Champion

Juicy Oven Baked BBQ Boneless Chicken Breast

These oven baked BBQ boneless chicken breasts are the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal without hours of preparation. Tender, juicy chicken coated in sweet and tangy barbecue sauce comes together in under an hour, making it an ideal family-friendly dinner option that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Oven BBQ Chicken Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about the combination of tender chicken and sticky, caramelized barbecue sauce. This oven baked method delivers all the flavor of grilled BBQ chicken without needing to fire up the grill. The boneless chicken breasts stay incredibly moist while developing a delicious glazed exterior that’s impossible to resist.

Perfect for Meal Prep

These BBQ chicken breasts are not only delicious fresh from the oven but also make excellent leftovers. Cook a batch on Sunday, and you’ll have protein-packed lunch options throughout the week. The flavor actually deepens over time!

Ingredients for Oven Baked BBQ Boneless Chicken Breast

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika works beautifully)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup high-quality BBQ sauce, divided
• 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (adds tanginess)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13 inch baking dish or rimmed baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• Meat thermometer
• Small mixing bowl
• Basting brush

How to Make Oven Baked BBQ Boneless Chicken Breast

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking dish with aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and promotes browning.
3. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each breast.
5. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in your prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between each piece.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
7. While the chicken is baking, prepare your BBQ sauce mixture by combining ¾ cup of BBQ sauce with honey and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.
8. After 20 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven and brush each breast generously with the BBQ sauce mixture.
9. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce has started to caramelize.
10. For a more glazed finish, brush with the remaining BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
11. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
12. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve with the remaining BBQ sauce on the side.

Expert Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken Breasts

• Even thickness matters: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking to ensure they cook evenly.
• Don’t overcook: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken is ready at 165°F (74°C) – cooking beyond this will dry out your meat.
• Let it rest: Allow the chicken to rest after cooking. This step is crucial for juicy results!
• Sauce timing: Adding the BBQ sauce too early can cause it to burn. Wait until the chicken is partially cooked before applying.
• Line your pan: For easier cleanup, line your baking dish with foil. BBQ sauce can be stubborn to clean off pans!

Flavor Variations for Oven Baked BBQ Chicken

Spicy BBQ Chicken

Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to your seasoning mix and use a spicy BBQ sauce for heat lovers.

Honey Garlic BBQ

Mix 2 tablespoons of minced garlic and an extra tablespoon of honey into your BBQ sauce for a sweet-savory twist.

Smoky Bourbon BBQ

Add 1 tablespoon of bourbon to your BBQ sauce mixture for a complex, smoky flavor profile.

What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Breasts

These versatile oven baked BBQ boneless chicken breasts pair beautifully with numerous sides:

• Creamy coleslaw
• Cornbread muffins
• Baked beans
• Roasted sweet potatoes
• Macaroni and cheese
• Garden salad
• Grilled corn on the cob

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing: These BBQ chicken breasts freeze well! Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 325°F oven covered with foil until warmed through (about 15 minutes). Add a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to maintain moisture. Microwaving works in a pinch but may dry out the chicken slightly.

Nutrition Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my oven baked chicken breast dry?

Chicken breasts can easily dry out when overcooked. Use a meat thermometer and remove the chicken from the oven as soon as it reaches 165°F. Also, applying BBQ sauce helps lock in moisture.

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Bone-in chicken will require longer cooking time (approximately 35-40 minutes before adding sauce), but many find it even more flavorful.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can season the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and keep refrigerated. You can also fully cook the chicken and reheat when needed.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

This is largely personal preference. For homemade flavor without the work, choose a high-quality store-bought sauce. Sweet Baby Ray’s, Stubb’s, and Bull’s-Eye all work great in this recipe.

The Perfect Weeknight Dinner Solution

These oven baked BBQ boneless chicken breasts are a game-changer for busy households. With minimal prep work and mostly hands-off cooking time, you can have a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender, juicy chicken and sweet, tangy BBQ sauce is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation!