Delicious Oven BBQ Chicken: A Weeknight Dinner Savior
Looking for a simple yet flavorful dinner option? This oven BBQ chicken recipe is about to become your new favorite. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something delicious on the table without hours of preparation. The chicken turns out juicy on the inside with that classic sticky-sweet BBQ exterior we all crave.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the combination of tangy BBQ sauce caramelizing in the oven. This recipe delivers that classic backyard barbecue flavor without firing up the grill. Here’s why this recipe works:
- No grill needed – Perfect year-round regardless of weather
- Simple ingredients – Uses pantry staples you likely already have
- Hands-off cooking – The oven does most of the work
- Family-friendly – A crowd-pleaser for all ages
Ingredients for Perfect Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts
- 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make BBQ Chicken in the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings stick better and promotes crispier skin.
- In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Brush the chicken with olive oil, then generously season all sides with the spice mixture.
- Place the chicken skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
- While the chicken is baking, combine the BBQ sauce with brown sugar in a small bowl.
- After 25 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven and brush generously with the BBQ sauce mixture.
- 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 sauce has caramelized.
- For extra saucy chicken, brush with additional BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Pro Tips for the Best Oven BBQ Chicken
Want to take this recipe to the next level? Here are some expert tips:
- Use a meat thermometer – The most reliable way to ensure perfectly cooked chicken
- Don’t rush the sauce – Adding BBQ sauce too early can cause it to burn
- Line your baking sheet – BBQ sauce can be sticky and difficult to clean
- Customize your sauce – Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or hot sauce for extra tang
- Let it rest – Those 5 minutes of resting time make a huge difference in juiciness
What to Serve with Your Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken
This versatile main dish pairs beautifully with so many sides. Here are some perfect companions:
- Creamy coleslaw
- Baked beans
- Cornbread
- Roasted vegetables
- Macaroni and cheese
- Potato salad
Storing and Reheating Leftover BBQ Chicken
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This chicken makes fantastic next-day meals.
- Refrigerator storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through (about 15 minutes). You can add a little extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist.
- Leftover ideas: Shred the chicken for sandwiches, wraps, or BBQ chicken pizza!
Why Oven BBQ Chicken Is Better Than Grilled (Sometimes)
While grilled BBQ chicken certainly has its place, baking in the oven offers several advantages:
- More consistent cooking temperature
- No flare-ups to burn your sauce
- Year-round cooking regardless of weather
- Less active monitoring required
- Easier cleanup
Frequently Asked Questions About Oven BBQ Chicken
Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead?
Yes! Reduce the cooking time to about 20-25 minutes total. Apply the BBQ sauce after the first 10-12 minutes of baking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can season the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Apply the BBQ sauce just before baking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It depends on your BBQ sauce. Check the label to ensure it’s gluten-free if needed.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Bone-in, skin-on thighs work beautifully with this method and often turn out even juicier.
This oven BBQ chicken recipe proves that you don’t need a grill or complicated techniques to achieve that perfect BBQ flavor. With just a few ingredients and about an hour of mostly hands-off cooking time, you’ll have a delicious dinner that the whole family will request again and again. Give it a try tonight!
Recipe inspired by AllRecipes’ BBQ Chicken Breasts in the Oven
Delicious Oven BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings stick better and promotes crispier skin.
- In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Brush the chicken with olive oil, then generously season all sides with the spice mixture.
- Place the chicken skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
- While the chicken is baking, combine the BBQ sauce with brown sugar in a small bowl.
- After 25 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven and brush generously with the BBQ sauce mixture.
- 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 sauce has caramelized.
- For extra saucy chicken, brush with additional BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.