Easy Oven BBQ Chicken Recipe: Juicy Chicken with Perfect Caramelized Glaze

Perfectly Juicy Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe

Looking for an easy bbq chicken recipe oven method that delivers juicy, flavorful results every time? This simple yet delicious oven-baked BBQ chicken will become your new weeknight dinner hero. Ready in under an hour with minimal prep, it’s the perfect solution for busy families who still want a homemade meal with that classic barbecue flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Oven BBQ Chicken

There’s something irresistible about the sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky flavor of barbecue sauce caramelized onto tender chicken. This recipe delivers that classic BBQ experience without firing up the grill. The bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts stay incredibly juicy while developing a beautiful glaze in the oven.

Here’s why this recipe stands out:

• Foolproof cooking method – No need to worry about flare-ups or burning
• Year-round accessibility – Enjoy BBQ flavor regardless of weather
• Hands-off cooking – Pop it in the oven and work on sides or relax
• Impressive results – Beautiful glazed chicken that looks professional

Ingredients for 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
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Equipment You’ll Need

• Baking dish or sheet pan
• Mixing bowl
• Basting brush
• Aluminum foil
• Meat thermometer

How to Make BBQ Chicken in the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using).
3. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and promotes better browning.
4. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts, including under the skin for maximum flavor.
5. Place the chicken breasts skin-side up in the prepared baking dish, leaving space between each piece.
6. Bake for 25 minutes to start cooking the chicken through.
7. While the chicken is baking, mix your BBQ sauce with the brown sugar in a small bowl.
8. After the initial 25 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven and generously brush with the BBQ sauce mixture.
9. Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes.
10. Brush with more BBQ sauce and continue baking for 5-10 more minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce has caramelized.
11. Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to retain juices.

Chef’s Tips for Perfect Oven BBQ Chicken

• Temperature matters: Let chicken sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking for more even cooking.
• Double-glazing technique: The key to that rich, sticky BBQ exterior is applying the sauce in layers with time to caramelize between applications.
• Don’t rush: If the chicken reaches temperature but hasn’t developed that beautiful glaze, switch to broil for 2-3 minutes (watching carefully to prevent burning).
• Rest time: Don’t skip the resting period! This allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Serving Suggestions for Your BBQ Chicken

This versatile bbq chicken recipe oven style pairs beautifully with so many sides. Some classic companions include:

• Creamy coleslaw
• Baked beans
• Corn on the cob
• Macaroni and cheese
• Potato salad
• Garden salad
• Cornbread

Storage and Reheating Tips

This chicken makes fantastic leftovers! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat without drying out:

• Oven method: Cover with foil and warm at 325°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave method: Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.

Leftover chicken is also delicious cold on salads or shredded for BBQ chicken sandwiches!

Why This Oven BBQ Chicken Recipe Works

The beauty of this bbq chicken recipe oven method is that it combines the best of both worlds – the convenience of oven baking with the delicious flavors of barbecue. The skin-on, bone-in chicken breasts stay juicy and flavorful while developing that signature sticky, caramelized exterior we all love. With minimal hands-on time and simple ingredients, you can enjoy authentic BBQ flavor any day of the week!