Quick and Easy BBQ Chicken Breast in Oven: Crispy, Juicy, and Delicious

Juicy BBQ Chicken Breast in Oven – Ready in Under an Hour

Looking for a simple yet delicious dinner option? Baking bbq chicken breast in the oven is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a crowd-pleasing meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This oven-baked BBQ chicken recipe delivers that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors while keeping the chicken incredibly juicy and tender.

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

There’s something nostalgic about the sweet and tangy flavor of barbecue sauce caramelizing on chicken. This recipe brings those flavors indoors, making it possible to enjoy barbecue chicken year-round without firing up the grill. Here’s why this recipe is a keeper:

• Quick prep time – Only takes 10 minutes to prepare
• Hands-off cooking – Let your oven do all the work
• Family-friendly – Kids and adults love the sweet and tangy BBQ flavor
• Versatile – Pairs with countless side dishes
• Meal prep friendly – Makes excellent leftovers

Ingredients for Perfect BBQ Chicken Breasts

• 4 whole skin-on, bone-in chicken breasts
• 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for extra caramelization)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds extra flavor)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Baking sheet or roasting pan
• Aluminum foil or parchment paper (for easier cleanup)
• Basting brush
• Meat thermometer
• Small mixing bowl

How to Make BBQ Chicken Breast in Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using).
3. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and promotes crispier skin.
4. Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil and rub to coat evenly.
5. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure to season under the skin for maximum flavor.
6. Place the chicken breasts skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
7. Bake for 25 minutes to allow the chicken to start cooking and the skin to begin crisping up.
8. After 25 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven and brush generously with BBQ sauce. If using brown sugar, mix it with the BBQ sauce before brushing.
9. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the BBQ sauce has caramelized.
10. For extra sticky, caramelized BBQ coating, brush with another layer of BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
11. Once done, remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
12. Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side if desired.

Pro Tips for the Best Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken

• Don’t rush the cooking: Cooking at a moderate temperature (375°F) allows the chicken to cook through without burning the BBQ sauce.
• Add BBQ sauce halfway through: Adding the sauce too early can cause it to burn; too late and it won’t caramelize properly.
• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken: The bones add flavor while the skin protects the meat and crisps up nicely with the BBQ sauce.
• Let it rest: Don’t skip the 5-minute rest after cooking – this makes a huge difference in juiciness!
• Layer the sauce: For more intense BBQ flavor, add multiple thin layers rather than one thick layer.

Perfect Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken

Complete your meal with these delicious sides that pair perfectly with BBQ chicken:

• Classic coleslaw
• Corn on the cob
• Baked beans
• Mac and cheese
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Green bean casserole
• Simple garden salad

Storing and Reheating Leftover BBQ Chicken

This oven-baked BBQ chicken makes excellent leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat it:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individual pieces tightly in foil, then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. You can also add a fresh brush of BBQ sauce when reheating for added moisture and flavor.

Nutrition Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well but cook faster. Reduce the initial baking time to 15 minutes before adding BBQ sauce, then continue baking for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can season the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and keep refrigerated until ready to bake. You can also fully cook the chicken, refrigerate, and reheat when ready to serve.

What if I don’t have bone-in chicken breasts?

Any chicken pieces work with this method – thighs, drumsticks, or wings. Just adjust cooking time accordingly (thighs and drumsticks may need slightly longer).

Can I use homemade BBQ sauce?

Homemade BBQ sauce works wonderfully and allows you to customize the flavors exactly to your liking!

Summary: Easy BBQ Chicken Breast in Oven Recipe

When you need a delicious dinner without a lot of fuss, this bbq chicken breast in oven recipe delivers every time. With just 10 minutes of prep and about 45 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a meal that tastes like you spent hours on it. The combination of spices and caramelized BBQ sauce creates a flavor-packed chicken that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Give this oven-baked BBQ chicken recipe a try next time you’re craving barbecue flavor without firing up the grill!

Recipe inspired by Allrecipes