Oven Baked Bbq Chicken Recipe

Irresistible Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe for Dinner Magic

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet delicious solutions like this mouthwatering oven baked BBQ chicken recipe that promises juicy, tender meat.

The secret lies in a perfect blend of tangy and sweet barbecue sauce coating each succulent piece.

Chicken lovers will adore how easily this dish comes together with minimal prep work.

Marinating the chicken infuses deep, rich flavors that make every bite memorable.

A simple combination of pantry staples creates a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen.

The aroma of caramelized BBQ sauce will have everyone rushing to the dinner table.

FAQs

  • Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Just adjust cooking time to prevent drying out, typically 25-35 minutes depending on thickness.

  • What type of BBQ sauce works best?

Any favorite BBQ sauce works great. Homemade or store-bought sweet, tangy, or spicy sauces will add delicious flavor to the chicken.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the chicken. This ensures the meat is safe to eat and remains juicy.

Oven Baked BBQ Chicken: Backyard Vibes Anytime

  • Quicken Dinner Prep: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this BBQ chicken a fast solution for busy weeknight meals, helping you get delicious food on the table without complicated techniques.
  • Boost Flavor Profile: Combining dry rub spices with tangy BBQ sauce creates a mouthwatering combination that transforms basic chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish with deep, rich flavors.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap different BBQ sauce varieties or adjust spice levels to match your family's taste preferences, making this recipe flexible for multiple palates and dietary needs.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for casual gatherings, family dinners, or weekend cookouts, this chicken appeals to both kids and adults with its familiar, crowd-pleasing taste and simple presentation.

BBQ Chicken Ingredients For Your Sheet Pan

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: A lean and versatile meat that serves as the primary ingredient for this barbecue-style dish.
Seasoning and Oil:
  • Olive Oil, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: A blend of spices and oil that enhances the chicken's flavor and helps create a delicious, well-seasoned exterior.
Sauce and Garnish:
  • BBQ Sauce, Fresh Parsley: A sweet and tangy sauce that caramelizes on the chicken, creating a glossy finish, while fresh parsley adds a bright, herbal touch to the final presentation.

Roasting Up BBQ Chicken – Step-By-Step

Step 1: Prepare Sizzling Oven Setup

Turn your oven to a toasty 400°F, creating the perfect warm environment for your chicken to cook beautifully.

Step 2: Season Chicken Masterfully

Gently pat the chicken pieces completely dry using paper towels.

Massage the chicken with:
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Ensure every inch of the chicken gets coated with these flavor-packed seasonings.

Step 3: Position Chicken for Perfect Baking

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces on the foil, allowing space between each piece for even cooking.

Step 4: Initial Roasting Phase

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Roast the chicken for 35-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown exterior and checking that the internal temperature hits 165°F using a meat thermometer.

Step 5: Glaze with Barbecue Brilliance

Pull the chicken out and generously brush your favorite barbecue sauce over each piece.

Return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and create a sticky, delicious coating.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy your mouthwatering barbecue chicken straight from the oven.

BBQ Chicken Tricks For Juicy Results

  • Use skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks for juicier, more flavorful results compared to boneless cuts.
  • Always check chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer to ensure safe and perfectly cooked meat without drying out.
  • Apply sauce during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to prevent burning and achieve beautiful caramelization without scorching.
  • Marinate chicken in spice rub and refrigerate for 2-4 hours before baking to enhance depth of seasoning and tenderness.
  • Try different BBQ sauce styles like smoky, sweet, or spicy to transform the dish and match personal taste preferences.

Sweet & Smoky BBQ Variations

  • Spicy Honey BBQ Chicken: Replace regular BBQ sauce with spicy honey BBQ sauce for a sweet and fiery kick.
  • Gluten-Free Herb Option: Use gluten-free BBQ sauce and swap paprika with dried herbs like thyme and rosemary for celiac-friendly preparation.
  • Grilled Alternative: Cook chicken on outdoor grill instead of oven, maintaining same seasoning and sauce technique for smoky flavor.
  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Substitute BBQ sauce with sugar-free barbecue sauce and add extra spices like cayenne for enhanced taste profile.

Serve Up That BBQ Chicken – Easy Wins

  • Backyard Barbecue Platter: Serve chicken alongside grilled corn on the cob, creamy coleslaw, and buttery dinner rolls for a classic summer meal that screams outdoor dining.
  • Healthy Protein Bowl: Slice the BBQ chicken and arrange over mixed greens, quinoa, and roasted vegetables, drizzling extra BBQ sauce as a zesty dressing.
  • Sandwich Sensation: Shred the chicken and pile onto toasted brioche buns with crisp lettuce, sliced pickles, and an extra swirl of tangy BBQ sauce for a mouthwatering sandwich experience.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Portion chicken into containers with brown rice and steamed broccoli for easy, delicious lunches throughout the week that keep you satisfied and energized.

Saving BBQ Chicken Leftovers

  • Cool chicken completely, transfer to an airtight container, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
  • Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
  • Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Stir between intervals to ensure even heating.
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Oven Baked Bbq Chicken Recipe

Oven Baked Bbq Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Succulent BBQ chicken emerges from your oven, promising a flavor-packed culinary journey through smoky, caramelized goodness. Mouthwatering spices and tender meat create a delightful dinner that will have friends and family craving seconds.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 23 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven and set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for optimal cooking environment.
  2. Thoroughly dry the chicken pieces using paper towels to ensure crisp skin and better seasoning adherence.
  3. Create a flavorful spice blend by massaging olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper directly onto the chicken surface.
  4. Arrange chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet to facilitate easy cleanup and promote even heat distribution.
  5. Roast the chicken for 35-45 minutes, monitoring the internal temperature until it precisely reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
  6. Generously coat the chicken with BBQ sauce, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor intensity.
  7. Return the sauced chicken to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and create a glossy, sticky exterior.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest briefly to allow juices to redistribute.
  9. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken for a vibrant garnish and added aromatic freshness.
  10. Serve immediately while the chicken remains hot and the sauce is still glistening.

Notes

  • Dry chicken thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispy, golden-brown skin that locks in maximum flavor and prevents soggy results.
  • Adjust cooking time for different chicken cuts, with breasts requiring less time and thighs needing slightly longer to reach perfect doneness.
  • Use a meat thermometer to guarantee food safety and prevent overcooking, which can make chicken tough and dry.
  • Try homemade or various store-bought BBQ sauce varieties to customize the flavor profile and keep the dish exciting.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 310 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 540 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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