Oven Baked Bbq Chicken Recipe

The Juiciest Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe for Homestyle Flavor

Crafting mouthwatering oven baked BBQ chicken brings pure culinary joy to any gathering.

Weeknight dinners demand something special that doesn’t consume hours in the kitchen.

Succulent chicken pieces marinated in tangy sauce promise incredible flavor without complicated techniques.

Our simple method guarantees juicy meat with perfectly caramelized edges that make everyone smile.

Spices and homemade barbecue glaze create a delicious combination that transforms ordinary protein into an extraordinary meal.

Quick preparation means you can focus on enjoying time with loved ones instead of standing over hot stoves.

One bite and you’ll understand why this recipe becomes an instant classic at every table.

Tips to Perfect Oven Baked BBQ Chicken

  • Place chicken on a wire rack over the baking sheet to allow air circulation and avoid soggy bottoms.
  • Choose a thick BBQ sauce to create a sticky, caramelized coating without making the chicken too wet.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption without overcooking.
  • Let chicken sit with seasonings for 30 minutes before baking to enhance taste and tenderness.
  • Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking to help juices redistribute and maintain moisture.

Variation Ideas for Oven Baked BBQ Chicken

  • Honey Mustard Chicken: Replace BBQ sauce with honey mustard for a tangy, sweet flavor profile that complements the seasoned chicken.
  • Spicy Sriracha Chicken: Swap BBQ sauce with sriracha and honey mix for a fiery kick that adds excitement to the classic recipe.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free BBQ sauce and ensure all spices are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Low-Carb Herb Chicken: Omit BBQ sauce and create a herb-based marinade using fresh rosemary, thyme, and lemon juice for a lighter version.

Serving Suggestions for Oven Baked BBQ Chicken

  • Picnic Perfect Platter: Arrange the BBQ chicken on a large wooden board with fresh corn on the cob, coleslaw, and crispy potato wedges for a classic summer meal that feels like a backyard celebration.
  • Sandwich Sensation: Slice the chicken and pile onto soft brioche buns with extra BBQ sauce, crisp lettuce, and a side of tangy pickles for an incredible lunch option that transforms leftovers into something special.
  • Salad Star: Chop the cooled BBQ chicken and toss over a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber, drizzling with a light ranch or honey mustard dressing for a protein-packed, refreshing meal.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Portion the chicken into containers with quinoa and roasted vegetables for easy, grab-and-go lunches that stay moist and flavorful throughout the week.

Storing Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Properly

  • Seal leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep chicken pieces separate to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in aluminum foil or freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months without losing flavor or quality.
  • Preheat oven to 350F, place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Brush with extra BBQ sauce for moisture.

FAQs

  • Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?

Yes, bone-in chicken works perfectly. Just adjust cooking time to ensure it reaches 165°F internal temperature, which might take 5-10 minutes longer.

  • What type of BBQ sauce works best?

Choose a sauce with balanced sweetness and tanginess. Homemade or store-bought Kansas City or Memphis-style sauces are excellent choices for this recipe.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken must reach 165°F at the thickest part to be safely consumed.

  • Can I prepare this chicken in advance?

You can season the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat for more flavor.

Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Full of Flavor

  • Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Minimal prep and easy steps make this BBQ chicken a go-to meal for busy families, transforming dinner into a stress-free experience.
  • Customize Your Flavor: Swap BBQ sauce brands or add personal spice blends to create a unique taste that matches your family's preferences and culinary creativity.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Juicy chicken with sticky, tangy BBQ sauce delivers a classic crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults, perfect for casual gatherings or family meals.
  • Healthier Home Cooking: Baking instead of frying reduces excess oil, allows precise seasoning control, and provides a nutritious alternative to takeout or processed meals.

Ingredients for Oven Baked BBQ Chicken

Protein:
  • Chicken: A lean and versatile meat perfect for a delicious barbecue-style dish.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Olive Oil: Helps to keep the chicken moist and aids in browning.
  • Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Creates a flavorful and aromatic base seasoning for the chicken.
Finishing Sauce:
  • Barbecue Sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy coating that caramelizes during baking.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

How to Prepare Oven Baked BBQ Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready for the chicken’s grand entrance.

Step 2: Prepare The Chicken

Pat the chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels.

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

Massage these seasonings all over the chicken to create a flavor-packed coating.

Step 3: First Baking Round

Place the seasoned chicken on a lined baking sheet.

Slide the sheet into the preheated oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken starts to turn golden and cook through.

Step 4: Sauce It Up

Pull the chicken out and generously coat each piece with BBQ sauce.

Make sure every inch gets a delicious sauce bath.

Return the saucy chicken to the oven for another 10-15 minutes.

Step 5: Caramelize The Edges

For extra crispy, slightly charred edges, switch your oven to broil.

Cook for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve hot and watch everyone dive in with excitement.

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Oven Baked Bbq Chicken Recipe

Oven Baked Bbq Chicken Recipe


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4.7 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mouthwatering BBQ chicken combines zesty spices and tender meat for an unforgettable meal. Perfectly grilled and glazed, this dish brings Southern comfort to dinner tables with irresistible flavor.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Liquid and Garnish:

  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 400F (200C), ensuring optimal cooking temperature for juicy chicken.
  2. Thoroughly pat chicken pieces with paper towels to remove excess moisture, creating a perfect surface for seasoning.
  3. Massage chicken with olive oil, then evenly coat with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to enhance flavor profiles.
  4. Arrange seasoned chicken on a lined baking sheet, spreading pieces to allow even heat circulation.
  5. Roast chicken for 25-30 minutes, developing a golden exterior and ensuring initial cooking of the meat.
  6. Remove chicken from oven and liberally coat with BBQ sauce, creating a glossy and flavorful exterior.
  7. Return chicken to oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing sauce to caramelize and chicken to reach complete doneness.
  8. For extra crispy texture, activate broiler and cook for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  9. Check internal chicken temperature reaches 165F (74C) to guarantee food safety.
  10. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over chicken for a vibrant garnish and serve immediately while hot and succulent.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken is completely dry before seasoning to achieve crispy, golden-brown skin that locks in maximum flavor.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and perfectly cooked chicken without drying out.
  • Experiment with homemade or store-bought BBQ sauces to customize the flavor profile and match your taste preferences.
  • For a gluten-free option, verify that your BBQ sauce is certified gluten-free and use alternative seasonings if needed.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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