The Juiciest Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Crispy and succulent oven baked bbq chicken promises a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Juicy chicken pieces marinate in a robust blend of tangy and sweet seasonings.

Weeknight dinners need exciting solutions, and this recipe delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

Marinades work magic by infusing deep, rich flavors into every tender morsel.

Sophisticated yet simple techniques transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal you’ll crave repeatedly.

Precise oven temperatures and strategic cooking methods ensure perfectly caramelized exteriors with moist, delectable interiors.

Let’s unlock the secrets to creating a mouthwatering bbq chicken that impresses everyone at the table.

Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Overview

• Supercharge Flavor: Searing chicken before baking locks in juicy goodness and creates a delicious golden-brown exterior that elevates the entire dish.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Taste: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels who want a delectable meal without complex techniques.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this BBQ chicken works great with multiple side dishes and appeals to both kids and adults with its sweet and savory profile.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal hands-on cooking time means you can prepare a mouthwatering meal without spending hours in the kitchen, giving you more time to enjoy with loved ones.

Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Ingredients

• Chicken: A versatile meat that becomes tender and flavorful when baked with BBQ sauce.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika: A classic spice combination that adds depth and enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden brown sear on the chicken's surface.
• BBQ Sauce: Provides a sweet and tangy coating that caramelizes during baking, creating a delicious glaze.

How to Prepare Oven Baked BBQ Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) and get ready for some seriously delicious chicken action.

Step 2: Prep The Chicken

Grab your chicken pieces and give them a good pat down with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika

Massage those spices into the chicken like you’re giving it a mini massage.

Step 3: Create A Golden Crust

Heat a skillet with a splash of olive oil over medium-high heat.

Lay the chicken pieces in the sizzling pan and cook until they turn a gorgeous golden brown on all sides.

This step locks in all those amazing flavors.

Step 4: Sauce It Up

Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and generously coat each piece with your favorite BBQ sauce.

Make sure every inch gets some saucy love.

Step 5: First Baking Round

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and let the chicken bake for 25-30 minutes.

Halfway through, pull out the dish and brush on another layer of BBQ sauce for extra flavor depth.

Step 6: Caramelize The Goodness

Crank up the oven temperature to 425°F.

Return the chicken to the oven for an additional 10 minutes.

This final blast creates a sticky, caramelized exterior that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and succulent.

Serve hot and enjoy your mouthwatering BBQ chicken!

Tips for Oven Baked BBQ Chicken

• Pat chicken thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a perfectly crispy exterior when baking.
• Experiment with different spice blends like Cajun or Italian seasoning to create unique flavor profiles beyond the basic salt and pepper.
• Choose a high-quality BBQ sauce with balanced sweetness and tanginess for maximum flavor development during caramelization.
• Cover chicken with foil if sauce starts to darken too quickly, protecting it from burning while allowing complete cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165F internal temperature for safe and juicy results, avoiding overcooking.

Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Variations

• Spicy Kick Variation: Replace paprika with cayenne pepper and add hot sauce to BBQ sauce for extra heat.
• Honey Mustard Swap: Use honey mustard sauce instead of traditional BBQ sauce for a tangy flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute BBQ sauce with sugar-free barbecue sauce or homemade keto-friendly sauce.
• Herb-Infused Version: Mix dried thyme, rosemary, and oregano into the seasoning blend for an aromatic Mediterranean-style chicken.

Serving Ideas for Oven Baked BBQ Chicken

• Picnic Perfect Platter: Serve this juicy BBQ chicken alongside creamy coleslaw and crispy corn on the cob for a classic summer meal that screams backyard gathering.
• Weekend Comfort Combo: Pair the chicken with fluffy mashed potatoes and roasted green beans to create a hearty dinner that brings family together around the table.
• Sandwich Superstar: Shred the leftover chicken and pile it onto soft brioche buns with extra BBQ sauce and crunchy pickles for an amazing next-day lunch option.
• Salad Sensation: Slice the chicken and toss over a fresh green salad with cherry tomatoes, red onions, and a light ranch dressing for a lighter, protein-packed meal.

Storage Instructions for Oven Baked BBQ Chicken

• Seal cooled chicken in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the chicken whole or shredded, ensuring it's completely covered to prevent drying out.
• Wrap chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air and freeze for up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date and contents.
• Preheat oven to 350F, place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Brush with extra BBQ sauce for moisture.

FAQs

• What spices work best for BBQ chicken?

A mix of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper creates a perfect flavor base that enhances the chicken’s taste and complements the BBQ sauce.

• Why sear the chicken before baking?

Searing locks in moisture, creates a delicious golden-brown exterior, and develops deeper flavor layers before the final baking process.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) at the thickest part of the chicken, ensuring it’s safe and juicy.

• Can I use different types of BBQ sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with sweet, spicy, or smoky BBQ sauces to customize the flavor profile of your chicken.

Oven Baked Bbq Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent BBQ chicken brings Southern comfort straight to your dinner table with a mouthwatering blend of smoky spices and tender meat. Crispy edges and juicy interior make this simple recipe a crowd-pleasing favorite you’ll want to serve again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 4 chicken thighs or drumsticks

Spices and Seasonings:

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

Liquids and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C) and positioning a rack in the middle.
2. Thoroughly blot chicken pieces with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring crisp exterior.
3. Create a robust seasoning blend by generously sprinkling salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika across all chicken surfaces.
4. Warm olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat, then carefully sear chicken until a rich golden-brown crust develops on each side.
5. Carefully transfer seared chicken to a clean baking dish, then lavishly coat each piece with a thick layer of BBQ sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, pausing midway to brush additional BBQ sauce for enhanced flavor and moisture.
7. Crank oven temperature to 425F to intensify caramelization, continuing to bake for an additional 10 minutes until sauce becomes sticky and chicken edges crisp.
8. Remove from oven and allow chicken to rest for 5-7 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring tender, succulent meat before serving.

Notes

• Searing the chicken before baking locks in moisture and creates a delicious golden-brown exterior that adds incredible depth of flavor.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe consumption, preventing dryness by avoiding overcooking.
• Choose low-sugar BBQ sauce for a healthier version or make your own homemade sauce to control sugar and sodium levels.
• For gluten-free variation, verify BBQ sauce ingredients and use certified gluten-free condiments to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg