What could be better than barbecue chicken? How about oven-baked barbecue chicken that is juicy, tender, and full of smoky flavor? In this recipe, I’ll show you how to make this crave-worthy dish in your own kitchen. It’s all you need is a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time. So fire up the oven, and let’s get cooking!
Barbecue chicken is a summertime favorite for good reason. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also relatively easy to make. And when you cook it in the oven, it’s even easier! Let’s take a look at few of the benefits of this dish:
1. It’s Perfect For A Summer Gathering
Now if you are hosting a backyard barbecue or a potluck picnic, oven-baked barbecue chicken is always a hit. It is a great dish to serve a crowd because it can be made ahead of time and reheated easily. Plus, there is no need to stand over a hot grill in the sweltering summer heat.
2. It’s A Healthy Choice
Barbecue chicken is a lean protein that is packed with nutrients. And when you bake it in the oven, you can avoid adding any extra fat or calories. You can also handle the amount of sodium in the dish by using a low-sodium barbecue sauce.
3. It’s Versatile
This dish can be served as an entree or cut up and used in salads, sandwiches, and wraps. Some people even like to use it as a pizza topping! For a fun twist, try serving it over a bed of rice or quinoa.
4. It’s Easy To Make
You do not need to be a master chef to make this recipe. In fact, it only takes a few minutes to prep, and then you can let the oven do the work. When it’s done, you’ll have a delicious and healthy meal that the whole family will enjoy.
5. It’s Economical
Chicken is an affordable protein option, especially when compared to other meats like steak or pork. Compared to other chicken recipes, this one is relatively inexpensive to make. If you are on a budget, it is a great dish to add to your repertoire.
6. It Freezes Well
Leftover barbecue chicken can be frozen and then reheated for a quick and easy meal later on. In fact, it’s often even better the second time around! If you have some extra chicken, go ahead and make a double batch. You’ll be glad you did.
7. It’s Downright Delicious!
Barbecue chicken is juicy, tender, and full of flavor. What more could you ask for? A few easy ingredients come together to create a dish that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. For a truly tantalizing experience, be sure to use a good-quality barbecue sauce.
What Type Of Ingredients Do You Need To Make Barbecue Chicken?
Now that I’ve talked about all the reasons why you should make this recipe, let’s talk about what you’ll need to do it. Here is an index of the ingredients you will need to make oven-baked barbecue chicken:
4-6 chicken breasts (skinless, boneless)
1 bottle of barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
1/4 cup of brown sugar (packed)
1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)
How To Make Barbecue Chicken In The Oven?
Now you have all the ingredients, and it’s time to get cooking! Here’s everything you need to do to make this recipe. Below are a few steps that will definitely guide you through the process, from start to finish.
1. Preheat The Oven.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to get the oven nice and hot before you add the chicken so that it will cook evenly. You also can turn the oven up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, but be sure to put an eye on the chicken so that it doesn’t overcook.
2. Prepare The Chicken Breasts.
If your chicken breasts are large, you may want to cut them in half so that they cook more evenly. You can also pound them thin if you want.
Just be sure to not pound them too thin, or they will dry out. Some people like to marinate their chicken breasts in barbecue sauce before cooking, but this step is optional. However, I think you can check out this post how to make juicy grilled chicken breast too.
3. Create The Marinade.
In a big bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). You can also count a little salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add The Chicken To The Marinade.
Make sure each chicken breast is well coated in the marinade. You can either utilize your hands or a spoon to do this. On average, let the chicken sit in the marinade for 30 minutes to an hour. If you’re short on time, you will cook the chicken immediately.
5. Let The Chicken Marinate.
Cover the bowl with the plastic wrap then let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if you have the time. The longer you let the chicken marinate, the more flavor it will have.
6. Preheat A Baking Sheet.
If you are ready to cook the chicken, preheat a baking sheet in the oven for 5 minutes. This will ensure that your chicken doesn’t stick to the pan. For extra insurance, you can line the baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
7. Add The Chicken To The Baking Sheet.
Carefully place the chicken breasts on the baking sheet. Be sure to shake off any type of extra marinade before adding them to the pan. While you don’t want the chicken to be drowning in marinade, you do want there to be a good amount on each piece.
8. Bake The Chicken.
Bake the chicken for minimum 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through. An internal temperature of the chicken should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not overcook the chicken, or it will be dry.
9. Remove From Oven And Let Rest.
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove this from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This will keep it juicy. Use a kitchen towel or oven mitt, carefully remove the chicken from the baking sheet and place it on a plate.
10. Serve And Enjoy!
Serve the chicken with your favorite sides, and enjoy! For example, you could serve it with roasted potatoes, a salad, or some sautéed vegetables.
How To Serve Oven-Baked Barbecue Chicken?
This chicken is best served hot, straight out of the oven. However, it will stay juicy and delicious even if it’s reheated. I have some ideas on serving this chicken that will make it even more amazing!
1. Serve It With Roasted Potatoes.
The combination of juicy chicken and crispy potatoes is unbeatable. Just roast some potatoes in the oven while the chicken is cooking, and you’ll have a complete meal. It doesn’t get much easier than that!
2. Make A BBQ Chicken Sandwich.
If you’re looking for a fast and easy way to enjoy this chicken, then make a sandwich! Just add some sliced chicken to a toasted bun, and top with your favorite barbecue sauce. For an even tastier sandwich, add some coleslaw or pickles. If know how to make the perfect grilled cheese sandwich, then I must say, you are going to be a pro!
3. Serve It With A Salad.
This chicken is great on top of any salad. I like to use romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, and grilled corn. Add your favorite sauce, and you are good to go! You could also use this chicken to make a delicious Cobb salad.
4. Use It As Pizza Toppings.
Who doesn’t love pizza? This chicken would be amazing on top of your favorite pizza dough or flatbread recipe. Just add some barbecue sauce, chicken, and your favorite pizza toppings. For a fun twist, try using a white barbecue sauce instead of red.
5. Make BBQ Chicken Nachos.
Nachos are always a good idea. Just top some tortilla chips with shredded chicken, barbecue sauce, cheese, and your favorite nacho toppings. In no time, you’ll have a delicious snack that everyone will love!
6. Serve It With Rice And Beans.
This chicken is great with any type of rice dish. I love to serve it over white rice with black beans on the side. Man that is good! You could also try it with brown rice, quinoa, or couscous.
7. Use It In A Wrap Or Burrito.
If you’re seeking for a lighter option, then use this chicken in a wrap or burrito. Just add some grilled chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite sauce to a tortilla. Some other great additions are avocado, cheese, and grilled vegetables.
8. Serve It With Sauteed Vegetables.
This chicken is also great with any type of sauteed vegetable. I love to serve it with grilled onions, peppers, and mushrooms. For a healthier option, try it with steamed broccoli or Brussels sprouts.
Conclusion
How to make barbecue chicken in the oven is no more a hidden secret. This is really quite simple and only takes a few minutes of preparation time.
The best part is that your chicken will come out nice and juicy with that delicious smoky flavor you love. Be sure to check out GrillCharms for more amazing recipes like this one – I know you won’t be disappointed!
My name is John Rinder and I have spent the majority of my adult life grilling and learning about barbecues.
In fact, my grilling experience stems from even before that, when I used to watch my father grill outdoors. Some of my favorite memories growing up were surrounding the grill in the backyard, or a portable grill on the beach or in the park.
