Baked BBQ Chicken
Tender, juicy chicken breasts baked to perfection and smothered in a tangy, smoky barbecue sauce. This incredibly easy recipe is a weeknight dinner hero, ready in under 45 minutes and guaranteed to be a family favorite.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)
- a.Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- 2
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels
- a.In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken, rub it in, and then sprinkle the spice mixture evenly on all sides.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Arrange the seasoned chicken in the prepared baking dish in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Bake for 20 minutes.
- 4
After 20 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven
- a.Brush about half of the BBQ sauce generously over the top of each chicken breast.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. Brush with the remaining BBQ sauce in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- 6
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 5 minutes
- a.This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe 165°F (74°C) without overcooking.
- 2Don't overcrowd the baking dish. Give the chicken pieces some space to ensure they bake evenly rather than steam.
- 3For a slightly caramelized, charred finish, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Watch it closely to prevent burning.
- 4Feel free to use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or legs; just adjust the baking time accordingly (they may take 40-50 minutes total).
- 5This chicken is great for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy
Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the spice rub, or mix a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce into the BBQ sauce before brushing.
healthyHealthy
Use a low-sugar or sugar-free BBQ sauce and serve with a side of steamed green beans or a large salad.
gluten freeGluten free
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a certified gluten-free BBQ sauce. Always check the label.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Use a milder, sweeter BBQ sauce. You can also cut the chicken into strips or nuggets before baking for easier handling by little ones.