Baked BBQ Chicken

Name: Baked BBQ Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: 4 pcs chicken leg quarters (bone-in, skin-on, about 450g each); 0.5 tsp salt (for seasoning chicken); 1 pinch black pepper (freshly ground); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 0.5 cup tomato paste; 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 3 tbsp honey; 2 tbsp brown sugar (packed); 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp mustard powder; 1 pcs onion (small, finely grated); 3 pcs garlic (cloves, minced); 0.25 cup water (for sauce); 1 tbsp oil (for sauteing aromatics)

RATING

4.6/5(187)

TASTE SCORE

9/10

Juicy, tender chicken pieces coated in a smoky, tangy homemade barbecue sauce and baked until caramelized and sticky. This easy oven method delivers all the flavor of the grill without stepping outside, perfect for a family dinner any night of the week.

PREP

15m

COOK

45m

SERVES

100 G

1012 cal

SERVINGS

METHOD · 7 STEPS

prep
Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly grease the rack with a little oil to prevent sticking.
prep
Season the chicken.
1.Pat the chicken leg quarters completely dry with paper towels.
2.In a small bowl, mix 0.5 tsp salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
3.Rub the spice mixture evenly all over the chicken pieces, including under the skin.
saute · ~5 min
Start the homemade BBQ sauce.
1.Heat 1 tbsp oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2.Add the grated onion and minced garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
3.Stir in the tomato paste and mustard powder. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
simmer · ~15 min
Simmer the BBQ sauce until thick.
1.Add the apple cider vinegar, honey, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and 0.25 cup water to the saucepan.
2.Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle bubble.
3.Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
bake · ~25 min
Bake the chicken for the first round.
1.Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces on the prepared wire rack, skin side up.
2.Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
3.Remove from the oven; the chicken should be partially cooked but not yet browned.
TIPUsing a wire rack lets the heat circulate around the chicken, resulting in crispy skin all over.
bake · ~20 min
Baste with BBQ sauce and finish baking.
1.Generously brush the top and sides of each chicken piece with the prepared BBQ sauce.
2.Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, basting once more halfway through.
3.Chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part and the sauce is caramelized.
TIPFor a stickier finish, switch the oven to broil for the final 2-3 minutes — watch closely to prevent burning.
rest · ~5 min
Rest the chicken before serving.
Transfer the chicken to a platter and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness. Brush with any remaining warm sauce right before serving.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Pat the chicken leg quarters completely dry before seasoning to ensure the spice rub adheres and the skin crisps up.
2
Place the chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to allow hot air to circulate, giving you crispy skin all around.
3
Simmer the sauce for the full 15 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon, or it will be too thin to caramelize properly.
4
Baste the chicken halfway through the second bake for a layered, sticky glaze, and reserve extra sauce for serving.
5
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking so the juices reabsorb into the meat, making every bite tender.
6
For extra char and tackiness, finish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

Spicy Kick

Add 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (minced) to the BBQ sauce for a smoky heat, perfect for those who love a fiery finish.

Honey Mustard Swirl

Replace the brown sugar with an extra tablespoon of honey and stir in 1 tablespoon of whole-grain mustard for a tangier, less sweet glaze.

Low Sugar

Low-Sugar

Swap the honey and brown sugar for a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit blend, and use no-sugar-added ketchup instead of tomato paste to reduce carbs.

Citrus BBQ

Add 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice and 1 teaspoon of orange zest to the sauce for a bright, fruity twist that complements the smoky paprika.

HEALTH BENEFITS