What Kind Of Chicken Should I Use
The key is to start with bone-in, half chicken breasts. Boneless and skinless chicken has its place in the poultry kingdom, but not here. We want the bone because it keeps the meat from drying out and imparts excellent flavor. Since we’re smothering this chicken with BBQ sauce, I’m going to take the skin off, but I often leave it on if I’m cooking it without a sauce. Leaving it on will naturally baste the chicken as it cooks and also crisps up nicely if you like that sort of thing. I’m kind of a skin hater so even if I leave it on to cook I rarely eat it.
Why This Recipe Works
In a nutshell, this recipe uses bone-in chicken breasts and a flavorful marinade. Both of these things help the chicken stay moist and juicy while cooking in the oven. Then, you’ll brush the chicken with bbq sauce during the last few minutes of cooking so that it forms a sticky bbq sauce topping and makes the chicken irresistible.
How To Get A Super Thick Bbq Glaze
First, the chicken is seasoned with oil, salt and pepper, placed skin side down on a rimmed baking sheet, and roasted for 25 minutes.
Then, the chicken is removed from the oven and basted with BBQ sauce THREE times.
Each time BBQ sauce is added, it thickens and caramelizes in the oven. By the time youve added that third layer, youve got a delicious thick, sweet, sticky layer of BBQ sauce on every inch of the chicken.
YUM.
Read Also: How To Make Chicken Jerkey
Oven Baked Bbq Chicken Breasts
When I cook with chicken, more often than not ill use chicken thighs, but sometimes easy to slice up chicken breasts are what you need and this recipe is bursting with BBQ flavor, super easy to make and keeps the meat juicy and tender.
If youre planning ahead you might prefer to marinade BBQ chicken but id urge you to try this recipe, you get all the flavor without having to have planned ahead of time and get the marinade ready. It takes just a few minutes to get the sauce together and then its just the cooking time.
I use this homemade BBQ spice rub to give these chicken breasts a good BBQ flavor. I usually have a batch around as I use it for lots of things and when mixed with a little honey it makes a pretty awesome instant BBQ coating for chicken.
The spice mix itself is a simple mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, a little salt and cumin among others. Its a really handy mixture to have on hand, and once its blended I keep it in an old cleaned out spice jar with my other spices.
If youd like to try making barbecue sauce, this smokey BBQ sauce we made when we couldnt find our usual one in the shops is yummy, if a little time consuming which is why I prefer to use a spice rub to make this chicken. If you want extra BBQiness you could always add a little pot of this on the side!
Baked Chicken Breast Temperatures And Time
This chicken turns out super moist and tender and, although I baked mine at 350 degrees, it can also be baked at higher temperatures for a quicker turnaround time. The standard rule is the less baking time at higher temperatures results in a moister and juicier chicken breast.
- 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes
- 400 degrees for 25 minutes
- 425 degrees for 18-20 minutes
- 450 degrees for 15-18 minutes
Note:Check on the chicken cooked at higher temperatures halfway through cooking time to make sure the BBQ sauce has not dried up. In addition, be sure to turn the heat down to 350 degrees after adding the cheese and bacon to give the cheese time to melt properly.
Also Check: Recipe For Roast Chicken In Oven
What To Serve With Baked Bbq Chicken
Serve this bbq chicken up with all your favorite bbq sides. Here are some of ours:
Looking for a quick and flavorful way to cook chicken breasts? These Baked BBQ Chicken Breasts are perfect for any night of the week. Plus, were sharing our best tips for cooking chicken breasts in the oven.
- Lexi’s Clean Kitchen
- 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Bbq Chicken Vs Grilled Chicken
When someone says “bbq chicken” you think one of two things, right? There’s the barbeque chicken that is cooked on a grill or smoker and there’s the chicken that is baked in the oven with barbecue sauce. This recipe is the latter. If you’d like some recipes for grilled chicken, try this Gorgeous Grilled Chicken recipe, my Garlic Ranch Chicken Marinade, or my go-to recipe for Basic Grilled Chicken.
Read Also: Wendy’s Apple Pecan Chicken Salad
Boneless Chicken Breast Or Bone
Boneless chicken breasts wont have as much flavor as the bone-in/skin-on variety. Thats why basting in BBQ sauce at the end of the cooking time is where youll find a lot of flavor. And when seasoned and cooked correctly, even my recipe for basic sauce-less grilled chicken breasts can taste flavorful and juicy every time.
Most chicken eaters prefer the white meat of chicken breasts. So for chicken thats cooked quick, I use basic, skinless, boneless chicken breasts. Of course you can use this same cooking method for skin-on, bone-in BBQ chicken breasts, or for legs and thighs too. The technique is the same, the cooking times will vary.
Larger chicken breasts do not always translate to better chicken. Bigger breasts take longer to cook, and cook unevenly or overcook. Look for chicken breasts that are between 6 to 9 ounces per piece. If youre chicken breasts are thin on the ends and fat in the middle, trim the thin ends off so they dont crisp and burn..
If you want an extra fast BBQ chicken breast, slice your boneless breasts in half lengthwise to make two thin cutlets. Theyll cook in half the time.
Baked Bbq Chicken Breast Recipe
These perfectly cooked BBQ Chicken Breasts are your answer to a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. The chicken is pounded out to an even thickness, quickly marinated with a bit of apple cider vinegar and spices, topped with BBQ sauce and then baked to perfection. And were sharing all the tips we have to make sure you get the juiciest chicken possible! Serve this along side sweet potato fries, mashed potatoes, cauliflower rice or on top of a big salad and dinner is served!
Don’t Miss: Recipes For Chicken Breast Pan Fried
Bbq Chicken Breast In Oven
I have yet to meet someone who doesn’t love oven bbq chicken breast! It’s just one of those universally appealing meals that works well for both kids and adults. The tender, juicy meat pairs nicely with almost any of your favorite sides, making it convenient for potlucks, picnics, or big family dinners. No matter when you serve it, you can’t beat the convenience of baked barbecue chicken!
Storage & Bbq Chicken Leftovers
This barbecue chicken keeps like a dream in the fridge and to store leftovers I keep them wrapped in some foil in an airtight container, so they have a double layer of protection against the air, which is what can cause chicken to dry out and I keep them for up to 2 days.
We eat these hot or cold. The kids prefer to eat these cold, so straight from the fridge, but if you want to reheat them you can pop them into the microwave, covered with food wrap, for a minute or so until theyre piping hot throughout.
Read Also: Baking Chicken Legs And Thighs
Easy Bbq Chicken Breasts In The Oven
We are definitely barbecue sauce lovers in our house. Whether we are using it to coat BBQ Turkey Meatballs or slathering it over Instant Pot Ribs, that sweet and smoky and tangy flavor always gets mouths watering in my house.
While I love grilling in the summertime, I dont want to wait for the warm weather to enjoy juicy barbecue chicken breasts. And then it reached the point where its just too hot to stand over an open flame.
So if you are anything like my family, you need a baked barbecue chicken recipe so that you can enjoy this dinnertime staple any time of the year. With the right seasonings, a simple method, and your favorite sauce, youll end up with perfectly moist results every time. No dry chicken here!
Common Questions About Baked Bbq Chicken Breast
Is this a saucy chicken recipe?
There will be enough sauce in the baking dish to spoon some over the chicken breasts when you serve them.
What BBQ sauce should I use?
We love to make our own homemade BBQ sauce so we can control the sugar and other ingredients. If you have a favorite store-bought BBQ sauce use that! Sweet Baby Ray’s is a popular choice.
Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs?
Chicken thighs cook differently than chicken breasts. If you want to use thighs, we recommend using our baked BBQ chicken recipe.
Why is the sauce runny?
Some chicken breasts are injected with water to make them look larger. This water is released during cooking which can water down the sauce. If this happens to you, pour the sauce into a small pan and boil it rapidly over high heat for a few minutes so it thickens.
How do I tell if the chicken is cooked?
When chicken breast is ready to eat, the meat will be completely white on the inside. Using an instant-read meat thermometer is the best way to check the chicken. Knowing the exact temperature helps ensure that you don’t overcook the chicken, which is essential if you want it to remain juicy. Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Also Check: Lemon Pepper Marinade For Chicken
What Kind Of Bbq Sauce Should I Use
You can use any kind you want! I live right down the street from Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood, TX, and Im obsessed with their Spicy BBQ Sauce.
A lot of readers have commented that theyve used Sweet Baby Rays with great results.
Something to keep in mind: a lot of store-bought BBQ sauces have a lot of added sugar. Frankly, its what makes it taste so good and sugar is vital for getting that thick caramelization. You can make your own homemade bbq sauce if you prefer.
Prepare yourself for finger-licking deliciousness.
Ingredients To Make Baked Bbq Chicken Breast
- Chicken: Use medium skinless and boneless chicken breast that are similar in size. This will allow them to be done at the same time.
- Olive Oil: Keeps the moisture in and lets the dry rub stick to thechicken.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a sweet flavor and caramelizes while being baked.
- Spices: I use a combination of mustard powder, sea salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. To make a tasty dry rub to the chicken while it bakes in the oven.
- BBQ Sauce: I like to use my homemade barbecue sauce, but you can use your favorite store-bought kind.
You May Like: The Best Grilled Chicken Wings
Do You Cover Baked Chicken With Aluminum Foil
When it comes to baking chicken, you have two options: 1) bake it in the oven at 350°F or 2) bake it in the oven at 400°F or 3) bake it in the oven at 400°F or 4) bake it in the oven at 400°F or 5) bake it in the oven at 400°F or 6) bake it in the oven at 400°F or 7) bake it in the oven at 400°F or 6) bake it in the oven at 400°F or 7) bake it in the oven According to the USDA, baking at 350°F for 20-30 minutes is the usual way for cooking a 4-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breast.Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.Baking for a shorter period of time at a higher temperature results in more juicy chicken.
Why Youll Love This Bbq Chicken Recipe:
- ITS EASY TO MAKE: You only need a few ingredients, including a handful of seasonings, some chicken, and barbeque sauce to prepare this recipe.
- THE CHICKEN TASTES AMAZING: No more dry, flavorless chicken when you follow this recipe. Its absolutely delicious.
- ITS SO VERSATILE: You can do a lot with this chicken after youve prepared it, such as serving it on a bed of lettuce in a salad, using it to make a burrito bowl, or even pairing with some of your favorite side dishes.
The Baked BBQ Chicken is, by far, one of the easiest recipes youll ever come across. Whether youre new in the kitchen or not, you can enjoy making this delicious entree.
Don’t Miss: Air Fry Thin Chicken Breast
Oven Baked Bbq Chicken
If youve had trouble baking your chicken in the oven because it always seems to come out dry and flavorless, be sure to try this Baked BBQ Chicken recipe. Its such a simple yet absolutely delicious recipe that will keep you coming back for seconds and thirds.
And, Baked BBQ Chicken goes great with so many sides, such as mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, and even baked macaroni cheese. You can pair it with anything you like!
The Key To Moist Flavorful Bbq Chicken
It is all about adding the most flavor and keeping the chicken moist during the cooking process. I coat the chicken in olive oil, then add a combination of spices. Bake it at a high temperature to help it stay moist and juicy. Then, add a thick coating of barbecue sauce and broil it to give it a sticky-sweet caramelized sauce on the exterior.
Don’t Miss: Bang Bang Chicken Cheesecake Factory
Easy Oven Baked Bbq Chicken Breasts
* We sometimes use affiliate links, so we may receive a commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Check our disclosure for more info.
Juicy, tender and full of flavor, baked BBQ chicken breasts are quick and easy to make. Take them on picnics, throw on a salad, stuff them in pita bread or as part of a hot meal, these versatile chicken breasts go with so many things.
How To Get Perfect Juicy Baked Chicken
The secret to getting juicy and flavorful chicken is ultimately about not overcooking it. That is the single most important part of cooking chicken breasts, which are lower in fat than their dark meat counterparts. However, we took a few extra steps in addition to correctly cooking the chicken to make sure this recipe is amazing.
First, youre going to pound out the meat to an even thickness with a meat mallet . This ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked throughout, instead of having some parts of the chicken overcooked because they are thinner.
Next, you are going to quickly marinate the chicken with a dry rub. The apple cider vinegar adds flavor and makes the meat more tender, as does the sugar and spices. Once extra step we took with this chicken was to pierce the breast all over with a fork. This again, lets the marinade and BBQ sauce penetrate the chicken a bit more, as well as gently tenderizes the meat.
Lastly, and the most important step is to remove the chicken just before it has finished cooking. As all meat does, the chicken will continue to cook after it has been removed from the oven. We always suggest using an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature of meat, and chicken breast should be removed from the oven between 155º-160º. Once the chicken has been pulled out, cover the pan with aluminum foil and allow the chicken to rests. This lets the chicken finish cooking to 165º and lets the chicken rest so all the juices stay within the chicken breast.
Don’t Miss: New Wendy’s Chicken Sandwich
How To Bake Bbq Chicken Breasts
Preparations. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Stir together the olive oil, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and chili powder or paprika. Place the chicken in a cast iron skillet or a glass or ceramic baking dish and cover with the seasoned oil, rubbing it into the surface of the chicken.
Bake and Sauce. Bake for 10 minutes, cover in barbecue sauce, and return to the oven until it is cooked through. Once the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F, remove it from the oven and rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into it.
What To Serve With It
If you’re watching carbs, you can serve the BBQ chicken breasts with The Best Italian Green Salad. In fact, I love slicing up this leftover chicken to enjoy in a salad for lunch.
Otherwise, serve the chicken with this five-minute Italian Bean Salad and Steamed Asparagus or Steamed Corn on the Cob for a complete, 30-minute dinner.
If you’ve got extra time, these Oven-Roasted Potatoes bake at the same temperature and would work really well here. Of course, Deviled Egg Potato Salad or Italian Potato Salad with Green Beans also would be delicious for your BBQ chicken dinner.
And, you can definitely serve this oven-baked BBQ chicken in a hot, toasty sandwich. Oooh, that sounds good.
Read Also: Homemade Egg Noodles For Chicken Noodle Soup