Introduction
Craving BBQ but don’t feel like firing up the grill? This Oven Roasted BBQ Chicken brings that same smoky, saucy satisfaction right from your oven. Juicy, tender chicken breasts are seasoned, roasted, and glazed in sticky BBQ sauce for a finger-licking main that’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy Every Time: Oven roasting ensures moist, perfectly cooked chicken.
- Big BBQ Flavor: Bold spices and your favorite BBQ sauce coat every bite.
- No Grill Needed: All the smoky satisfaction with zero outdoor effort.
- Weeknight Hero: Done in under an hour with simple pantry ingredients.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters go back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp paprika – for subtle warmth
- ½ tsp garlic powder – savory boost
- ½ tsp onion powder – extra flavor depth
- 1 tsp salt – enhances all flavors
- ½ tsp black pepper – for a hint of spice
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Spice Blend: In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Season the Chicken: Rub both sides of the chicken with olive oil, then coat evenly with the spice blend.
- Initial Roast: Place the chicken on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
- First Glaze: Brush half of the BBQ sauce over both sides of the chicken. Return to oven and bake 10 more minutes.
- Final Glaze: Apply the remaining BBQ sauce to the tops of the chicken and bake another 10–15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips
- Use a Thermometer: Chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F, but remove at 160°F, carryover heat finishes the job.
- Don’t Skimp on Resting: Letting it rest helps juices redistribute for maximum tenderness.
- Line Your Pan: Parchment makes for easy cleanup, no baked-on BBQ mess.
- Double Sauce It: Want extra sticky chicken? Warm up extra BBQ sauce for drizzling at the table.
Variations & Substitutions
- Thighs Instead: Use boneless skinless thighs for a juicier, richer option.
- Spicy BBQ Kick: Mix in hot sauce or cayenne to your BBQ sauce.
- Low Sugar Swap: Use a sugar-free BBQ sauce for a keto-friendly version.
- Herb Boost: Add a sprinkle of dried thyme or oregano to the spice rub.
Storage & Reheating
Storage Tips
Place cooled chicken in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating Tips
Microwave in 30-second bursts, or reheat in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through. Add a splash of water and cover with foil to keep it moist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside creamy coleslaw, roasted veggies, or piled high on a sandwich bun with pickles. It’s also perfect chopped over a salad or wrapped in a tortilla for BBQ chicken tacos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, just adjust the cooking time, bone-in pieces may need 10–15 extra minutes.
Can I prep this in advance?
Yes! You can season the chicken and keep it refrigerated up to a day ahead. Just bake and glaze when ready.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Any favorite will work, sweet, smoky, spicy, or even homemade.
How do I prevent dry chicken?
Use a thermometer and let the chicken rest after baking. These two tricks make all the difference.
Conclusion
This Oven Roasted BBQ Chicken is as simple as it is satisfying. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal-prepping for the week, it’s a no-fail, crave-worthy dish. Try it tonight and let the BBQ flavor speak for itself!
Print
Oven Roasted BBQ Chicken
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: meals
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Tender chicken breasts roasted in the oven, slathered in BBQ sauce, and baked to perfection for a weeknight win everyone will love.
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 inch thick)
1 cup BBQ sauce
2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub chicken with olive oil, then coat with spice blend.
4. Place chicken on sheet pan and bake for 20 minutes.
5. Brush half the BBQ sauce on both sides; bake another 10 minutes.
6. Brush remaining BBQ sauce on top and bake 10–15 more minutes, until internal temp reaches 160°F.
7. Let rest 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use parchment for easy cleanup.
Add hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for a spicy twist.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 ounces
- Calories: 298
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 1054
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0.02
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 33
- Cholesterol: 97
