Oven Baked Bbq Chicken Recipe

Looking for a delicious and easy way to enjoy classic BBQ chicken without firing up the grill? This Oven Baked BBQ Chicken recipe is the perfect solution! With tender, juicy chicken baked to perfection and slathered in a sweet, tangy BBQ sauce, this dish will satisfy all your cravings for smoky, sticky barbecue goodness. Plus, using the oven makes it a simple, year-round option for those times when grilling isn’t convenient.

Whether you're cooking for a weeknight family dinner, a weekend get-together, or meal prepping for the week, this Oven Baked BBQ Chicken will become your go-to recipe. Ready to make some delicious BBQ chicken in your oven? Let’s get started!

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What is "Oven Baked BBQ Chicken"?

Oven Baked BBQ Chicken is a simple and tasty recipe where chicken pieces—like drumsticks, thighs, or breasts—are seasoned, baked in the oven, and then coated with a rich BBQ sauce. The oven's heat ensures the chicken is cooked evenly, resulting in tender and juicy meat, while the BBQ sauce caramelizes beautifully for a sticky, finger-licking-good finish.

The beauty of this recipe is that it requires minimal prep and can be made year-round, no matter the weather. It’s also versatile, as you can use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own, and you can adjust the level of sweetness, tanginess, or spice to suit your taste.

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Ingredients List for Oven Baked BBQ Chicken

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavorful Oven Baked BBQ Chicken:

For the Chicken:

1. Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks (2-3 pounds) – You can use any cut you prefer, but thighs and drumsticks stay extra juicy and flavorful in the oven.
2. Olive Oil (2 tablespoons) – Helps the seasonings adhere and adds moisture to the chicken.
3. Paprika (1 teaspoon) – Adds color and a mild, smoky flavor.
4. Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon) – Adds a savory, aromatic flavor.
5. Onion Powder (1 teaspoon) – Enhances the depth of flavor.
6. Salt (1 teaspoon) – To season the chicken and bring out the natural flavors.
7. Black Pepper (½ teaspoon) – Adds a mild kick of heat.

For the BBQ Sauce:

1. BBQ Sauce (1 cup) – You can use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own (see homemade BBQ sauce recipe below).
2. Honey (2 tablespoons) – Optional, but adds a touch of sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize beautifully.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tablespoon) – For a bit of tang to balance the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.

For Garnish (Optional):

1. Fresh Parsley (chopped) – Adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.

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Substitutions and Variations

You can easily customize this Oven Baked BBQ Chicken recipe based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some options:

• Chicken Breasts: If you prefer chicken breasts, just be mindful of the cooking time, as breasts cook faster than thighs or drumsticks. Check them for doneness around 25-30 minutes.
• Boneless Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, but keep in mind they cook quicker, so adjust the baking time accordingly.
• Homemade BBQ Sauce: If you prefer making your own BBQ sauce, you can combine ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and spices for a homemade version (recipe below).
• Spicy BBQ Chicken: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for a spicy kick.
• Sugar-Free Version: Use a sugar-free BBQ sauce or skip the honey if you’re looking to reduce sugar.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make perfectly juicy and flavorful Oven Baked BBQ Chicken:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet or a baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

• Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure they get a nice crispy skin.
• In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken pieces, making sure to coat them evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

• Arrange the chicken on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side up, making sure the pieces aren’t touching to allow even cooking.
• Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes (for drumsticks and thighs) or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The skin should be golden and crispy.

Step 4: Add BBQ Sauce

• While the chicken is baking, prepare the BBQ sauce. In a small bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar.
• Remove the chicken from the oven and brush a generous layer of BBQ sauce all over each piece. Turn the chicken over and brush the other side with sauce as well.

Step 5: Broil for Caramelization

• Set your oven to Broil (on high), and return the BBQ-coated chicken to the oven.
• Broil the chicken for an additional 3 to 5 minutes or until the BBQ sauce is bubbly and caramelized. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

• Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color, and serve with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread.

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How to Make Homemade BBQ Sauce

If you prefer a homemade version, here’s a simple recipe for a classic BBQ Sauce:

Ingredients:

• Ketchup (1 cup)
• Brown Sugar (¼ cup)
• Worcestershire Sauce (2 tablespoons)
• Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tablespoon)
• Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon)
• Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon)
• Onion Powder (1 teaspoon)
• Black Pepper (½ teaspoon)
• Cayenne Pepper (optional, ¼ teaspoon for heat)

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine all the ingredients.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Let the sauce cool before using it to baste the chicken.

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How to Cook Oven Baked BBQ Chicken: A Quick Summary

1. Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken pieces with a mixture of olive oil, spices, salt, and pepper.
2. Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes.
3. Add BBQ Sauce: Brush the chicken with BBQ sauce, honey, and vinegar mixture.
4. Broil for Caramelization: Broil the BBQ-coated chicken for 3-5 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and caramelized.
5. Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, garnish with parsley, and enjoy!

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few tips to help you avoid common mistakes and ensure your Oven Baked BBQ Chicken turns out perfectly:

• Skipping the Pat Dry Step: Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning. This helps the skin get crispy in the oven.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as it can lead to uneven cooking and prevent the skin from crisping up.
• Undercooking the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
• Burning the Sauce: Keep a close eye on the chicken when broiling, as the BBQ sauce can burn quickly. Broil for only 3-5 minutes, just until the sauce is caramelized.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your Oven Baked BBQ Chicken is ready, it’s time to serve it up! Here are some ideas to make your meal even more enjoyable:

How to Serve Oven Baked BBQ Chicken

• With Classic Sides: Serve the chicken with classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad, or cornbread for a complete meal.
• Over Rice or Pasta: Pair the chicken with rice or buttered pasta for a simple but satisfying meal.
• In a Sandwich: Shred the leftover BBQ chicken and make sandwiches or sliders with buns and pickles for a delicious next-day meal.

Presentation Ideas for Oven Baked BBQ Chicken

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro adds a touch of color and freshness.
• Serve with Lemon Wedges: For a bright, tangy contrast to the sweet BBQ sauce, serve the chicken with lemon wedges on the side.
• Add Extra Sauce on the Side: Provide extra BBQ sauce for dipping or drizzling over the chicken.

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Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe Tips

To ensure your Oven Baked BBQ Chicken turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

1. Marinate for Extra Flavor: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for a few hours or overnight before baking.
2. Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
3. Meal Prep: This chicken is perfect for meal prep! You can make a large batch and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze them for later use.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts, but keep in mind that boneless chicken cooks faster. Check for doneness after 20-25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
A: The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken for doneness.

Q: Can I make this recipe with skinless chicken?
A: Yes, you can use skinless chicken. While the skin helps the chicken stay juicy and adds flavor, skinless chicken will still taste great but might not have the same crisp texture.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a covered dish and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

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Conclusion

This Oven Baked BBQ Chicken recipe is the ultimate easy and delicious meal for any day of the week. With minimal effort, you’ll have tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky, flavorful BBQ sauce that the whole family will love. Whether you’re serving it with classic BBQ sides or getting creative with leftovers, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

Now that you have all the tips and step-by-step instructions, it’s time to fire up your oven and enjoy some delicious homemade BBQ chicken! Enjoy!

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