There’s something incredibly satisfying about a plate of juicy, tender BBQ chicken. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or cooking for a backyard gathering, this Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe is an easy way to get that delicious, smoky BBQ flavor without needing a grill. This recipe yields perfectly baked chicken with crispy skin and a sticky, flavorful barbecue sauce, all done in the comfort of your kitchen.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to make the perfect oven-baked BBQ chicken. So, fire up your oven and get ready for a delicious, finger-licking meal that your family will love.
What is Oven Baked BBQ Chicken?
Oven Baked BBQ Chicken is chicken pieces—either breasts, thighs, or drumsticks—seasoned and baked to perfection, then slathered with your favorite BBQ sauce and baked until the sauce caramelizes. Unlike grilling, baking BBQ chicken in the oven ensures that the chicken cooks evenly, stays moist, and absorbs all the delicious flavors from the sauce. It’s an easy, no-fuss way to enjoy BBQ chicken all year round, no matter the weather.
Ingredients List for Oven Baked BBQ Chicken
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make juicy and flavorful Oven Baked BBQ Chicken:
For the Chicken:
- 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are juicy and flavorful, but you can also use drumsticks, chicken breasts, or a combination.
- 2 tablespoon olive oil: Helps crisp up the skin and gives a golden color.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For a savory, aromatic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds sweetness and depth.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor, enhancing the BBQ taste.
- 1 teaspoon salt: To season the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: For a little kick of spice.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional): Adds sweetness to the seasoning and helps with caramelization.
For the BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce. You can choose sweet, tangy, smoky, or spicy depending on your preference.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor to the BBQ sauce.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Adds tanginess to balance the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar: Adds extra sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize on the chicken.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is versatile and can be customized based on your preferences:
- Chicken parts: You can use any part of the chicken for this recipe—bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, drumsticks, or breasts. Keep in mind that breasts may cook faster than thighs or drumsticks.
- Boneless chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, but adjust the cooking time to prevent them from drying out. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, then apply the BBQ sauce.
- BBQ sauce: Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce. You can make it spicy by adding a dash of hot sauce or smoky by using a sauce with added smoke flavor.
- Gluten-free: Ensure that your BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free for a gluten-free meal.
- Low-sugar: Use a sugar-free or reduced-sugar BBQ sauce if you prefer to cut back on sugar.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make perfectly baked BBQ chicken in your oven:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep the Chicken
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack on top if you want extra-crispy chicken.
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Rub each piece with olive oil to help with browning and seasoning. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and brown sugar (if using). Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring all sides are coated.
Step 2: Bake the Chicken
- Bake the chicken: Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet (or wire rack). Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). For larger chicken pieces like breasts or drumsticks, you may need to bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the BBQ Sauce
- Mix the BBQ sauce: While the chicken is baking, prepare the BBQ sauce. In a small bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and honey or brown sugar. Stir until well mixed.
Step 4: Baste and Broil the Chicken
- Baste the chicken: Once the chicken reaches 165°F, remove it from the oven. Generously brush the chicken with the prepared BBQ sauce on all sides.
- Broil to caramelize: Set your oven to broil and return the chicken to the oven. Broil for 2-5 minutes, or until the BBQ sauce is bubbly and caramelized. Keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent it from burning.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Garnish and serve: Serve the chicken hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side, if desired. You can also garnish with fresh parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color.
How to Cook Oven Baked BBQ Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a quick guide to ensure your BBQ chicken turns out perfectly every time:
- Preheat the oven: Always preheat your oven to ensure even cooking.
- Dry the chicken: Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help the skin crisp up in the oven.
- Season well: Rub the chicken with oil and season generously to ensure flavor.
- Bake until cooked through: Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe and juicy results.
- Broil with BBQ sauce: Broiling the BBQ sauce for the final few minutes caramelizes it, giving the chicken that delicious sticky finish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few mistakes to watch out for when making oven-baked BBQ chicken:
- Not drying the chicken: Failing to dry the chicken thoroughly can result in soggy skin. Always pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning.
- Skipping the wire rack: If you want extra-crispy skin, bake the chicken on a wire rack so air can circulate underneath the chicken.
- Overcooking the chicken: Chicken can dry out if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F, and then remove it from the oven.
- Burning the BBQ sauce: BBQ sauce can burn easily under the broiler, so keep a close eye on the chicken during the final broiling step.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Once your Oven Baked BBQ Chicken is done, serve it with classic BBQ sides to complete the meal:
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw pairs perfectly with BBQ chicken for a cool, crunchy contrast.
- Cornbread: Sweet and moist cornbread is a perfect side for soaking up the extra BBQ sauce.
- Grilled or roasted vegetables: Serve the chicken alongside grilled corn, zucchini, or roasted potatoes for a hearty meal.
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a comforting side dish to balance the rich flavors of the BBQ chicken.
How to Serve Oven Baked BBQ Chicken
BBQ chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways:
- Classic BBQ platter: Serve the chicken on a large platter with sides like coleslaw, cornbread, and baked beans for a classic BBQ meal.
- BBQ chicken sandwiches: Shred the chicken and serve it on a toasted bun with extra BBQ sauce for a delicious BBQ chicken sandwich.
- On a salad: Slice the BBQ chicken and serve it over a fresh salad with ranch dressing or a tangy vinaigrette for a lighter option.
- With mac and cheese: Pair the chicken with creamy mac and cheese for an indulgent meal.
Presentation Ideas for Oven Baked BBQ Chicken
- Rustic serving: Serve the chicken on a wooden cutting board or in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic, homey presentation.
- Individual servings: Plate each piece of chicken individually with a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a polished presentation.
- Family-style: Serve the chicken on a large platter, surrounded by your favorite sides, for a fun, family-style meal.
Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe Tips
- Make ahead: You can season the chicken and prepare the BBQ sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and bake the chicken when ready to serve.
- Reheating: To reheat the chicken, cover it with foil and warm it in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes. You can also reheat it in the microwave
, but the skin may lose its crispness.
- Freezing: Leftover BBQ chicken can be frozen. Let the chicken cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Just reduce the cooking time to about 20-25 minutes to prevent them from drying out.
2. How do I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat, you can mix a little hot sauce or cayenne pepper into the BBQ sauce. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes on the chicken before baking.
3. Can I use homemade BBQ sauce?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade BBQ sauce recipe, feel free to use it in place of store-bought sauce.
4. What’s the best way to get crispy skin on the chicken?
To get crispy skin, make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning, bake the chicken on a wire rack, and finish with a quick broil to caramelize the sauce and crisp up the skin.
5. How long can I store leftover BBQ chicken?
Leftover BBQ chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Conclusion
This Oven Baked BBQ Chicken recipe is an easy and delicious way to enjoy barbecue flavors without the need for a grill. With perfectly seasoned chicken baked to tender perfection, then basted with a sticky, caramelized BBQ sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a casual get-together, this recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken every time. Serve it with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, and grilled vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. So grab your ingredients and get ready to make some mouth-watering BBQ chicken straight from your oven!
PrintOven Baked Bbq Chicken Recipe
This Oven Baked BBQ Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken coated in a smoky, sweet homemade barbecue sauce. With minimal prep and just one pan, this dish is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or summer cookout alternative. Enjoy perfectly baked BBQ chicken with crispy skin and mouthwatering flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning all over the chicken.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Brown the chicken on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Brush the chicken generously with BBQ sauce.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For extra caramelization, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Brush with additional BBQ sauce if desired.
Notes
- Use your favorite BBQ sauce or make it homemade for personalized flavor.
- Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs but may require slightly less cooking time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
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