Go Back
–+ servings
BBQ Chicken Baked In Oven recipe
Sheila Browder

BBQ Chicken Baked In Oven recipe

BBQ chicken baked in the oven is one of those recipes that combines both ease and taste. Imagine tender pieces of chicken coated in a savory barbecue sauce, caramelized on the outside but juicy on the inside. 
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 46 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • To create this mouthwatering dish here’s what you’ll need:
  • - 8-10 pieces of bone-in chicken thighs and/or drumsticks skin-on
  • - 2 cups of your preferred barbecue sauce I love a sweet and tangy blend
  • - 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
  • - 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for an added kick
  • - 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to enhance flavor
  • Feel free to tweak the ingredients based on what you have in your pantry or your taste preferences!

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowl
  • basting brush
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
  1. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is crucial to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and the skin can crisp up beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
  1. In a mixing bowl, drizzle the olive oil over the chicken pieces. Make sure they get a nice coating on all sides. Then, sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy here; seasoning enhances the chicken’s natural flavors.
Step 3: Place Chicken on Baking Sheet
  1. Arrange the chicken skin-side down on a rimmed baking sheet. The rimmed edges will help catch any drippings, keeping your oven clean and tidy during cooking. It’s like a little safety net for your kitchen!
Step 4: Bake and Flip
  1. Pop the baking sheet in the oven and let it bake for about 25 minutes. This initial bake helps lock in those juices. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the chicken and increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
Step 5: Baste with BBQ Sauce
  1. Using a basting brush, coat the exposed chicken pieces with your chosen barbecue sauce. Flip the chicken over gently with a spatula—be cautious not to tear the skin. Baste the skin side as well, allowing that wonderful sauce to seep into the meat. Return it to the oven for another 7 minutes.
Step 6: Repeat the Basting
  1. After the first basting, you’ll repeat the process. When the time’s up, remove the chicken, slather on more sauce, and bake again for another 7 minutes. Keep those basting moments coming—totaling three rounds of basting adds a delicious layer of flavor to your chicken.
Step 7: Check for Doneness
  1. After about 46 minutes of baking, check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach at least 165°F (74°C). For dark meat, consider taking it up to 180°F (82°C) if you want that extra tenderness. If you’re not quite there, pop it back in for a little longer.
Step 8: Broil for Crispy Skin (Optional)
  1. If your chicken hasn't reached that crispy, golden perfection, move the oven rack higher and broil for about 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on it so that nothing burns. This step can take your chicken from good to great!
Step 9: Let it Rest
  1. Once the chicken is out of the oven, allow it to sit for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps redistribute the juices throughout the meat, ensuring that each bite is flavorful and moist.

Nutrition

Carbohydrates: 29gProtein: 22gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 86mgSodium: 815mgSugar: 23g

Notes

- Opt for a high-quality barbecue sauce—your chicken is only as good as its glaze!
- If you want more spice, add a dash of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of chili powder to your seasoning.
- For an easy cleanup, line the baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil before placing the chicken.
- Keep the oven door closed when flipping or basting the chicken; this helps maintain a steady temperature.
- Always check the thickest part of the chicken with a meat thermometer for the most accurate reading.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!