There is nothing quite like the irresistibly smoky, tangy, and tender embrace of the Oven Roasted BBQ Chicken Recipe to elevate any mealtime. This dish brings together juicy chicken breasts bathed in a vibrant blend of spices and slathered with rich BBQ sauce, all perfectly cooked in the oven for effortless, flavorful results. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe delivers that mouthwatering BBQ charm without the need for a grill or complicated techniques.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, relying on a handful of essential ingredients that each play a crucial role. These components combine to give the chicken its perfect balance of smokiness, zest, and succulence, while the fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of color to finish it off.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show providing lean, juicy meat that soaks up flavors beautifully.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: Adds the iconic sweet, tangy, and smoky notes that define BBQ chicken.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps the spice blend stick well.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Brings a vibrant, smoky depth and gorgeous red hue to the seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory undertone that makes each bite irresistible.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Subtly sweet and aromatic, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Delivers a mild heat that balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped: Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish and a splash of green for visual appeal.
How to Make Oven Roasted BBQ Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by warming up your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This setup ensures your chicken cooks evenly and prevents sticking, giving you a hassle-free cleanup later.
Step 2: Mix Your Spice Blend
In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This simple spice blend is what transforms plain chicken into a flavorful BBQ classic by infusing each bite with a lovely smoky and savory essence.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Brush both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil. This helps the spice rub adhere and adds moisture. Next, rub your spice blend evenly all over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Begin Roasting
Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet and slide them into the oven. Bake for 20 minutes—this initial cooking sets the stage for the tender, juicy texture we’re aiming for.
Step 5: Apply BBQ Sauce Layer One
After 20 minutes, pull the chicken out and generously brush half of your BBQ sauce on both sides. Return the chicken to the oven for another 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and deepen the flavor.
Step 6: Final BBQ Sauce and Finish Cooking
Brush on the remaining BBQ sauce and bake the chicken for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. The key here is to cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), ensuring the chicken is perfectly done without drying out.
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This step allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite tender and juicy, just how good BBQ chicken should be.
How to Serve Oven Roasted BBQ Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley over the chicken right before serving. It not only adds a delightful pop of color but also a fresh, herbaceous contrast that brightens up the hearty BBQ flavors.
Side Dishes
This Oven Roasted BBQ Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with classic BBQ sides like creamy coleslaw, buttery corn on the cob, or smoky baked beans. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables complement the richness of the chicken perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to get a little creative? Slice the chicken and serve it piled high on soft sandwich buns with extra BBQ sauce, pickles, and crunchy slaw for a delicious BBQ chicken sandwich. Or, cube the chicken and toss it with grilled vegetables and rice for a tasty bowl meal that doubles as great leftovers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place your leftover Oven Roasted BBQ Chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for quick weekday meals or lunchboxes.
Freezing
You can also freeze leftover chicken for up to 2 months. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave it on medium power until heated through. Adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce helps keep it moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless breasts?
Absolutely! Bone-in pieces like thighs or drumsticks will work great, though cooking times may vary. Just make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F for safe eating.
What type of BBQ sauce is best for this recipe?
Choose a BBQ sauce that suits your flavor preferences—whether sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy. A thicker sauce works best for coating and caramelizing on the chicken, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.
Can I marinate the chicken beforehand?
Marinating is optional but can enhance flavor even more. If you have extra time, marinate the chicken with the olive oil, spices, and some BBQ sauce for 1 to 2 hours before cooking to deepen the taste.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! The Oven Roasted BBQ Chicken Recipe is fantastic for meal prepping. Cook a batch ahead, portion it out, and enjoy flavorful BBQ chicken lunches or dinners throughout the week.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches 160°F (71°C) in the center, after which it will rest and come up to 165°F for perfect juiciness.
Final Thoughts
This Oven Roasted BBQ Chicken Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes because it beautifully balances flavor, ease, and versatility. I hope you give it a try soon and discover how wonderfully satisfying simple ingredients, cooked with care, can be. It’s pure comfort with a smoky BBQ twist, perfect for sharing with family and friends anytime.
Print
Oven Roasted BBQ Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Oven Roasted BBQ Chicken recipe features tender, juicy boneless, skinless chicken breasts coated in a flavorful blend of spices and olive oil, then baked to perfection with rich BBQ sauce. Perfectly balanced between smoky and savory, this dish is easy to prepare and serves as a delicious main course for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Prepare Spice Blend: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper thoroughly to create a balanced seasoning mix.
- Season Chicken: Coat both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil to help the spices adhere, then evenly rub the spice blend over the entire surface of the chicken pieces.
- Initial Bake: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are evenly spaced, and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to begin cooking through.
- Add BBQ Sauce: Remove the chicken from the oven and brush half of the BBQ sauce generously over both sides of each breast, returning them to the oven for an additional 10 minutes to let the sauce infuse.
- Final Bake with Sauce: Apply the remaining BBQ sauce on both sides of the chicken and bake for a further 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Rest Chicken: Once baked, let the chicken rest on a plate for 5 to 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, resulting in moist, flavorful meat before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor to complement the BBQ chicken.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) before serving.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spice blend and olive oil for 30 minutes to 1 hour before baking.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you prefer, chicken thighs can be substituted, but adjust cooking time as needed.
- Serve with your favorite sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, or baked potatoes for a complete meal.
