Tender chicken breasts become juicy after being oven-baked with a tantalizing spice blend followed by generous layers of sweet BBQ sauce. Each bite offers a harmonious mix of savory, smoky flavors and a sticky caramelized glaze. This timeless family favorite is sure to captivate taste buds and evoke culinary bliss.

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I love making this Oven Roasted BBQ Chicken family favorite recipe. I start with 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total) that i rub evenly with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika.

I then drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over the chicken to lock in the flavors. After an initial bake, I slather on 1 cup sweet BBQ sauce, giving it that perfect sticky texture.

I repeat the saucing and baking process so that the chicken becomes tender, juicy and just finger licking good. Its not only delicious but it also packs a good amount of protein making it a healthy option.

If you love recipes like Oven Barbequed Chicken or Bbq Baked Chicken Breast i know you will appreciate the bold, savory notes in this Bbq Chicken Recipe. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful dish!

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I love that the recipe is super simple and straightforward, so I don’t get stressed in the kitchen.
2. I really like how the chicken ends up tender and juicy after all that baking and smothering with BBQ sauce.
3. I appreciate that the mix of spices and sweet flavor from the sauce gives it an awesome, balanced taste.
4. I enjoy making this dish ’cause it’s a guaranteed family favorite that brings everyone together.

This Oven Roasted BBQ Chicken is a no-fuss meal that I absolutely dig. I rub the chicken with a mix of spices like salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and smoked paprika, then bake it until it’s just right. Next, I cover it with this sweet BBQ sauce and put it back in the oven to get that sticky, caramelized goodness. Then I give it one more coat of sauce and bake it again for that perfect flavor punch. It comes out tender, juicy, and full of awesome flavor, making it nothin complicated and totally a hit with my family.

Ingredients

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Chicken is a high protein option that keeps the meal lean and supports muscle building.
Salt intensifies flavors in the chicken while adding essential minerals in very small amounts.
Black pepper gives a subtle heat and brightness without overwhelming the dish.
Garlic powder infuses a rich, warm flavor that elevates the overall taste profile.
Onion powder adds a mild sweetness and depth to balance the savory ingredients.
Smoked paprika introduces a smoky undertone and vibrant color enriching the dish.
Olive oil provides healthy fats essential for moisture and a smooth texture on the chicken.
Sweet BBQ sauce balances tangy and sugary notes, giving the dish its signature sweet kick.

Ingredient Quantities

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup sweet BBQ sauce

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking tray with foil so cleanup is a breeze.

2. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika and olive oil to make a rub.

3. Pat the chicken breasts dry then rub them all over with the spice mix, making sure each piece is evenly coated.

4. Arrange the chicken on the tray and pop them in the oven for about 20 minutes.

5. Take the tray out and brush a generous amount, roughly half of the BBQ sauce, all over the chicken.

6. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an extra 10 minutes.

7. Pull the tray out again then slather the remaining BBQ sauce over the chicken for that extra sticky flavor.

8. Bake again for another 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce starts to caramelize and the chicken is tender and juicy.

9. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked by checking if its internal temperature is at least 165°F or if the meat isn’t pink.

10. Let the chicken rest a few minutes before serving so all the juices settle and enjoy your finger licking meal!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven to bake the chicken
2. Baking tray lined with foil
3. Small bowl for mixing spices and olive oil
4. Basting brush for spreading the BBQ sauce
5. Meat thermometer to check if the chicken reached 165°F
6. Tongs or spatula for moving the chicken
7. Paper towels to pat dry the chicken breasts

FAQ

Q: How long do I bake the chicken?

A: Bake it at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until it's fully cooked but still juicy. Check the internal temp is around 165°F.

Q: Do I need to marinate the chicken?

A: Not really, just season with salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder, smoked paprika, and a drizzle of olive oil before coating with BBQ sauce. It works pretty well!

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

A: Sure, you can use thighs. Just note that thighs may need a bit longer to cook until they reach the safe temperature, so adjust the time accordingly.

Q: Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

A: Yup, you can make your own sweet BBQ sauce or have it ready ahead of time. Just keep it in the fridge and bring it to room temp before use so it spreads better.

Q: What do I do if my chicken seems dry?

A: If it gets a bit dry consider basting it a couple times with extra BBQ sauce during the cooking. This will help keep it moist and add more flavor.

Oven Roasted BBQ Chicken Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Chicken breasts: Try using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs if you want a juicier, more flavorful result
Olive oil: You could swap it with melted butter or a neutral oil like canola to mix it up
Smoked paprika: If you arent a fan of the smoky taste, regular paprika works just fine
Garlic powder: Fresh minced garlic can be used instead, giving you a fresher burst of flavor

Pro Tips

1. Let the chicken sit out for about 15 minutes before you season it so it cooks more evenly and stays juicier.
2. When brushing on the sauce, use a generous amount and try to really press it into the meat; it helps the flavor stick better.
3. Keep a close eye when you broil or bake at the end so the sauce caramelizes without burning, every oven is a bit different.
4. After taking the chicken out of the oven, let it rest for a few extra minutes. This step lets the juices redistribute, making the chicken even more tender and flavorful.

Oven Roasted BBQ Chicken Recipe

Recipe by Dan Coroni

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

400

kcal

Equipment: 1. Oven to bake the chicken
2. Baking tray lined with foil
3. Small bowl for mixing spices and olive oil
4. Basting brush for spreading the BBQ sauce
5. Meat thermometer to check if the chicken reached 165°F
6. Tongs or spatula for moving the chicken
7. Paper towels to pat dry the chicken breasts

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup sweet BBQ sauce

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking tray with foil so cleanup is a breeze.
In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika and olive oil to make a rub.
Pat the chicken breasts dry then rub them all over with the spice mix, making sure each piece is evenly coated.
Arrange the chicken on the tray and pop them in the oven for about 20 minutes.
Take the tray out and brush a generous amount, roughly half of the BBQ sauce, all over the chicken.
Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an extra 10 minutes.
Pull the tray out again then slather the remaining BBQ sauce over the chicken for that extra sticky flavor.
Bake again for another 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce starts to caramelize and the chicken is tender and juicy.
Make sure the chicken is fully cooked by checking if its internal temperature is at least 165°F or if the meat isn’t pink.
Let the chicken rest a few minutes before serving so all the juices settle and enjoy your finger licking meal!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.