If you’re looking for a simple, mouthwatering dinner that feels like a weekend BBQ even when it’s a busy weekday, this Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this chicken turns out juicy, tender, and perfectly caramelized with that sticky BBQ glaze—no grill required! Stick with me, and I’ll share all my best tips so you nail it the first time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: You just season, bake, brush with sauce, and bake again—minimal fuss, maximum flavor.
Juicy Every Time: The resting step locks in moisture so the chicken never turns out dry.
Versatile Ingredients: Simple pantry staples and your favorite BBQ sauce create a crowd-pleaser.
Perfect Weeknight Meal: Ready in under 40 minutes, this recipe fits beautifully into your busy schedule.

The image shows four pieces of cooked chicken on a tray covered with shiny aluminum foil. Each chicken piece is thick and covered with a glossy, dark reddish-brown sauce that looks smooth and shiny, with small black pepper specks visible on top. The tray sits on a white marbled surface, and in the blurry background, there is a jar filled with more sauce and a utensil resting on the edge of the tray. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Oven Baked BBQ Chicken, BBQ chicken dinner, easy baked chicken, juicy BBQ chicken, tender oven baked chicken

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet the results are anything but basic. Trust me, picking good-quality chicken and a BBQ sauce you love makes all the difference.

Flat lay of four raw boneless, skinless chicken breasts, a small white bowl with golden extra virgin olive oil, a small white bowl filled with deep reddish-brown BBQ sauce, and a small white bowl with a mixed coarse seasoning blend of dried herbs and spices, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Oven Baked BBQ Chicken, BBQ chicken dinner, easy baked chicken, juicy BBQ chicken, tender oven baked chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: I like using breasts because they cook evenly and are super tender; thighs work great too if you prefer more flavor and juiciness.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps the seasoning stick perfectly.
House seasoning: You can use your favorite blend or simple salt, pepper, garlic powder—season generously!
BBQ sauce: Homemade or store-bought—pick a sauce you love, whether sweet, smoky, or tangy, because it’s the star glaze here.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe is how adaptable it is. Feel free to experiment with different sauces or seasonings to make it truly your own—it’s all about what your taste buds crave!

Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the seasoning blend; my family goes crazy for the little heat boost it adds.
Low-Sugar BBQ: Use a sugar-free BBQ sauce or whisk in a little apple cider vinegar and mustard for tangy flavor without the extra sweetness.
Herb Infusion: Mix fresh thyme or rosemary with olive oil before coating the chicken—it adds a fresh herbal aroma I really enjoy.
Chicken Thighs Swap: For juicier meat with a bit more bite, I often substitute chicken thighs; just watch the cooking time so they don’t dry out.

How to Make Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Those Chickens

Start by heating your oven to a hot 450°F. While it preheats, drizzle your chicken breasts with extra virgin olive oil—this helps the seasoning stick and the meat stay juicy. Sprinkle your house seasoning all over, making sure every side is coated well. I like to pat it in gently so none falls off in the pan.

Step 2: Bake on Foil for Easy Cleanup

Line your baking pan with foil (trust me, this makes cleanup so much faster). Place the chicken on the foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 15 minutes—that’s just enough time to start cooking it through while keeping it nice and moist.

Step 3: Brush on That BBQ Sauce Magic

Take the chicken out and brush each piece generously with BBQ sauce. The goal is to get a good layer that will caramelize beautifully. Return the chicken to the oven for another 6 to 8 minutes. You’ll want to check the internal temperature—it should reach about 160°F when you pull it out.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Here’s an essential trick I learned: loosely tent the chicken with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting period lets the juices reabsorb and the temperature rise to 165°F, the perfect safe temp for chicken. Slice it up and get ready to enjoy!

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Pro Tips for Making Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe

Don’t Skip the Rest: Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your chicken unbelievably tender and juicy every time.
Room Temperature Chicken: Let your chicken sit out for 10-15 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking and avoid dryness.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To nail perfect doneness without guesswork, I always rely on an instant-read thermometer.
Caramelize that Sauce: Don’t rush the last baking step—watch for slight bubbling and browning on the sauce for maximum flavor.

How to Serve Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe

A white speckled plate sits on a white marbled surface, holding a sliced piece of grilled chicken arranged in a slightly fanned-out stack from bottom to top, with a rich, dark brown glaze drizzled unevenly across the chicken's golden-brown seared surface; to the right of the chicken is a creamy coleslaw made of shredded white cabbage, purple cabbage, and orange carrot pieces, all mixed in a smooth white dressing, giving a soft texture contrast to the meat; a golden fork rests diagonally under the top left edge of the chicken, adding a warm metallic touch to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Oven Baked BBQ Chicken, BBQ chicken dinner, easy baked chicken, juicy BBQ chicken, tender oven baked chicken

Garnishes

I often sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness. A squeeze of lime or lemon over the top can brighten the smoky flavors really nicely, too.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs perfectly with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, roasted corn on the cob, or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, mashed potatoes or baked sweet potatoes are excellent companions.

Creative Ways to Present

One time I arranged sliced BBQ chicken over a bed of buttery cornbread and drizzled extra sauce on top for a fun twist at a family gathering—it was a hit! You can also skewer chunks of the chicken with peppers and onions for BBQ chicken kabobs at your next dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the fridge where it stays great for up to 3 days. This helps preserve all those delicious juices and flavors so you enjoy them just as much the next day.

Freezing

Once cooled, freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag. I’ve found freezing slices individually on a tray first, then transferring to a bag prevents sticking and makes it easy to grab portions for quick meals.

Reheating

To keep it juicy, I reheat the chicken gently in a covered dish in the oven at 300°F until warmed through, or pop slices in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel. Avoid high heat to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken pieces for this Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Bone-in pieces will take a bit longer to cook, so you’ll want to increase the baking time and check for an internal temperature of 165°F. Adjust accordingly and cover loosely with foil if they brown too quickly.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?

Any BBQ sauce you enjoy will work here, whether sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy. If you like homemade sauces, it’s a great chance to customize your flavor. Store-bought sauces work perfectly too, just pick your favorite brand.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Using an instant-read thermometer is your best bet; the chicken should reach 165°F at its thickest part after resting. If you don’t have one, make sure juices run clear and the meat isn’t pink inside.
Can I marinate the chicken before baking?

Sure! Marinating for a couple of hours or overnight can add extra flavor, but keep the seasoning simple so the BBQ sauce remains the star. Just pat the chicken dry before oiling and seasoning to get that lovely crust.

Final Thoughts

This Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe has become one of my go-to weeknight dinners because it’s reliable, flavorsome, and downright comforting. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s perfect for feeding a family or impressing friends without spending hours in the kitchen. So grab your BBQ sauce, preheat that oven, and get ready for some serious yum!

Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 150 reviews

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cook Time: 23 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This Oven Baked BBQ Chicken recipe features juicy, tender boneless chicken breasts coated in a flavorful blend of olive oil and house seasoning, then baked to perfection and brushed with a luscious BBQ sauce that caramelizes beautifully. A quick and easy dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, delivering classic BBQ taste without the grill.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds) – boneless chicken thighs can be substituted

Seasoning & Sauce

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 ½ teaspoons house seasoning
½ cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store bought)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Chicken: Heat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with the house seasoning, coating all sides thoroughly to ensure the flavor penetrates the meat.
Bake Chicken: Line a baking pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place the seasoned chicken on the pan and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, allowing the chicken to start cooking through and remain moist.
Apply BBQ Sauce and Continue Baking: Remove the chicken from the oven and brush it generously with BBQ sauce. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 6 to 8 minutes, just until the BBQ sauce slightly caramelizes and sticks to the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 160°F (71°C).
Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and loosely cover it with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 10 minutes; this resting period allows the internal temperature to rise to the safe serving temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring juicy and tender chicken.
Serve: Slice the chicken breasts and serve immediately, pairing with your favorite sides or salads for a complete meal.

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Substituting boneless chicken thighs will result in a juicier and slightly richer dish.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure proper cooking and food safety.
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the house seasoning and olive oil for 30 minutes before baking when time permits.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (about 6 oz)
Calories: 310
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 90mg