Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Dinner Recipe

Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Dinner Recipe is your answer to a quick, flavorful, and satisfying weeknight meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. This straightforward recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken coated in irresistible BBQ sauce, making it perfect for busy families and casual entertaining. Get ready for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a regular in your rotation.

Key Ingredients for Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Dinner Recipe

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional for serving: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, extra BBQ sauce

How to Make Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Dinner Recipe

This Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Dinner Recipe offers a deliciously simple pathway to a satisfying meal, ready in under an hour with minimal fuss. The magic lies in the tender chicken thighs or breasts baked to perfection in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, creating a rich texture that’s simply irresistible. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this remarkably easy and fulfilling dish that boasts a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 30-40 minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Chicken: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Pat your chicken thighs or breasts dry with paper towels; this helps the sauce adhere better and promotes a nicer sear. Season the chicken generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

   
   

2. Create the BBQ Sauce Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together your favorite BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined. The brown sugar adds a lovely sweetness and helps create a slightly caramelized glaze, while the apple cider vinegar provides a pleasant tang to balance the flavors. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, adding a pinch more salt or pepper according to your preference.

   
   

3. Coat the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken pieces in the bowl with the BBQ sauce mixture. Toss gently to ensure each piece of chicken is evenly coated. For a more intense flavor, you can let the chicken marinate in the sauce for 15-30 minutes at room temperature, or longer in the refrigerator if you have the time.

   
   

4. Arrange and Bake: Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in your prepared baking dish or on the baking sheet. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lead to steaming rather than baking, which will result in less tender chicken. If you have any extra sauce in the bowl, you can spoon it over the chicken.

   
   

5. Bake Until Cooked Through: Place the baking dish or sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when tested with a meat thermometer. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken pieces. During the last 10 minutes of baking, you can brush some extra sauce over the chicken for an extra glossy finish, if desired.

   
   

6. Rest and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in more tender and moist chicken. Serve your delicious Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Dinner Recipe hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if using. It pairs wonderfully with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.

Why You’ll Love This Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Dinner Recipe

You’ll absolutely adore this Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Dinner Recipe for its incredibly tender and flavorful chicken, which is consistently moist and infused with a perfect balance of sweet and savory BBQ notes. Unlike some other chicken recipes that can turn out dry, this approach ensures every bite is a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Plus, making this at home is significantly more budget-friendly than dining out, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without the hefty price tag.

The smoky paprika and subtle tang from the apple cider vinegar elevate this beyond just basic BBQ chicken, offering a complex flavor profile that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s a simple yet sophisticated dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual gathering. Don’t just take our word for it – give this Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Dinner Recipe a try and discover your new favorite go-to meal!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Once your delicious Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Dinner Recipe has cooled, proper storage is key to maintaining its deliciousness. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat your BBQ chicken, the best method for retaining its moisture and flavor is to gently warm it in a covered skillet over low heat with a tablespoon or two of water or extra BBQ sauce. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10-15 minutes, again, covered, to prevent drying out. For longer storage, you can freeze portions of the cooked chicken. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place it in freezer-safe bags. Frozen BBQ chicken can be stored for up to 2-3 months and can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using the methods described above.

Final Thoughts

This Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Dinner Recipe is a true winner, offering an effortless path to a deeply satisfying and incredibly flavorful meal. We encourage you to whip up this simple yet delicious dish and discover the joy of homemade BBQ goodness without the hassle. Enjoy every tender, saucy bite!