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Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Dinner Recipe

Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Dinner Recipe

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.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 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
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper
Optional for serving
  • sliced green onions optional
  • sesame seeds optional
  • extra BBQ sauce optional

Equipment

  • Baking dish or Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat 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.
    to taste salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper
  2. 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.
    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, to taste salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper
  3. 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.
    1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
  4. 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.
    1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
  5. 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.
    extra BBQ sauce
  6. 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.
    sliced green onions, sesame seeds

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a tablespoon or two of water or extra BBQ sauce, or in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes, covered.