Description
This oven-baked BBQ chicken is tender, juicy, and coated in a perfectly sticky, smoky glaze—without ever needing a grill. Made with boneless chicken breasts or thighs, this recipe comes together fast, is loaded with flavor, and is incredibly versatile. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or backyard-style meals indoors, it’s a foolproof way to get that classic BBQ taste any time of year. Pair it with slaw, corn, or potato wedges for the ultimate comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for serving)
- Optional: 1 tsp honey or brown sugar, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with foil and place a rack on top if desired.
- Pat chicken dry and place on a tray. Drizzle with olive oil and rub to coat evenly.
- Combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub evenly over both sides of chicken.
- Bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and brush BBQ sauce generously over each piece. Flip and coat the other side.
- Return to oven and bake another 10–15 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 165°F.
- For extra caramelization, broil for the last 2–3 minutes, watching closely.
- Rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with more BBQ sauce and serve.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, marinate chicken in BBQ sauce or dry rub for 1–2 hours before baking.
- Boneless thighs are juicier and ideal for beginners.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg