Baked BBQ Chicken: Simple & Flavorful Dinner (Print Version)
Baked BBQ chicken offers a delicious, fuss-free weeknight meal. Tender chicken coated in tangy BBQ sauce, baked to perfection. A family favorite!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ The Lean Protein Foundation
01 -
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 breasts)
→ Sweet & Smoky BBQ Glaze
02 -
1 cup favorite BBQ sauce
03 -
2 tbsp light brown sugar, packed
04 -
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
05 -
1 tsp Dijon mustard
→ Aromatic Seasoning Blend
06 -
1 tbsp olive oil
07 -
1 tsp garlic powder
08 -
1 tsp onion powder
09 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
10 -
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
11 -
Salt and pepper to taste
→ Fresh Finish
12 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat dry 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts with paper towels. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or line with foil for easy cleanup. This readies your chicken for the delicious Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe.
02 -
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup favorite BBQ sauce, 2 tbsp light brown sugar, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tsp Dijon mustard until well combined. This creates your sweet and smoky BBQ glaze, perfect for coating the chicken later.
03 -
Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil. Season generously with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (if using), and salt and pepper to taste on all sides.
04 -
Spoon about half of the prepared BBQ sauce mixture over the seasoned chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. Bake for 15 minutes. This initial bake helps set the flavors for your Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe.
05 -
Remove the baking dish from the oven. Spoon the remaining BBQ sauce mixture evenly over each chicken breast. Return to the oven and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
06 -
Once cooked, remove the Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe from the oven. Tent loosely with foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender, moist chicken. Garnish with 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped.
# Notes:
01 -
Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Overcooking can lead to dry chicken.
02 -
Marinating Magic: For even deeper flavor, you can marinate the chicken in half of the BBQ sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, before baking.
03 -
Serving Suggestions: This BBQ chicken pairs wonderfully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad.
04 -
Storage Tip: Leftover baked BBQ chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It's delicious sliced cold on salads or reheated gently.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
9x13 inch baking dish
02 -
measuring cups
03 -
measuring spoons
04 -
small bowl
05 -
whisk
06 -
tongs
07 -
cutting board
08 -
knife
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 400 kcal
Total Fat: 10 g
Total Carbohydrate: 21 g
Protein: 51 g