Description
This Easy Oven Roasted BBQ Chicken recipe offers a simple, flavorful way to prepare juicy, tender chicken breasts coated in a savory blend of spices and smothered in your favorite barbecue sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, the chicken is baked to perfection in the oven and finished with a delicious glaze of BBQ sauce for that classic smoky, tangy flavor.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (about 1 inch thick)
Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Spice Blend: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful seasoning mix.
- Season Chicken: Rub the olive oil evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Then sprinkle the spice blend over the chicken and rub it in thoroughly to ensure an even coating.
- Bake Initial Layer: Place the prepared chicken breasts on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to start cooking through.
- First BBQ Sauce Application: Remove the chicken from the oven and brush half of the BBQ sauce on both sides of each breast using a pastry brush. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes to let the sauce absorb and caramelize.
- Final BBQ Sauce and Bake: Brush the remaining BBQ sauce on top of the chicken breasts. Continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Rest Chicken: Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender and flavorful.
Notes
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; chicken is safe to eat at 165°F, but this recipe finishes at 160°F and rests to reach safe temp.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce, whether sweet, spicy, or smoky, to customize the flavor.
- Resting the chicken is key to maintaining moisture and tenderness.
- Line your baking sheet with foil if you do not have parchment paper as an alternative.
