Description
A simple and flavorful oven roasted BBQ chicken recipe that delivers juicy, tender chicken breasts coated with a smoky spice blend and glazed with rich BBQ sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, this recipe ensures a deliciously moist and savory chicken every time.
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
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Spice Blend: In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to create a balanced smoky and savory seasoning.
- Season Chicken: Rub the olive oil evenly over both sides of each chicken breast. Then sprinkle the spice blend over the chicken, rubbing it in thoroughly to coat all surfaces.
- Initial Bake: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the oven for 20 minutes to start cooking through.
- First BBQ Glaze: Remove the chicken and use a pastry brush to coat both sides with half of the BBQ sauce. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly.
- Final BBQ Glaze and Bake: Brush the remaining BBQ sauce on the tops of the chicken breasts and bake for 10 to 15 more minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, to ensure the chicken is cooked fully and the sauce is nicely set.
- Rest Chicken: Let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute for a moist and tender result before serving.
Notes
- Using a meat thermometer helps ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat.
- Adjust BBQ sauce quantity based on your preference for sauciness.
- For extra smoky flavor, consider using smoked paprika in the spice blend.
- Chicken breasts of uniform thickness will cook more evenly.
- Resting the chicken is crucial for juicy meat.