Roast & Bake

Baked Chicken With BBQ Sauce

Name: Baked Chicken With BBQ Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup (250ml) BBQ sauce; 2 tbsp (30g) brown sugar; 1 tsp (5g) garlic powder; 1 tsp (5g) onion powder; 1 tsp (5g) salt; 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper; 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup (60g) chopped fresh parsley

By Theo Calloway · June 19, 2026 · Roast & Bake

Prep15 min

Cook25 min

Total40 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I made baked chicken with BBQ sauce for my family. It was a weeknight dinner, and I was looking for something easy and delicious to feed my loved ones. I had all the ingredients on hand, and it took me no more than 30 minutes to prepare. The result was a huge success - everyone loved the tender, juicy chicken smothered in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce.

Since then, this recipe has become a staple in our household. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The best part is that it's incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. You can also customize it to your taste by using different types of BBQ sauce or adding your favorite spices.

One of the things I love about this recipe is that it's a great way to get your family involved in the kitchen. My kids love helping me prepare the chicken and sauce, and it's a great way to teach them about different flavors and ingredients. Plus, it's a fun and interactive way to spend time together as a family.

In this recipe, I'll show you how to make delicious baked chicken with BBQ sauce that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a busy parent looking for a quick and easy dinner solution or a foodie looking for a new recipe to try, this dish is sure to please. So, let's get started and make some amazing baked chicken with BBQ sauce!

This recipe is special because it's a great way to enjoy a delicious, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The chicken is tender and juicy, and the BBQ sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor that's perfect for any occasion. I make it for my family all the time, and it's always a hit. I hope you'll enjoy it just as much as we do!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion
The chicken is tender and juicy, and the BBQ sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor
It's a great way to get your family involved in the kitchen
You can customize it to your taste by using different types of BBQ sauce or adding your favorite spices
It's a delicious and satisfying meal that's sure to please

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great baked chicken with BBQ sauce is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the chicken to the right temperature. In this recipe, we'll be using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which are lean and tender. We'll also be using a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce that's made with a combination of ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices.

The BBQ sauce is the star of the show in this recipe. It's what gives the chicken its sweet and tangy flavor, and it's what makes the dish so delicious. To make the BBQ sauce, we'll be combining all the ingredients in a bowl and whisking them together until they're smooth. Then, we'll be brushing the sauce all over the chicken breasts and baking them in the oven until they're cooked through.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the cooking time and temperature. We'll be baking the chicken in a preheated oven at 400 F (200 C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C). This ensures that the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat, and it also helps to prevent it from drying out.

Finally, the resting time is also crucial in this recipe. After the chicken is cooked, we'll be letting it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even more tender and flavorful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious baked chicken with BBQ sauce, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The key players are boneless, skinless chicken breasts, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You'll also need some olive oil to brush the chicken with before baking.

When shopping for the ingredients, make sure to choose high-quality chicken breasts that are fresh and have no added preservatives. You can also use different types of BBQ sauce, such as honey BBQ sauce or spicy BBQ sauce, to give the dish a unique flavor.

2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breastsChoose fresh chicken breasts with no added preservatives, and make sure to pat them dry with paper towels before using
1 cup (250ml) BBQ sauceYou can use different types of BBQ sauce, such as honey BBQ sauce or spicy BBQ sauce, to give the dish a unique flavor
2 tbsp (30g) brown sugarBrown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to the BBQ sauce
1 tsp (5g) garlic powderGarlic powder adds a savory flavor to the chicken and BBQ sauce
1 tsp (5g) onion powderOnion powder adds a sweet, oniony flavor to the chicken and BBQ sauce
1 tsp (5g) saltSalt enhances the flavor of the chicken and BBQ sauce
1/2 tsp (2g) black pepperBlack pepper adds a sharp, peppery flavor to the chicken and BBQ sauce
2 tbsp (30ml) olive oilOlive oil is used to brush the chicken with before baking, and it adds a rich, fruity flavor to the dish
2 cloves garlic, mincedMinced garlic adds a pungent, savory flavor to the BBQ sauce
1/4 cup (60g) chopped fresh parsleyChopped fresh parsley adds a fresh, herbal flavor to the dish, and it's used as a garnish

Ingredients for Baked Chicken With BBQ Sauce

Equipment You’ll Need

Large baking sheetOvenInstant-read thermometerWhiskMeasuring cups and spoonsCutting boardKnife

How to Make Baked Chicken With BBQ Sauce

1
Preheat the oven to 400 F (200 C)
2
In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper
3
Add the minced garlic to the bowl and whisk until smooth
4
Place the chicken breasts on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper
5
Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil, making sure to coat them evenly
6
Brush the BBQ sauce mixture all over the chicken breasts, making sure to coat them evenly
7
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C)
8
Check the internal temperature of the chicken with an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the breast
9
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes
10
Slice the chicken breasts and garnish with chopped fresh parsley
11
Serve the chicken hot, with additional BBQ sauce on the side if desired

Expert Tips

Make sure to pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels before using to remove excess moisture
Use a high-quality BBQ sauce that's made with real ingredients and has no added preservatives
Don't overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can cause the chicken to steam instead of bake
Let the chicken rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the juices to redistribute
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature
Experiment with different types of BBQ sauce to find the one you like best
Add some diced onions or bell peppers to the baking sheet with the chicken for added flavor and nutrition

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels before using, which can cause excess moisture to accumulate and prevent the chicken from browning
Overcrowding the baking sheet, which can cause the chicken to steam instead of bake
Not letting the chicken rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving, which can cause the juices to run out and the chicken to become dry
Not using a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature
Not experimenting with different types of BBQ sauce to find the one you like best
Not adding some diced onions or bell peppers to the baking sheet with the chicken for added flavor and nutrition

Variations and Substitutions

Use different types of BBQ sauce, such as honey BBQ sauce or spicy BBQ sauce, to give the dish a unique flavor
Add some diced onions or bell peppers to the baking sheet with the chicken for added flavor and nutrition
Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a more tender and juicy texture
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to the BBQ sauce mixture for added flavor
Use a combination of olive oil and butter to brush the chicken with before baking for a richer flavor
Serve the chicken with some roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots, for a well-rounded meal

What to Serve With Baked Chicken With BBQ Sauce

This baked chicken with BBQ sauce is perfect for serving with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad. You can also serve it with some crusty bread or over rice for a more filling meal.

Some other ideas for serving this dish include:

Serving it with some roasted sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli for a healthy and flavorful meal

Serving it with some creamy coleslaw and crusty bread for a more indulgent meal

Serving it with some roasted carrots and green beans for a colorful and nutritious meal

Mashed potatoesRoasted vegetablesGreen saladCrusty breadRoasted sweet potatoesSteamed broccoli

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This baked chicken with BBQ sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store it in the fridge, simply place the cooked chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate it at a temperature of 40 F (4 C) or below.

To freeze it, place the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container and store it in the freezer at a temperature of 0 F (-18 C) or below. When you're ready to reheat it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it in the oven or microwave until it's hot and steaming.

It's also a good idea to label the container or bag with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of how long it's been stored. Additionally, make sure to reheat the chicken to an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C) to ensure food safety.

Some other tips for storing and reheating this dish include:

Using a vacuum sealer to remove air from the container or bag before storing it in the fridge or freezer

Adding some fresh herbs or spices to the chicken before reheating it to give it a fresh flavor

Serving it with some freshly cooked vegetables or sides to add some variety to the meal

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of BBQ sauce should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of BBQ sauce you like, but a sweet and tangy sauce works best for this recipe. Some options include honey BBQ sauce, spicy BBQ sauce, or classic BBQ sauce.

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They will be more tender and juicy, but they may take a few minutes longer to cook.

How do I know if the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature?

You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should be at least 165 F (74 C) in the thickest part of the breast.

Can I store this dish in the fridge or freezer?

Yes, you can store this dish in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Simply place the cooked chicken in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and store it in the fridge or freezer.

What are some good sides to serve with this dish?

Some good sides to serve with this dish include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a green salad, or crusty bread. You can also serve it with some roasted sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli for a healthy and flavorful meal.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Simply cook the chicken and let it cool, then refrigerate or freeze it until you're ready to serve. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until it's hot and steaming.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this dish is gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free BBQ sauce. Some BBQ sauces may contain gluten, so be sure to check the ingredients list before using it.

Can I use this recipe for a crowd?

Yes, you can use this recipe for a crowd. Simply multiply the ingredients and cook the chicken in batches if necessary. You can also make it ahead of time and reheat it in the oven or microwave until it's hot and steaming.

The Full Recipe

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