Cooking juicy, flavorful BBQ chicken breast in the oven is easy with the right techniques. Here is a step-by-step guide to making tender, smoky oven-baked BBQ chicken breast at home.
Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
Steps
1. Prepare the Chicken
Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Trim off any excess fat. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Massaging the chicken lightly with olive oil will help keep it moist while cooking.
2. Make the BBQ Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and smoked paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
3. Bake the Chicken
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease with oil.
Place the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet and brush generously with the BBQ sauce.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork. Brush with more sauce during the last 10 minutes of baking.
4. Broil for Crispy Char
Once chicken is cooked, switch the oven to broil on high. Broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes until lightly charred. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
5. Let Rest and Serve
Allow the BBQ chicken breasts to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps lock in the juices.
Slice and serve warm with extra BBQ sauce on the side if desired. Enjoy!
Tips
- For added smoky flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
- Try using chicken thighs for even more moist and tender oven-baked BBQ chicken.
- Mix up the sauce flavors – try using spicy BBQ sauce or mix in chipotle peppers.
- Bake an aluminum foil packet of chopped veggies like onions, peppers, and zucchini alongside the chicken.
- Shred leftovers for BBQ chicken sandwiches or top salads.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best oven temperature for baking BBQ chicken?
- Between 375°F to 425°F works well. At higher temps like 400-425°F, the chicken browns faster while retaining moisture. Lower oven temps around 375°F result in slower cooking so the chicken stays juicier.
Should I cook the chicken breasts with bone in or bone out?
- For oven baked BBQ chicken, boneless chicken breasts are ideal. The bone-in variety takes longer to cook through and may burn or dry out before the interior is fully cooked.
Can I use an instant-read thermometer with BBQ chicken?
- Yes, using an instant read thermometer is a great way to ensure the BBQ chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F while remaining juicy inside. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the chicken breast without touching the bone.
How long does baked BBQ chicken last in the fridge?
- Properly stored baked BBQ chicken will last 3-4 days refrigerated. Be sure to let the chicken cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Reheat gently before serving.
What sides go well with oven-baked BBQ chicken breasts?
- BBQ chicken tastes great paired with cornbread, coleslaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, roasted potatoes or rice. Steamed broccoli or a fresh salad also balance out the richer chicken.
Conclusion
Juicy oven-baked BBQ chicken breasts are easy to make right at home. Allowing time to marinate in a flavorful homemade or store-bought BBQ sauce gives great taste. Cooking first at a high oven temp followed by quick broiling ensures tender and caramelized results. Leftovers are terrific for meal-prepping BBQ chicken sandwiches, salads, rice bowls and more all week long. With the right method, you can enjoy restaurant-worthy BBQ chicken breast without ever turning on the grill.