Cooking juicy and flavorful BBQ chicken in the oven is easy when you know how long to cook it. The cooking time depends on a few key factors like the size and cut of the chicken, the temperature of the oven, and whether you want the skin crispy. Follow this guide for tips on how long to cook bbq chicken in the oven for moist, fall-off-the-bone results every time.
Selecting and Preparing the Chicken
Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces. Chicken thighs and drumsticks work best, as they will remain juicier compared to chicken breasts. Leave the skin on for added moisture and flavor.
Season the chicken liberally. Coat the chicken all over with your favorite BBQ seasoning or rub. Let it penetrate the meat for 30 minutes or up to overnight. The seasoning will add tons of flavor.
Arrange the chicken on a sheet pan. Place the seasoned chicken pieces skin-side up on a rimmed baking sheet. Make sure there is some space between each piece to allow air circulation.
Oven Temperature for BBQ Chicken
450°F for crispy skin. Cranking up the heat will help render the fat and make the skin nice and crispy.
325-350°F for juicy meat. Lower temperatures will gently cook the chicken until fork tender without drying it out.
Try a hybrid method. Start at 450°F for 20-30 minutes to crisp the skin, then lower to 325°F to finish cooking the meat.
How Long to Cook BBQ Chicken Drumsticks and Thighs
At 450°F – 25-35 minutes. The chicken will cook quickly at this high temp. Check for doneness after 25 minutes.
At 325°F – 60-75 minutes. The chicken will need more time at this lower oven temp. Check it periodically and continue roasting until fully cooked.
Cook to 165°F internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the BBQ chicken reaches a safe 165°F in the thickest part.
Baste with BBQ sauce during final 10-15 minutes. Brush with sauce to make it sticky and caramelized.
How Long to Cook Boneless BBQ Chicken Breasts
At 450°F – 12-18 minutes. Brush with sauce during the last 3-5 minutes.
At 325°F – 30-45 minutes. Monitor the temperature and brush with sauce toward the end.
Cook to 165°F internal temperature. Again, use a thermometer to check for doneness. Juices should run clear.
Tips for the Best Oven BBQ Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning for maximum browning.
- Let the chicken rest 5-10 minutes before serving for juicier meat.
- Add smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the rub for extra flavor.
- Make a few slashes in the skin so the seasoning can penetrate better.
- Use indirect heat by placing the chicken on one side of the oven if it is browning too quickly.
- Add a disposable foil pan underneath to catch the drippings for basting.
Cooking delicious bbq chicken in the oven is easy when you follow these guidelines on temperature and cook times. Let the oven do the hard work for you, while the chicken turns out moist and full of smoky, sweet flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oven BBQ Chicken
How do you know when bbq chicken is done in the oven?
The best way to determine doneness for bbq chicken is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Chicken is fully cooked when the thickest part of the meat reaches 165°F. The juices should run clear when poked with a fork and the meat will start to pull back from the bones.
Can you overcook chicken in the oven?
It is possible to overcook chicken in the oven if you cook it for too long at too high of a temperature. Setting the oven temperature between 325-375°F will prevent the chicken from drying out. Check for doneness before the recommended cook times and remove it once it reaches 165°F.
Should you cook chicken legs and thighs together or separate?
Chicken legs and thighs can be cooked together or separate. Cooking them together allows them to finish at the same time. The dark meat in the legs and thighs has a higher fat content and will take longer to cook than chicken breasts.
How long does it take to cook chicken thighs at 350 degrees?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs take about 45-60 minutes to cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Larger thighs may need closer to the full 60 minutes. Check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F.
Can I grill bbq chicken right after marinating?
It’s best to pat chicken dry after marinating and let it come completely to room temperature before grilling or cooking. The sugary marinade can burn quickly on hot grill grates or oven air. Letting it dry helps it caramelize nicely.
What is the best wood for smoking chicken?
Hickory, oak, pecan, apple, cherry, and mesquite are all excellent woods for imparting flavor when smoking chicken. Hickory provides the classic barbecue flavor. Fruit woods like apple and cherry provide a milder, sweeter taste.
How do you keep bbq chicken moist when reheating?
To keep leftover bbq chicken moist, use the oven or microwave to reheat it gently. Place it in an oven-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and warm at 300°F until heated through. For the microwave, use a lower power level and add a splash of chicken broth.
Can I prep bbq chicken the night before cooking?
Yes, you can prep the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Season it completely, cover, and refrigerate. Allow the chicken to sit out for 30 minutes before cooking to take off the chill. The seasoning will deeply penetrate the meat.
What is the best bbq chicken recipe?
A classic bbq chicken recipe starts with chicken legs and thighs seasoned with a flavorful dry rub. Cook in the oven with indirect heat until fully cooked and tender. Baste frequently with your favorite bbq sauce during the last 15 minutes.
Conclusion
Cooking mouthwatering oven bbq chicken is simple when you select the right cut of chicken, use an accurate cooking temperature, and cook to the proper internal temperature. Bone-in chicken legs and thighs are ideal. Cook them low and slow at 325-350°F until they reach 165°F, then finish them for the last 10-15 minutes brushed with sticky sweet barbecue sauce. Follow these guidelines for foolproof bbq chicken every time right from your oven.