Baking bbq chicken breast is a delicious and healthy way to prepare chicken for a meal. With minimal effort, you can make juicy, flavorful chicken breasts with a sweet and tangy bbq sauce glaze. Follow this simple guide to learn how to bake bbq chicken breast perfectly every time.
Ingredients Needed
To bake bbq chicken breasts, you will need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – 4-6 breasts depending on size
- BBQ sauce – 1 cup
- Brown sugar – 1/4 cup
- Worcestershire sauce – 1 Tbsp
- Salt and pepper – 1/2 tsp each
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Aluminum foil
BBQ Sauce
For the bbq sauce, you can use your favorite store-bought brand or make your own using these ingredients:
- Ketchup – 1 cup
- Brown sugar – 1/4 cup
- Apple cider vinegar – 2 Tbsp
- Worcestershire sauce – 1 Tbsp
- Mustard – 1 Tbsp
- Smoked paprika – 1 tsp
- Garlic powder – 1/2 tsp
- Onion powder – 1/2 tsp
- Salt and pepper – to taste
Whisk together all the ingredients for the bbq sauce. Adjust sugar and vinegar to taste if you want it sweeter or more tangy.
How to Bake Bbq Chicken Breast
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat dry completely with paper towels.
- Use a sharp knife to trim off any excess fat.
- Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Make the BBQ Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- You can use store-bought or homemade bbq sauce.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish
- Take an aluminum foil-lined baking dish large enough to hold the chicken breasts in a single layer.
- Lightly brush or spray the foil with olive oil or cooking spray. This prevents the chicken from sticking.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
- Brush the tops generously with the bbq sauce mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 6: Broil the Chicken
- Turn on your oven’s broiler on high heat.
- Broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes until the bbq sauce bubbles and caramelizes slightly.
- Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
- Allow the baked bbq chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Slice each breast and serve warm with extra bbq sauce on the side if desired.
- Enjoy!
Tips for Best Results
- Use bone-in chicken breasts – The bones help keep the chicken moist and add extra flavor. Remove bones before serving.
- Brine the chicken – Soaking chicken breasts in a saltwater brine ensures juicy, seasoned meat.
- Air-fry instead – For crispy skin, air fry at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Broil longer – For caramelized bbq sauce, broil for 5+ minutes watching closely to avoid burning.
- Make crisscross marks – Slice shallow marks across the tops of the breasts before baking for extra flavorful chicken.
- Let sauce set – After broiling, let chicken rest for 2-3 minutes allowing sauce to set before serving.
Common Baking Mistakes
Avoid these common mistakes for tender, juicy baked bbq chicken breasts:
- Overcrowding the pan – Leave space between breasts for even cooking.
- Undercooking – Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Baking too hot – High heat dries out chicken. Bake at 375°F.
- Applying sauce too early – Brush on sauce in the last 15 minutes to avoid burning.
- Poorly browning – Broil at end to caramelize sauce. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Cutting too soon – Let chicken rest 5+ minutes before slicing for juicy meat.
Favorite Side Dishes
Baked bbq chicken breast pairs deliciously with these side dishes:
- Baked beans – Sweet, smoky, and tangy alongside bbq chicken.
- Coleslaw – Cool, creamy cabbage slaw balances the chicken.
- Mac and cheese – The classic comfort food pairing.
- Corn on the cob – Grilled or roasted corn complements the bbq flavor.
- Potato salad – Creamy potatoes are a perfect match.
- Garlic bread – Toasty, garlic-buttery bread mops up the sauce.
- Cornbread – Warm cornbread soaks up the bbq sauce deliciously.
BBQ Chicken Breast FAQs
Get answers to common questions about how to bake juicy, flavorful bbq chicken breasts:
Should I marinate bbq chicken breasts?
- Marinating is not necessary but does infuse chicken with more flavor. Soak in bbq sauce, Italian dressing, or buttermilk for 30 minutes up to overnight.
What bbq sauce is best for chicken?
- Sweet tomato-based sauces pair best with chicken. Use your favorite brand or make your own.
How long does baked bbq chicken last?
- Properly stored leftovers last 3-4 days refrigerated and 4-6 months frozen. Reheat fully until steaming hot.
Can I grill bbq chicken instead?
- Yes, grill over medium heat for 8-12 minutes per side, basting with sauce. Char marks add flavor.
What sauce do you serve with bbq chicken?
- Serve extra warmed bbq sauce on the side for dipping. Ranch and blue cheese dressing also pair well.
How do you keep bbq chicken moist?
- Brining, not overcooking, tenting with foil, and letting rest helps keep bbq chicken juicy.
Conclusion
Baking chicken breasts with bbq sauce is so easy and full of homemade flavor. Use this step-by-step guide for baked bbq chicken that turns out juicy and delicious every time. Experiment with different bbq sauces, add crispy broiled edges, and enjoy this versatile chicken dish as dinner, on salads, or in sandwiches. With the right technique, you can become a pro at baking moist, tender bbq chicken breast.