For many, barbecue evokes images of sizzling meats cooked over open flames. But what if there was an alternative that delivered equally delicious results with the added benefit of convenience? Baked BBQ Chicken offers a compelling solution.
This recipe takes a familiar favourite – the smoky, tangy essence of barbecue – and applies it to a user-friendly oven method. The result? Incredibly tender and flavorful chicken, guaranteed to impress even the most discerning palates. By leveraging the controlled heat of your oven, you’ll achieve perfectly cooked chicken, infused with the rich depths of your preferred BBQ sauce.
This approach not only simplifies the cooking process, but also ensures consistent results every time. So, step away from the grill and embrace the ease and flavour of baked BBQ Chicken.
Preparing Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe
Baked BBQ chicken is a fantastic way to bring the smoky, sweet, and tangy flavours of barbecue to your table without the hassle of firing up the grill. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed get-togethers, offering several advantages over traditional grilling.
Preparation Time
60 min
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces
- 2 teaspoons of kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 3 cups of barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, combine the olive oil and barbecue sauce.
- Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the chicken with the barbecue sauce mixture.
- Bake for 25 minutes, then flip the chicken and brush with more sauce.
- Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork.
- Broil the chicken for the last 1-2 minutes to crisp the skin, if desired.
Macros
- Total Calories: 582kcal
- Carbs: 38g
- Proteins: 72g
- Fats: 12g
Baking Methods for Perfect BBQ Chicken
The two primary methods for baking BBQ chicken cater to different cuts and desired textures:
High Heat, Short Cook: This method is ideal for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Simply marinate or season your chicken, bake it at a high temperature until cooked through, and then brush it with BBQ sauce for the final few minutes. This quick burst of heat caramelises the sauce, creating a delicious sticky glaze.
Low and Slow: For whole chickens or other large cuts, a low and slow approach is recommended. Roasting the chicken at a lower temperature for a longer time allows the meat to slowly become fall-off-the-bone tender. BBQ sauce can be applied throughout the cooking process to infuse the chicken with flavour, or basted on at the end for a more prominent caramelised exterior.
Advantages of Baked BBQ Chicken
Effortless Cleanup: Forget wrestling with hot coals or a messy grill. Baking keeps everything contained on a baking sheet, making post-dinner cleanup a breeze.
Flavour Customization: Whether you choose a tried-and-true store-bought BBQ sauce or craft your own unique blend, baked chicken offers a blank canvas for your flavour creativity. Experiment with different sauces, spices, and rubs to create a signature dish that reflects your taste.
Versatile Sides: Baked BBQ chicken pairs beautifully with a wide range of side dishes, allowing you to tailor the meal to your preferences. Classic options like coleslaw, potato salad, and mac and cheese complement the smoky sweetness of the barbecue sauce, while roasted vegetables add a touch of healthy vibrancy.
Here are some additional variations on baked BBQ chicken
Honey BBQ Chicken: Glaze your chicken with a mixture of BBQ sauce and honey for a touch of sweetness and a beautiful caramelised finish.
Smoky BBQ Chicken: Add a dose of smoky depth by incorporating smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke into the BBQ sauce.
Pineapple BBQ Chicken: For a tropical twist, add chopped fresh pineapple or pineapple chunks to the BBQ sauce for a sweet and tangy flavour explosion.
BBQ Chicken with Veggies: Turn this into a one-pan meal by roasting chopped vegetables like potatoes, onions, and peppers alongside the chicken. The vegetables will soak up the delicious BBQ sauce drippings for added flavour.
Conclusion
Take your BBQ game to the next level with this unbelievably juicy baked BBQ chicken. The secret to the flavour? We’re keeping that under wraps for now, but one bite and you’ll be hooked. Fire up your oven and get ready to impress your guests with this unique and delicious take on a classic.