The aroma of Baked BBQ Chicken wafts through the kitchen, enveloping you in a delicious embrace. Imagine biting into tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky, sweet barbecue sauce that dances on your taste buds. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that warms your heart and fills your belly.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekend gatherings. Picture yourself serving it at a summer barbecue or enjoying it as comfort food after a long day. With every bite, anticipation builds as you savor the flavors, making it hard to resist going back for seconds—or thirds.

I still remember the time I served this Baked BBQ Chicken at my cousin’s backyard barbecue. Everyone couldn’t stop raving about it, and all I could do was grin and nod.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts but adjust based on how many people you’re feeding.

• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor; it’s essential for that aromatic punch.

For the Sauce:

• Ketchup: A must-have base for the sauce; go for organic if you’d like a fresher taste.

• Brown Sugar: This adds a delightful sweetness that balances the tanginess of the ketchup perfectly.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash adds acidity and depth to the sauce; choose unfiltered for added flavor complexity.

• Smoked Paprika: This spice brings a lovely smokiness that enhances the BBQ experience; it’s my secret weapon!

• Worcestershire Sauce: Just a dash amplifies umami flavors in your BBQ sauce.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out all the other flavors in your dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking dish and spray it with nonstick cooking spray so your chicken doesn’t stick like that one friend who never leaves your side.

Next up, season those chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy! You want those flavors to pop out like confetti at a surprise party.

In a mixing bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth. The mixture should smell heavenly—like an invitation to dig in!

Place the seasoned chicken breasts in your prepared baking dish and pour that glorious sauce all over them. Make sure they are swimming in it! You want every inch covered because we’re aiming for flavor overload here.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes until you can see steam escaping—this means good things are happening inside!

After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The sauce should bubble up around the edges like excited fans at a concert.

Once done, let your Baked BBQ Chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute—you want moist chicken rather than dry disappointment!

Serve this beauty with sides like coleslaw or cornbread to round out your meal. Trust me; everyone will be asking for seconds!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken for at least an hour. Preheat your oven to 375°F to ensure even cooking. Bake the chicken until it’s juicy and the sauce caramelizes beautifully.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the BBQ sauce for a spicy variant or add honey for sweetness. Toss in some garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor and depth.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover baked BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm to keep it juicy.

Baking this dish reminds me of family gatherings where we’d devour it while arguing over who made the best side dish.

FAQ

How do I choose the best BBQ sauce for baked BBQ chicken?

Look for sauces with natural ingredients and flavors you enjoy, like sweet or tangy profiles.

Can I use skinless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but skin-on chicken yields a juicier, more flavorful result.

How long should I bake my BBQ chicken?

Bake it for about 25-30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

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Baked BBQ Chicken

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• Author: Ann Foster
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Baked BBQ Chicken is a flavorful delight that transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a juicy, sticky masterpiece. Coated in a rich homemade barbecue sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. With its smoky-sweet aroma and tender texture, every bite will leave you craving more. Serve it alongside your favorite sides for a complete meal that brings friends and family together.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
3. In a bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Place chicken in the baking dish and pour the sauce over them to coat evenly.
5. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (170g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 590mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg