Today we're talking about baking chicken breasts to moist, juicy perfection, smothering them with BBQ Sauce and consuming immediately! Are you ready for this deliciousness?
Today's recipe for chicken is moist and juicy. And while we're focusing on smothering it with barbecue sauce, this preparation can be used on just about any flavor chicken you can dream up. Just marinate, season, bake and enjoy.
Why This Recipe Works
In a nutshell, this recipe uses bone-in chicken breasts and a flavorful marinade. Both of these things help the chicken stay moist and juicy while cooking in the oven. Then, you'll brush the chicken with bbq sauce during the last few minutes of cooking so that it forms a sticky bbq sauce topping and makes the chicken irresistible.
BBQ Chicken vs. Grilled Chicken
When someone says "bbq chicken" you think one of two things, right? There's the barbeque chicken that is cooked on a grill or smoker and there's the chicken that is baked in the oven with barbecue sauce. This recipe is the latter. If you'd like some recipes for grilled chicken, try this Gorgeous Grilled Chicken recipe, my Garlic Ranch Chicken Marinade, or my go-to recipe for Basic Grilled Chicken.
What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?
The key is to start with bone-in, half chicken breasts. Boneless and skinless chicken has its place in the poultry kingdom, but not here. We want the bone because it keeps the meat from drying out and imparts excellent flavor. Since we're smothering this chicken with BBQ sauce, I'm going to take the skin off, but I often leave it on if I'm cooking it without a sauce. Leaving it on will naturally baste the chicken as it cooks and also crisps up nicely if you like that sort of thing. I'm kind of a skin hater so even if I leave it on to cook I rarely eat it.
The Key To Moist, Flavorful BBQ Chicken
Marinating is all about adding flavor and moisture to the meat. I'm using a combo of olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika (for that smoky BBQ flavor), and minced garlic. If you don't have smoked paprika, I definitely suggest you get some! It has such good flavor and gives a nice smoky flavor to anything you add it to.
How To Make Oven Baked BBQ Chicken
Step 1.
Start by mixing up the marinade and pouring over the chicken in a ziplock bag. I use a bag as opposed to a bowl because you don't have to use very much marinade to cover the chicken and it seems to marinate more evenly. Place in the fridge.
Step 2.
Place the chicken in the fridge for at least an hour or up to overnight. Allowing the chicken to marinade past 24 hours could result in some funny-textured chicken though.
Step 3.
Take the chicken out of the marinade and place on a baking sheet. Season with liberally with kosher salt and pepper and pop in a 350-degree oven for 20 minutes.
Step 4.
After 20 minutes your chicken will be about half-way done depending on the size of the breast. Brush each breast with your favorite Barbecue sauce and return to the oven.
Step 5.
Repeat the application of BBQ sauce to the chicken every 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Standard chicken breasts take a total of 35-40 minutes, so 4-5 brushings with the sauce should do ya. If you have a thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the breast and remove it from the oven when it hits 165 degrees F.
How do I get that sticky-sweet caramelized sauce on my bbq chicken?
Taking the time to apply the sauce to the chicken at 5-minute intervals while baking results in a deliciously sticky, glazed exterior that makes me want to lick my fingers just thinking about it.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe
Chicken can be marinated for up to 24 hours, but any longer than that, the marinade can affect the texture of the chicken.
Chicken is fully cooked at 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Use an instant read thermometer to check the temperature and insert into the the thickest part of the chicken for an accurate reading.
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but bone-in chicken breasts will give you the moistest, most flavorful chicken.
When roasting chicken, like we are here, you do not need to cover the chicken.
Other Chicken Recipes You Might Like
- Pesto Parmesan Chicken
- Easy Chicken Cacciatore
- Smothered Chicken Breast
- Honey Dijon Chicken Thighs
- garlic chicken thighs
Other Popular Recipes People Really Like
- One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas
- Chocolate Chunk Pizookie
- Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry
- Shoyu Chicken Recipe
- Ranchers roast beef
- Instant Pot Brisket
Super Moist Oven Baked BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in Chicken Breast Halves
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ยฝ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ยฝ-3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- pepper to taste
- 1 cup favorite prepared BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Remove skin from chicken breast halves and place in a large ziplock bag.
- Combine olive oil, smoked paprika, lemon juice, and garlic in a small bowl and pour over chicken.
- Let chicken marinade for at least an hour, up to 24 in the fridge.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Remove chicken from bag and place on a baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 20 minutes and brush a layer of BBQ sauce on the chicken. Return to the oven and repeat brushing with BBQ sauce every 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, about 15 to 20 minutes longer. Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F when read with a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast.
markwillsan says
Do you want to rank your website, get more traffic, and rank on the first search engine page? Here is the best way to do this. I am providing Off-page SEO for your website's higher ranking.The Umbrella Academy S03 Fei Coat
Demi Lawson says
This was my first visit to your website, and every article I read here was extremely helpful. I explored a bunch of intriguing stuff in almost every blog. Your articles are extraordinary. Best of 11
AlexJuvion says
Awesome piece of content for cooking lovers. I know some of my students who love cooking so much and they would be happy after getting this post. Thanks.
Alex,
http://www.qualityassignment.co.uk/services/assignment-editing-services/
Dean says
It was so good to see you acknowledging this topic, it really feels great. Thanks for sharing such a valuable information which is very hard to find normally. I have subscribed to your website and will be promoting it to my friends and other people as well.Our new website has been launched and we are offering some exciting prices. Check it out now.
Descendants Costume
jimmy says
Despite the unusual shifts in usage patterns and designs based on fashion fads, Textile & Leather Products Manufacturers is still making in a variety of products, from consumer goods like apparel and equipment to cosmetics as well as home and electronics accessories.
Aliza Smith says
Do you want to dress like a star? RLeatherJackets shop has high-quality clothing for sale, such as the Washington Commanders Varsity Jacket from RLeatherJackets. Get this fantastic jacket from our shop immediately and benefit from incredible savings.
Aliza Smith says
If you want to dress like a star, RLeatherJackets shop has high-quality clothing for sale, such as the Yankees varsity jacket from RLeatherJackets. Get this fantastic jacket from our shop immediately and benefit from incredible savings.
markwillsan says
This is the first time that I visit here. I found so many exciting matters in this particular blog, One thing I would like to request you that pls keep posting such type of informative blog.
The Umbrella Academy S03 Britne Oldford Long Coat
Beth Dutton Yellowstone Black Notch Neck Jacket says
If you haven't watched the series yet, you're losing out on the excitement, thrill, and Beth Dutton Yellowstone Black Notch Neck Jacket perhaps one of the most entertaining series you've seen in years. It's time to add this programme to your list of things to watch.
.Squid Game Outfit says
Unexpectedly fulfilling your desire for an outfit is certainly important, especially when purchasing on TGL .go to now Squid Game Outfit
Anna says
Much appreciation to you for your post. I have taken out two or three relative subjects! Regardless, your article gave me an especially striking impression, rather than various articles. I really need to see that you continue to have key articles like this or more to present to everyone Golden State warriors jacket
USA Jacket Store says
Check out this Captain Marvel Jacket Carol Danvers Jacket will identify you in a unique way. This jacket was shown in a Captain Marvel 2 movie. It has a stand-up collar and front zipper