Moist and flavorful oven-baked BBQ chicken breast. This delicious and easy recipe uses simple ingredients, and it's ready in about 30 minutes. And you won't need the grill to make it.
This oven-baked BBQ chicken breast recipe is a favorite. Why? It's so easy to make, super delicious, and you can serve it with just about anything. It makes a great dinner even if you only serve it with a slice of bread and a fresh tomato on the side.
I often serve it with other simple dishes like Buttered Rice, salad with Yogurt Dressing, or Spicy Roasted Pumpkin Wedges in the fall.
Ingredients: 8 + oil, salt & pepper | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Marinating time: 2-3 hours | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 | Difficulty: Easy
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Recipe ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: I had rather large portions, weighing about 8-9 oz/ 220-250 g. If those you have are smaller or larger, reduce or increase the cooking time accordingly.
Your favorite BBQ sauce: I prefer a tangy BBQ sauce that is not overly smoky, but that is just my personal preference. I use the same sauce to make Slow Cooker Chicken Legs or Instant Pot Country-Style Ribs.Â
Enhance the BBQ sauce with a bit of Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, and spices.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to bake BBQ chicken breasts?
Step #1: Mix all the marinade ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside.
Step #2: Pound breasts between two sheets of clingfilm with a meat mallet at the thickest part so that they can cook evenly (roughly 0.5 inches/ 1.5 cm thick).
Step #3: Marinate for 2-3 hours or overnight. Turn a few times in between. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking.
Step #4: Bake the oven-baked chicken for 16-18 minutes or until it reaches the internal temperature of 150°F/ 65°C.
Step #5: Tilt the baking tray over the sink to drain away excess juices. Brush with marinade and broil for 5 minutes or until the breasts reach 165°F/ 74°C internally.
Step #6: Allow the baked BBQ chicken to rest for 3-4 minutes before slicing.
How long should I bake the chicken?
Using an instant-read meat thermometer ensures perfectly cooked, moist, and juicy BBQ chicken breast. If you don't have one, follow the suggested cooking times and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the thickest part of the chicken; the juices should run clear.Â
For smaller pieces weighing around 6.5 oz/ 180 g, reduce cooking time to about 12-15 minutes.
For larger pieces weighing around 10.5 oz/ 300 g, increase cooking time to about 20-23 minutes. Always ensure the meat reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F/ 74°C before serving.
Tips
Use bone-in chicken parts, but remember that cooking times may vary. It's best to use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature.
- Try other barbecue-style chicken parts such as Baked BBQ Chicken Wings, Grilled Chicken Tenders, or Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs.
You can use this marinade for pork chops, beef steak, or even tofu.
You can grill the chicken breasts over medium-high heat for about 6-8 minutes per side or until cooked through, then brush with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.
Store and reheat
Make extra baked BBQ chicken so you have more for sandwiches, salads, or meals later in the week.
Refrigerate leftovers for 2-3 days in an airtight container.
Freeze for longer storage (about 3 months). Defrost in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Reheat in the preheated oven at 350°F/ 175°C for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying.
Alternatively, microwave it for 1-2 minutes until heated through. However, this method might make it a bit drier.
What to serve with it?
Recipe
Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Breast
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Large dish for marinating the chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts Note 1
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- â…› teaspoon ground black pepper
- â…› teaspoon cayenne pepper more to taste
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce Note 2
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ tablespoon cider vinegar
- 1 ½ tablespoons runny honey
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt more to taste
Instructions
Marinate the chicken:
- Make the marinade: Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, BBQ sauce, mustard, olive oil, cider vinegar, honey, and salt. Stir well, taste, and adjust the taste with more vinegar, honey, and salt, if necessary.½ teaspoon smoked paprika + ½ teaspoon garlic powder +⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper + ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper + ¼ cup BBQ sauce + 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard + 1 tablespoon olive oil + ½ tablespoon cider vinegar + 1 ½ tablespoons runny honey + ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- Pound chicken: Place the breasts between two sheets of clingfilm and pound at the thickest part; they should be about 0.5 inches/ 1.5 cm thick. Place the parts in a single layer in a baking dish (ceramic or glass) and pour over the marinade. Turn the pieces in the marinade to coat all over.4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Marinate chicken: Refrigerate for 2-3 hours or overnight. Remove from the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking.
Bake BBQ sauce chicken:
- Preheat the oven to 430°F/ 220°C and line the baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place the chicken on it. Reserve the marinade.
- Bake for 16-18 minutes or until the meat reaches the internal temperature of 150°F/ 65°C - not done yet (Note 3). Remove the chicken from the oven and carefully tilt the baking sheet over the sink to pour away the accumulated cooking juices.
- Broil BBQ chicken: Brush the chicken generously with the leftover marinade and broil for 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F/ 74°C. Rest for 3-4 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Chicken breast size: Each one should weigh about 8-9 oz/ 220-250 g. If they are smaller or larger, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- BBQ sauce: Use your favorite brand or, if you like, homemade barbecue sauce.
- Baking time: For smaller pieces (around 6.5 oz/ 180 g), reduce cooking time to about 12-15 minutes. For larger pieces (around 10.5 oz/ 300 g), increase the cooking time to about 20-23 minutes. Always ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F/ 74°C before serving.
angiesrecipes says
That's a great marinade..this is a very healthy and tasty meal!