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Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe: A Family Favorite Dish

This Oven Baked BBQ Chicken delivers all the sticky-sweet, smoky flavor you love—without the grill! Whether you choose juicy drumsticks, bone-in thighs, or boneless breasts, this easy recipe ensures perfectly caramelized barbecue-glazed chicken straight from your oven. It’s a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner or weekend feast made simple.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 to 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 to 3 lbs chicken pieces such as drumsticks thighs, or boneless breastsSalt, to tastePepper, to taste1 to 2 cups barbecue sauce, homemade or store-boughtOptional seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika

Method
 

  1. For bone-in drumsticks:Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).Place drumsticks on a baking sheet and season with salt, pepper, and optional spices.Bake for 15 minutes, then flip and bake for an additional 10 minutes.Flip again, brush chicken generously with barbecue sauce, and broil on high for 2 to 4 minutes until the sauce caramelizes.
  2. For bone-in thighs or breasts:Preheat oven to 400°F.Season and bake for 15 minutes.Flip and bake for another 20 minutes.Flip again, brush with barbecue sauce, and broil on high for 2 to 4 minutes.
  3. For boneless skinless breasts:Preheat oven to 400°F.Bake seasoned chicken for 10 minutes.Flip and bake for another 10 minutes.Brush with barbecue sauce and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until sticky and golden.

Notes

For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken in barbecue sauce for 30 minutes before baking.
Use foil-lined pans for easier cleanup.
Keep a close eye while broiling to avoid burning the sauce.
Pair with coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted veggies for a full meal.