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The Best Juicy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Breasts and Thighs

Close-up of juicy bbq chicken breast sliced open, showing moist white meat covered in a thick, glossy BBQ sauce glaze.
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You can make incredibly juicy, tender BBQ chicken right in your oven. This recipe coats chicken breasts and thighs in a sticky, smoky barbecue sauce, creating caramelized edges without needing a grill. It is a simple, flavorful chicken dinner perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs chicken pieces (breasts or thighs, bone-in or boneless)
  • 1 cup your favorite barbecue sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with foil for easier cleanup.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This creates your flavorful BBQ glaze.
  3. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This step helps the sauce adhere and promotes better caramelization.
  4. Place the chicken in the prepared baking dish. Brush about half of the BBQ sauce mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken.
  5. Bake the chicken for 20 minutes.
  6. Remove the dish from the oven and brush the remaining BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken.
  7. Return the chicken to the oven and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is sticky and slightly caramelized. For extra color, you can briefly place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve this easy BBQ chicken with your preferred sides.

Notes

  • For the juiciest results with chicken breasts, use thicker cuts or pound them slightly to an even thickness before cooking.
  • If you are using bone-in, skin-on thighs, they may require a few extra minutes of cook time to reach the safe internal temperature.
  • This recipe works well for making BBQ chicken sandwiches later in the week.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://purecookingjoy.com/best-juicy-oven-baked-bbq-chicken/

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