
Baked BBQ chicken is a delicious and easy dish to make, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. The chicken is covered in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce and then baked until juicy and caramelized. The key to this dish is the thick, sticky glaze that forms on the chicken, and the tender, juicy meat underneath. You can use your favourite BBQ sauce or make your own, and the chicken can be marinated beforehand for extra flavour. The chicken is best cooked with the bone-in and skin-on, as this helps to keep the meat juicy. However, boneless and skinless chicken breasts can also be used, but may need less time in the oven. Sides such as potato wedges, roasted veggies, and mashed potatoes go well with this dish.
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of chicken
Worst: Boneless and Skinless Chicken Breasts
Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are the least ideal option for baked BBQ chicken. They are leaner and tend to dry out more quickly during the prolonged cooking time. If you only have boneless skinless breasts available, reduce the cooking time and keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking. You may also want to opt for a shorter marination period or a lower oven temperature to help retain moisture.
Not Quite as Bad: Boneless and Skinless Chicken Thighs
If you prefer white meat but still want to avoid dry and tough chicken, boneless and skinless chicken thighs are a slightly better option. They have a higher fat content than breasts, which helps keep the meat juicier. However, they still lack the bone and skin that contribute to the overall flavour and moisture of the dish.
Better: Bone-in and Skin-on Chicken Breasts
If you're set on using chicken breasts, opting for bone-in and skin-on breasts will significantly improve the final result. The bone helps keep the meat moist, and the skin adds flavour and protects the meat from drying out. However, bone-in breasts may require a slightly longer cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.
Best: Bone-in and Skin-on Chicken Thighs /or Legs
For the juiciest and most flavourful baked BBQ chicken, go for bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs or legs. Dark meat is harder to overcook and almost always results in juicier and more tender meat. The bone and skin help retain moisture, and the dark meat guarantees a flavourful and succulent final dish. Additionally, these cuts are generally more affordable, making them a great choice for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
Remember, when selecting the right cut of chicken, it's essential to consider the cooking method, desired texture, and flavour profile you want to achieve. Bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs or legs are ideal for baked BBQ chicken, but you can still achieve delicious results with other cuts by adjusting cooking times and temperatures accordingly.
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Marinating the chicken
Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need chicken breasts or thighs, oil (avocado oil, olive oil, or canola oil), and seasonings such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and white or black pepper. You can also add other seasonings like regular paprika, ground black pepper, or brown sugar to enhance the flavour.
Next, prepare the chicken for marinating. Place the chicken breasts or thighs into a large bag, such as a Ziploc bag. You can also use a bowl or container. Add the oil and seasonings to the bag. Massage the chicken pieces to ensure they are fully coated with the oil and seasonings. You can also shake the bag or stir the contents to ensure an even coating.
Once the chicken is well-coated, you can add other ingredients to the marinade. Some recipes suggest adding barbecue sauce to the marinade, while others recommend adding ingredients like apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or honey. You can experiment with different combinations of ingredients to find your favourite flavour profile.
After the chicken has been marinated, it's time to bake it. Follow the baking instructions provided in your chosen recipe, which will vary depending on the type of chicken and your desired level of doneness. Remember to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is cooked safely.
Finally, let the chicken rest before serving. Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and ensures the chicken stays moist and tender. Then, slice and serve the chicken with your favourite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
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Basting the chicken with BBQ sauce
Before you start basting, it's important to prepare your chicken and oven. Preheat your oven to a temperature between 375°F and 425°F. The specific temperature will depend on your oven and the size of your chicken pieces. Place your chicken in a large bag or bowl and add oil—olive oil or avocado oil are great choices. Massage the oil into the chicken to ensure an even coating. You can also add your preferred seasonings, such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give the chicken another good massage to ensure the seasonings are well distributed.
Now it's time to get your chicken into the oven! Place your seasoned chicken into a greased casserole dish or a baking sheet lined with foil. If using a baking sheet, place the chicken skin-side down. Bake the chicken for about 25 minutes. This initial baking time allows the chicken to cook evenly and helps render some of the fat from the skin, which will ensure a crispier final product.
After the initial bake, it's time to start basting! Remove the chicken from the oven and generously brush BBQ sauce all over the chicken. Use a basting brush or a spatula to ensure an even coating. Return the chicken to the oven and continue baking, but this time, with the skin side up.
Baste the chicken with BBQ sauce at regular intervals. Most recipes recommend basting at least twice, and sometimes up to three times, during the cooking process. Each time you baste, return the chicken to the oven and allow it to bake for about 7-10 minutes before applying another layer of sauce. This interval baking and basting process allows the sauce to thicken and caramelize, creating that mouthwatering sticky coating.
Keep an eye on your chicken during the final stages of cooking. You may need to adjust the temperature or cooking time depending on your oven and the size of your chicken pieces. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. However, if you're using dark meat, such as thighs or drumsticks, you can cook it to a higher temperature of around 180-190°F for even more tender and juicy results.
Once your chicken is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavorful bite. Slice or serve the chicken whole, and don't forget to drizzle any remaining BBQ sauce on top or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side!
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Cooking methods
Baking BBQ chicken is a simple process that can be done in a few different ways, depending on your preferences and the equipment you have available. Here are some detailed instructions on how to bake BBQ chicken:
Preparation
Firstly, preheat your oven to between 375°F and 425°F. Then, grease a casserole dish or line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup. You can also use a baking rack nestled inside a rimmed baking sheet to elevate the chicken and allow air to circulate, resulting in crispier skin.
Seasoning the Chicken
Place the chicken in a large bag or bowl and add oil, massaging it into the chicken. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or another type of oil such as canola, grapeseed, or vegetable oil. Next, add your chosen seasonings and massage them into the chicken. Recommended seasonings include salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and white or black pepper. You can also use your favourite spice mixture or rub.
Baking the Chicken
Place the chicken in the prepared dish or on the baking sheet, skin-side down. Bake for 25 minutes, then flip the chicken over and baste with BBQ sauce. Return to the oven and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes.
Finishing and Serving
After the second round of baking, remove the chicken from the oven and baste again with BBQ sauce. You can then choose to finish the chicken in one of two ways:
- Return the chicken to the oven and bake for a final 10 minutes.
- Turn the oven to broil and broil the chicken for 3 to 5 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to ensure it doesn't burn.
The chicken is ready when it is sticky, glazed, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Serve the chicken with any remaining BBQ sauce and your chosen side dishes.
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What to serve with BBQ chicken
BBQ chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, ranging from classic comfort foods to light and healthy options. Here are some mouth-watering suggestions to complement your juicy, tender, and flavourful BBQ chicken:
Classic Comfort Foods:
- Mac and Cheese: A classic comfort food that pairs perfectly with BBQ chicken. Try a smoked version with creamy cheese, bacon, and jalapeno for an extra kick.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans are a classic BBQ side. Make them even better by adding ground beef and bacon, along with brown sugar and hickory-smoked bacon for a deeper flavour.
- Coleslaw: Whether you prefer a creamy mayo-based slaw or a tangy vinegar-based one, coleslaw is a refreshing side that balances out the smokiness of the chicken.
- Cornbread: No BBQ is complete without some delicious, fluffy, homemade cornbread. Top it with butter, honey, jams, or jellies for an extra treat.
- Biscuits: Fluffy, homemade biscuits are a perfect side, especially when served with butter or jam. They also go well with gravy or scrambled eggs.
Vegetables and Salads:
- Roasted Veggies: Try roasted garlic cauliflower or smoked sweet potatoes as a healthy and tasty side.
- Greek Lemon Potatoes: These zesty potatoes make a great side dish and pair well with the flavours of BBQ chicken.
- Creamy Cucumber Salad: A refreshing and light salad that complements the richness of the BBQ chicken.
- Garlic Roasted Carrots: The sweetness of roasted carrots goes well with BBQ chicken.
- Best Roasted Broccoli: A simple and healthy side that lets the BBQ chicken shine.
Starches and Grains:
- Potato Salad: A classic side dish that goes well with BBQ chicken. Try adding hard-boiled eggs for a heartier option.
- Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges: These wedges are a delicious and crispy option to pair with your BBQ chicken.
- Rice: Serve with white rice or try a low-carb option like cauliflower rice.
- Quinoa: For a healthier option, quinoa is a great choice. Make a quinoa salad with tomatoes, basil, corn, and mozzarella, drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette.
Fruits:
- Fresh Seasonal Fruits: Serve your BBQ chicken with fresh, seasonal fruits like watermelon, peaches, nectarines, bananas, mangoes, kiwis, strawberries, oranges, or pineapple.
- Easy Mixed Berry Fruit Salad: A colourful and tasty fruit salad is a perfect side for a summer BBQ.
So, whether you're looking for classic comfort foods, healthy vegetable options, starches, grains, or fruity treats, there's something for everyone to enjoy with BBQ chicken!
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Frequently asked questions
This depends on the size of your chicken, but a large chicken breast will take around 40 minutes to bake.
It's recommended to use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the best results. However, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you cook them for less time.
The easiest way to know if your chicken is done is to test it with a thermometer. Once the thickest part of the breast reaches 165 degrees, the chicken is ready to eat.