There's nothing like juicy, flavourful BBQ chicken, but firing up the grill isn't always an option. Luckily, it's easy to make BBQ chicken in the oven. This method is perfect for when you want a tasty meal without the fuss of grilling. You'll need bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (typically thighs, legs, wings, or breasts) and your favourite BBQ sauce. You can also make your own sauce from scratch using ingredients like ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and spices. The general process involves coating the chicken in sauce and baking it in the oven at around 400°F for 20-30 minutes, then removing it to baste with more sauce, and returning it to the oven for another 20-30 minutes. You can repeat this process a few times to build up a thick, sticky layer of BBQ sauce. For extra crispy skin, you can broil the chicken for a few minutes at the end.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Oven temperature | 400-425°F |
Chicken cut | Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, drumsticks, wings, breasts |
Chicken preparation | Pat dry, rub with oil, salt and pepper |
Baking time | 20-30 minutes, then 7 minutes per basting, then 3-5 minutes under the broiler |
BBQ sauce | Store-bought or homemade |
BBQ sauce preparation | Mix with peach preserves, garlic, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, mustard powder, onion powder, etc. |
Baking sheet | Foil-lined, preferably Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Baker's Half Sheet |
What You'll Learn
Chicken preparation
For juicy, tender, and flavourful chicken, it is best to use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces. Chicken thighs are the most recommended, but drumsticks and legs are also good options. If you prefer white meat, opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, but note that they tend to dry out with a long bake in the oven.
Before cooking, pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper. You can also rub some BBQ sauce underneath the skin to add extra flavour to the meat. If you don't like the skin, you can remove it before serving, but it is best to keep it on during cooking to protect the meat and keep it juicy.
Place the chicken on a baking sheet or pan, skin-side down. For easy cleanup, line your baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Drizzle olive oil onto the chicken or the pan, making sure to coat the entire surface.
Bake the chicken in the oven at a temperature between 400-425 degrees Fahrenheit. The baking time will depend on the size of your chicken pieces, but on average, it should take around 20-25 minutes for the first bake.
Remove the chicken from the oven and flip it over using a spatula. Be careful not to tear the skin. Baste the chicken with BBQ sauce, generously brushing or spooning the sauce over the entire surface. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes.
Repeat the process of basting the chicken with BBQ sauce and baking for 20-25 minutes two more times, or until the sauce is sticky and caramelized. You can also broil the chicken for a few minutes at the end to get a nice, crispy texture.
To check if the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Oven temperature
Most recipes recommend preheating your oven to around 400°F (200-220°C). This temperature strikes a balance between cooking the chicken thoroughly and achieving a desirable texture.
However, it's worth noting that some recipes suggest starting at a higher temperature of 425°F (220°C) and then reducing the heat to 375°F (190°C) after the initial cooking phase. This approach aims to create a crispy exterior while preventing the chicken from drying out.
The size and type of chicken pieces you're using will also impact the ideal oven temperature. For example, boneless, skinless chicken breasts tend to dry out more easily, so a lower temperature or shorter cooking time may be preferable. On the other hand, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and legs can withstand higher temperatures and longer cooking times, resulting in juicier meat and crispier skin.
Additionally, you may want to finish your chicken under the broiler for a few minutes to enhance the crispy texture and caramelization of the BBQ sauce.
Remember that oven temperatures can vary, so it's always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check that your chicken has reached the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Baking time
The baking time for BBQ chicken in the oven depends on the type of chicken and the oven temperature.
For boneless chicken breasts, baking at 425°F (220°C) for 10 minutes, followed by a further 20 minutes at 375°F (190°C) should be sufficient. However, cooking times may vary depending on the oven, so adjustments may be required.
For bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks, baking at 400°F for 25 minutes, followed by three rounds of basting with BBQ sauce and baking for 7 minutes each time, results in a total cooking time of about 46 minutes.
For bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, baking at 425°F for 20 minutes, followed by basting with BBQ sauce, and then baking for a further 30 minutes, results in juicy and tender chicken with a sticky glaze.
For bone-in, skin-up chicken pieces like thighs, legs, and wings, baking at 390°F for 20 minutes, followed by basting with BBQ sauce, and then baking for another 30 minutes, produces a delicious sticky glaze and juicy chicken.
For bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces, baking at 425°F for 30-35 minutes, followed by basting with BBQ sauce and roasting for another 10-15 minutes, will give you chicken with a sticky and charred finish.
It is important to note that the cooking times may vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces and the accuracy of the oven temperature. It is always recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
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BBQ sauce application
The application of BBQ sauce is a key step in achieving the desired sticky, juicy, and flavourful outcome when cooking BBQ chicken in the oven. Here is a detailed guide on how to apply the BBQ sauce for the best results:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Before applying the BBQ sauce, it is important to prepare the chicken properly. Start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels. This step helps to remove any excess moisture, ensuring that the skin will crisp up nicely during cooking. You can also season the chicken with salt and pepper, or a dry rub of your choice, to enhance the flavour.
Step 2: Initial Baking
Place the chicken on a baking sheet or pan, skin-side down. This step is crucial as it allows the skin side to render some of its fat, preventing the chicken from sitting in its juices and promoting even cooking. Bake the chicken at a temperature between 400-425 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes.
Step 3: First Baste
Once the initial baking time is complete, remove the chicken from the oven and baste it with BBQ sauce. Be generous with the sauce, ensuring that all sides of the chicken are well-coated. Use a brush or spoon to apply the sauce evenly.
Step 4: Second Baste
Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes. The exact time will depend on the size of your chicken pieces and your oven's temperature. Then, remove the chicken from the oven again and apply another coat of BBQ sauce. This second basting helps to build up a thick, sticky layer of sauce.
Step 5: Final Baste and Broil
For the final step, return the chicken to the oven and bake for a further 5-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on the chicken during this step to ensure it doesn't burn. Finally, if desired, you can finish the chicken under the broiler for a few minutes to achieve a darker, crispier skin. This step is optional but will add a nice char to the chicken.
Tips for Success:
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or legs for the juiciest and most flavourful results.
- If using a store-bought BBQ sauce, opt for one with a good amount of sugar, as this will help create a sticky, caramelized glaze.
- If making your own BBQ sauce, consider adding some water to thin it out. This prevents the sauce from drying out in the oven and creates more sauce for the chicken to absorb.
- Don't be afraid to be generous with the sauce! The chicken should be well-coated after each basting step.
- For easier cleanup, line your baking sheet or pan with foil or parchment paper before placing the chicken on it.
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Serving suggestions
Oven-baked BBQ chicken is a versatile dish that can be served as a quick and easy weeknight meal or as part of a more elaborate spread for a special occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of your oven-BBQ chicken:
Side Dishes
Simple sides are best when oven-BBQ chicken is the star of the show. Here are some side dish ideas to complement the flavours of your chicken:
- Creamy cucumber salad
- Garlic roasted carrots
- Roasted broccoli
- Sesame garlic miso butter mushrooms
- Greek lemon potatoes
- Smoky parmesan corn on the cob
- Boursin mashed cauliflower
- Perfect basmati rice
- Baked potatoes
- Steamed broccoli
- Sauteed green beans
- Corn on the cob
- Potato salad
- Coleslaw
Special Occasion
If you're serving oven-BBQ chicken for a special occasion or holiday gathering, you can pull out all the stops with a full BBQ spread:
- Loaded potato salad
- Baked beans
- Coleslaw
- American flag cake for dessert
Leftovers
Leftover oven-BBQ chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and enjoyed in a variety of ways:
- Sliced and served cold over a salad
- Warmed up on the stovetop or in the microwave with a little extra BBQ sauce
- In burritos
- In sandwiches
Sauce
Don't forget about the extra sauce! The sauce leftover in the pan after cooking your chicken can be served on the side for dipping or spooned directly onto your chicken.
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Frequently asked questions
Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces are best for achieving juicy and tender results. Chicken thighs, legs, wings, and breasts can all be used, but dark meat is harder to overcook and tends to be juicier.
Baste the chicken with BBQ sauce multiple times during cooking. Each time the sauce is added, it thickens and caramelizes, resulting in a delicious, sticky layer.
Broil the chicken at the end of cooking to achieve a crispier texture. Alternatively, cook the chicken on a baking rack to elevate it and allow air to circulate, resulting in crispier skin.
Any kind of BBQ sauce can be used, whether it's store-bought or homemade. However, keep in mind that store-bought sauces often contain added sugar, which contributes to a thicker caramelization.