
BBQ chicken breast is a quick and easy meal that can be made in the oven when it's too hot to stand over the grill. It's a versatile dish that can be made with either boneless or bone-in chicken breasts, and it's a great option for a busy weeknight dinner as it's juicy and tasty. The key to this recipe is in the sauce, which can be store-bought or homemade, and gives the chicken a sweet and sticky coating.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Oven temperature | 375° F - 450° F |
Chicken type | Boneless, skinless chicken breasts |
Chicken weight | 1.5 lbs. - 2 lbs. |
Chicken quantity | 4 breasts |
Chicken preparation | Pounded, seasoned, coated in sauce |
Sauce type | BBQ sauce |
Sauce quantity | 1 cup |
Sauce preparation | Brushed on, can be mixed with other ingredients |
Seasoning type | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, white pepper |
Seasoning quantity | 1/2 teaspoon - 1 teaspoon |
Baking time | 15 minutes - 50 minutes |
Baking dish | Casserole dish |
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right chicken
When it comes to selecting chicken breasts for this oven-baked BBQ dish, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts. The bone adds flavor and moisture to the meat, while the skin protects the breast, keeping it juicy and tender during cooking. Bone-in chicken breasts also tend to be more affordable and are easier to find in most grocery stores. If you prefer, you can ask your butcher to specially prepare boneless, skinless breasts, ensuring they are of an even size and shape for the best cooking results. This option may be preferable if you plan to serve the BBQ chicken as a sandwich filler, as it is easier to eat without the bone.
Always choose fresh, high-quality chicken with a natural pink hue. The skin should appear smooth and moist, an indicator that the chicken is fresh. Avoid any chicken with an off-putting smell or discolored flesh, and ensure the package is not damaged. If you are buying packaged chicken, check the "best before" date to ensure it is as fresh as possible.
The size and thickness of the chicken breasts is another important factor. For even cooking, it is best to choose breasts that are of a similar size and shape. This ensures that all the chicken cooks through at the same rate, so you don't end up with some pieces overcooked and dry, and others still raw. If you do end up with a larger breast, you can butterfly it, or ask your butcher to do so, creating two thinner, smaller pieces that will cook more evenly.
Finally, consider the source of your chicken and opt for organic, free-range, or pasture-raised options if possible. These chickens tend to have been raised in better conditions and have been allowed to forage for their natural diet, resulting in more flavorful and nutritious meat. While these options may be more expensive, they can elevate your BBQ chicken dish and provide a more ethical and sustainable choice.
When you head to the store or market, keep these tips in mind and don't be afraid to ask your butcher for advice or assistance. With the right chicken, you're well on your way to creating a delicious, juicy, and tender oven-baked BBQ chicken breast.
Now that you've selected the perfect chicken, you're ready to move on to the next step of preparing and cooking your delicious BBQ chicken breasts.
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Preparing the chicken
Selecting the Chicken
Firstly, you will need to decide on the type of chicken you want to use. Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are a popular choice as they cook quickly and evenly. However, some people prefer the added flavour of bone-in and skin-on chicken. If you go for this option, you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature slightly, and be mindful of the skin sticking to the pan.
Trimming and Pounding
If you notice that your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, with thinner ends and a thicker middle, it is advisable to trim the thin ends to prevent them from burning. You can also lightly pound the chicken breasts to ensure they are of even thickness, which will help them cook more evenly. Place the chicken breasts between parchment paper and use a mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them to your desired thickness.
Seasoning
Before adding any sauce, it is essential to season the chicken breasts. This can be done with a simple sprinkle of salt and pepper, or you can get creative with your seasonings. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or chili powder. You can also use a blend of your favourite spices. Be sure to season both sides of the chicken generously.
Brushing with Sauce
Now it's time to add the BBQ sauce. You can use a store-bought sauce or make your own. Brush the sauce onto the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. If you want a thicker coating of sauce, you can place the chicken in a greased baking dish and pour the sauce over top, shaking the dish to coat the chicken. Don't be afraid to be generous with the sauce, as this will help keep the chicken moist and juicy.
Baking
Once your chicken is seasoned and sauced, it's time to bake it in the oven. Preheat your oven to a temperature between 375°F and 450°F, depending on your preference and the level of doneness you desire. Place the chicken in a baking dish or on a baking sheet and bake for around 15 minutes. Then, remove the chicken from the oven and baste it with more BBQ sauce. Return it to the oven and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
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Making the sauce
If you want to get creative, you can add some extra ingredients to your sauce. For a fruity twist, add some peach preserves, or for a little extra kick, add some hot sauce and grated garlic. You can also add some brown sugar to the sauce for a sweet finish that caramelizes beautifully.
Once you have your sauce, simply brush it onto the chicken before baking. This will help create a layer of moisture, keeping the chicken tender and juicy. Don't add the sauce too early, as the sugar in the sauce can burn. It's best to add it halfway through cooking and then broil for a few minutes to get that sticky, caramelized finish.
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Cooking the chicken
There are a few different ways to cook BBQ chicken in the oven, but most recipes agree on a few key steps. First, preheat your oven to somewhere between 375°F and 450°F. Then, prepare your chicken by seasoning it with salt and pepper, and possibly other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or chilli powder. You can also add oil to the chicken, or to the baking dish, to prevent sticking.
Next, place the chicken in a baking dish and cover with BBQ sauce. You can either brush the sauce on top, or pour it into the dish and shake the dish to coat the chicken. If you're feeling fancy, you can make your own sauce, or you can use a store-bought variety.
Now, bake the chicken for around 15 minutes, then baste with more sauce and return to the oven. Most recipes suggest baking for a further 15 minutes, but cooking times vary, so keep an eye on your chicken. It's done when the juices run clear, or when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices settle and ensures the chicken is nice and juicy.
Some recipes suggest using the broiler to caramelize the sauce. If you want to try this, move the chicken to the top rack of the oven and broil for around 5 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to avoid burning.
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Serving suggestions
Oven-baked BBQ chicken breast is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded and delicious meal. Here are some serving suggestions to complement the juicy, tender, and flavourful chicken:
Vegetables
Roasted veggies are a great option to accompany the chicken. Try roasted garlic cauliflower or roasted smoked sweet potatoes for a hearty and healthy dish. If you're short on time, steaming or sautéing vegetables is a quick and easy solution. Fresh broccoli or green beans pair well with the BBQ chicken and can be prepared in a snap.
Potatoes
Potatoes are a classic side dish and can be prepared in a variety of ways. For a tasty and indulgent option, try garlic Parmesan potato wedges, or keep it simple and healthy with a potato salad. If you're looking for something in between, mashed potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser.
Rice
Rice is a great option to soak up all that delicious BBQ sauce. White rice is a classic choice, but for a low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice is a perfect substitute.
Mac and Cheese
For an extra indulgent meal, mac and cheese is a fun and comforting side dish. Try a vegan version or spice things up with a buffalo mac and cheese.
Fruit
A serving of fruit adds a refreshing touch to the meal. Opt for fresh seasonal fruit or an easy mixed berry fruit salad.
Salads
A creamy cucumber salad is a perfect pairing for the BBQ chicken, adding a cool and refreshing element to the meal.
No matter which sides you choose, this oven-baked BBQ chicken breast recipe is a fantastic option for a quick, easy, and tasty weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
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Frequently asked questions
You should cook BBQ chicken at 375°F-450°F.
It takes 30-50 minutes to cook BBQ chicken in the oven.
You can use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
You can serve BBQ chicken with potatoes, broccoli, green beans, mac and cheese, roasted vegetables, rice, or fruit.