Crispy Bbq Chicken: Oven-Baked Perfection

Crispy BBQ chicken is a delicious dish that can be made in the comfort of your own kitchen. It is a perfect summer dinner and a great addition to your 4th of July menu. The key to getting that crispy texture and juicy flavour is to cook the chicken in the oven, which helps keep the chicken moist while also cooking it through. Bone-in, skin-on chicken works best for this recipe, as the skin helps protect the meat and keep it juicy.

The first step is to season the chicken with salt and a little garlic powder, or your favourite spice mixture. Then, place the chicken skin-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the BBQ sauce by combining it with other ingredients like peach preserves, garlic, and hot sauce. After 25 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven, brush it with the BBQ sauce, and return it to the oven for another 7 minutes. Repeat this process a few times, then crank up the oven to broil for a few minutes to get the sauce sticky and caramelized. And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy BBQ chicken that your family and friends will surely devour.

Use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces

Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces are the best option for achieving juicy, tender, and flavourful BBQ chicken. This is because the bone helps keep the meat moist, while the skin protects the meat and adds flavour.

Dark meat, such as chicken thighs and/or legs, is preferable to white meat as it is harder to overcook and almost always tastes juicier. If you do opt for white meat, bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts are the best option, but these will still be more likely to dry out than dark meat.

When preparing the chicken, it is important to pat the chicken dry before cooking. You can also place the chicken skin side up from the beginning on a baking rack nestled into a rimmed baking sheet. This will elevate the chicken so it is not sitting in its juices, resulting in more crispiness all around and less fat.

When it comes to seasoning the chicken, you can keep it simple with just olive oil, salt, and pepper, or you can add a little spice with cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and/or hot sauce.

For the BBQ sauce, you can use your preferred variety, but a sweet and spicy sauce is a good option if you want some extra flavour. You can also make your own sauce by combining ketchup, brown sugar, white vinegar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, and salt.

Once you have prepared and seasoned the chicken, bake it in the oven at 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes. Then, remove the chicken from the oven and brush it with BBQ sauce. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 7-10 minutes. Repeat this process of brushing with sauce and baking for 7-10 minutes two more times. Finally, crank the oven to broil for 3-5 minutes to get the skin extra crispy.

Bake at a high temperature

Baking your BBQ chicken at a high temperature is key to achieving a crispy skin and juicy meat. Preheat your oven to between 400°F and 450°F.

For best results, place a cooling rack on a rimmed baking sheet and lay your chicken on top. This will allow the drippings to drop onto the sheet, keeping your chicken crispy.

Brush your chicken with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, or a spice rub of your choice. Bake for 25 minutes.

Once the skin is crispy, remove the chicken from the oven and turn the temperature down to 400°F. Toss the chicken in a bowl of BBQ sauce, ensuring each piece is fully coated, then place back on the cooling rack and into the oven for a further 15 minutes.

If you want an extra crispy skin, finish the chicken under the grill for a few minutes.

Use a baking rack

Using a baking rack is a great way to get crispy chicken skin. The rack, placed on a baking sheet, elevates the chicken and allows air to circulate around the whole piece. This method also prevents the chicken from sitting in its juices, which can make the skin less crispy.

To use this method, preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Add a cooling rack on top of a baking sheet. Place the chicken on the rack, skin-side up, and baste with olive oil. Rub your chosen seasonings into the chicken. Bake the chicken for 25 minutes.

After 25 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven and reduce the heat to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Add barbecue sauce to a bowl and toss the chicken pieces, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Place the chicken back on the rack and return to the oven for another 15 minutes.

You can use your preferred barbecue sauce, but one source recommends Sweet Baby Ray's sauce for its sweet flavour.

If you're using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, lower the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 25 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

Reduce the sauce

To make a delicious, sticky and caramelized glaze for your BBQ chicken, you'll want to reduce your BBQ sauce before basting the chicken.

Pour your BBQ sauce into a saucepan and bring it to a simmer. You'll want to simmer it for around 20-25 minutes, stirring regularly, until the sauce has reduced by about half. You can do this while the chicken is cooking, so the sauce should be ready by the time you need to start basting.

If you're making your own sauce, you can add some extra ingredients to give it a unique flavor. Try adding some sweet peach preserves, garlic, and hot sauce to your sauce while it's simmering.

Once your sauce has reduced, you can start basting your chicken. You'll want to baste the chicken a few times during the cooking process to get a nice, thick layer of sauce. After the initial basting, return the chicken to the oven and cook for around 7-10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the oven, baste it again, and repeat this process a few times.

If you want an extra sticky and caramelized glaze, you can finish the chicken under the grill/broiler for a few minutes. Just keep an eye on it to make sure the sauce doesn't burn.

And that's it! You now have juicy, tender, and flavorful BBQ chicken with a thick and sticky glaze.

Season the chicken

Seasoning the chicken is an important step in achieving the perfect crispy BBQ chicken. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to guide you through the process:

Firstly, select the right cut of chicken. Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces are ideal, with chicken thighs and legs being the best options. These cuts tend to be juicier and more flavourful, and the bone and skin help keep the meat moist during cooking. If you prefer white meat, opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, but be mindful that they are more prone to overcooking and drying out.

Now, let's talk about the seasonings. You can keep it simple by just brushing the chicken with olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper. However, if you want to add a little spice, here's a suggested spice rub: combine 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 2 teaspoons of kosher salt. You can also use your favourite spice mixture or rub. Apply this seasoning blend generously and directly to the chicken, making sure to coat all sides evenly.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try a technique recommended by Cook's Illustrated. Sprinkle the chicken thighs with a small amount of baking powder (not baking soda) along with salt and pepper. Gently rub the seasonings into the chicken with your hands. The baking powder will help break down the proteins in the skin, resulting in an even crispier texture.

Once your chicken is seasoned, it's time to arrange it on a baking sheet. Place the chicken skin-side down in a single layer, spacing the pieces evenly apart. This initial arrangement will help cook the chicken skin nicely and give it a crispy texture.

Now, you're ready to pop the chicken into the oven and let the magic happen! Refer to the full recipe for cooking temperatures and times, as they may vary depending on your chosen recipe and oven settings.

Remember, seasoning the chicken is a crucial step in achieving that mouthwatering crispy BBQ chicken. So, take your time, select the right cuts, and experiment with different seasonings to find your perfect flavour profile!

Frequently asked questions