Oven-Baked Bbq Chicken: Juicy Secrets Revealed

How to Make Juicy Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken

Oven-baked BBQ chicken is a quick and easy meal that's perfect for a busy weeknight. This recipe yields juicy, tender chicken with a sweet and sticky glaze that will be a hit with the whole family.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you'll need bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or legs, as they result in the juiciest and most flavourful chicken. You can also use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, but they tend to dry out more easily.

You'll also need BBQ sauce—you can use a store-bought variety like Sweet Baby Ray's, or make your own. Some recipes also call for olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Method

The method for oven-baked BBQ chicken is simple. First, coat the chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and place it skin-side down on a baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove from the oven and coat generously with BBQ sauce. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes, basting with more BBQ sauce every 5 minutes or 7 minutes.

Finally, broil the chicken for 2-5 minutes to caramelize the sauce and crisp up the skin.

Tips

- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked through. Chicken is safe to eat at an internal temperature of 165°F, but dark meat can be cooked to 180-190°F for more tender results.

- For extra crispy skin, place the chicken on a baking rack nestled inside the baking sheet. This will allow air to circulate around the chicken and prevent it from sitting in its juices.

- If you're short on time, you can skip the initial baking step and simply coat the chicken with BBQ sauce, then broil it for a few minutes on each side until cooked through.

Choosing the right cut of chicken

Bone-in vs. Boneless

Bone-in chicken pieces are generally recommended for oven-baked BBQ chicken as the bone helps keep the meat juicy and adds flavour. Boneless chicken, particularly breasts, tend to dry out during the long baking process and release more liquid, making the BBQ sauce watery. However, if you prefer boneless chicken, opt for thighs over breasts as they are less likely to overcook and remain juicier.

Skin-on vs. Skinless

Leaving the skin on is preferable as it helps protect the meat, keeps it moist, and adds flavour. The skin also crisps up nicely if that's desired. If you're not a fan of chicken skin, you can remove it before serving, but it's best to keep it on during cooking for optimal results.

Chicken Thighs, Drumsticks, or Breasts?

Chicken thighs are typically the best option for oven-baked BBQ chicken. They are harder to overcook and almost always result in juicier meat. Dark meat, such as thighs and drumsticks, can be cooked to a higher temperature, making them more tender. Chicken breasts are more prone to drying out and are better suited for grilling or shorter cooking methods.

Fresh vs. Frozen

Always use fresh, fully defrosted chicken for this recipe. Frozen chicken may affect the cooking time and lead to uneven results.

Size of Chicken Pieces

Try to use chicken pieces that are similar in size so they cook evenly. If using chicken breasts, opt for smaller ones, as larger breasts may take longer to cook through and can dry out.

Quality of Chicken

When it comes to chicken, quality matters. Look for high-quality, fresh chicken from a reputable source. If possible, choose air-chilled chicken over water-chilled, as it has a better flavour and isn't as watery.

In summary, the best cut of chicken for juicy, oven-baked BBQ chicken is bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They provide the optimal combination of juiciness, flavour, and cooking time. However, you can also use drumsticks or bone-in, skin-on breasts if desired, keeping in mind the potential trade-offs in terms of juiciness and cooking time.

Marinating the chicken

Selecting the Chicken:

Start by choosing the right cut of chicken. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are typically recommended for juicy results. You can also use chicken drumsticks or legs. If you prefer chicken breasts, opt for bone-in and skin-on varieties, as the bone helps keep the meat moist. Avoid boneless, skinless chicken breasts, as they tend to dry out during baking.

Preparing the Marinade:

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Smoked paprika adds a delightful smoky flavour to the chicken. You can also add other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or white pepper to the marinade. Place the chicken in a large Ziploc bag and pour the marinade over it, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated. Alternatively, you can use a bowl, but a bag requires less marinade and allows for more even coverage.

Place the chicken in the refrigerator to marinate. Aim for at least an hour, but for the best results, leave it overnight. However, avoid marinating for more than 24 hours, as this can affect the texture of the chicken.

Baking the Chicken:

Preheat your oven to a temperature between 350-450 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on a baking sheet or a lined baking pan. Season the chicken liberally with salt and pepper. Bake the chicken for about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the breasts.

Applying BBQ Sauce:

After the initial baking, brush each chicken breast with your favourite BBQ sauce. Return the chicken to the oven and continue baking for another 6-8 minutes, or until the sauce slightly caramelizes. For an even stickier and sweeter result, repeat the application of BBQ sauce every 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. This technique will give you that irresistible, finger-licking glaze.

Baking the chicken

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 375°F–425°F. Grease a casserole dish or baking pan with a little oil.

Place the chicken in a large Ziploc bag and add oil, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you wish to include, such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and white pepper. Shake the bag well until the chicken is fully coated.

Baking

Place the chicken in the prepared dish, skin-side down. Bake for 20–25 minutes.

Remove the chicken from the oven and turn the temperature up to 425°F. Flip the chicken over and baste with barbecue sauce. Place back in the oven for 7–30 minutes, basting with more sauce every 5–7 minutes.

Broiling

Once the chicken is cooked through, turn your oven to broil. Baste the chicken with sauce once more and place under the broiler for 2–5 minutes, until the sauce is caramelized. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

Resting

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the internal temperature to rise to 165°F.

Adding BBQ sauce

The Secret to Juicy Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken

The secret to juicy oven-baked BBQ chicken is to season and bake the chicken, then slather on the BBQ sauce to complete the cooking process. This two-step method ensures the chicken is flavorful, tender, and juicy, and the sauce caramelizes into a sweet, sticky glaze.

BBQ Sauce Options

You can use a store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own at home. If you're making your own, try a simple combination of ketchup or tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Or, for a healthier option, opt for a low-sugar or sugar-free BBQ sauce.

When to Add the Sauce

Most BBQ baked chicken recipes call for baking the chicken first and adding the sauce at the end. However, a better method is to bake the chicken in the BBQ sauce for the entire cooking time. This allows the sauce to thicken and become deliciously sticky, and it also ensures the chicken stays juicy. Don't worry about the crispy skin—even if you only baste the BBQ sauce on the skin at the last minute, it won't be any crispier than if you add the sauce at the beginning.

How to Add the Sauce

Place the chicken in a bowl and pour your chosen BBQ sauce over it, mixing to combine. You can set this aside while your oven heats up, or for a more intense flavor, leave it to marinate in the fridge for up to four hours.

Baking the Chicken

Preheat your oven to between 350-425°F. For easy cleanup, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the chicken on the baking sheet, skin-side down, and bake for 20-25 minutes. Then, flip the chicken over and baste the top with more BBQ sauce. Return it to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes.

Broiling for a Caramelized Glaze

For an extra sticky, caramelized glaze, turn your oven to broil for the final few minutes of cooking. Baste the top of the chicken with more BBQ sauce and broil for 2-5 minutes until the top is dark and caramelized. Keep a close eye on it, and remove the chicken sooner if the glaze starts to get too dark.

Tips for Extra Crispy Skin

For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken dry before cooking and place the chicken skin-side up from the beginning. You can also use a baking rack nestled into your rimmed baking sheet to elevate the chicken so it's not sitting in its juices, resulting in crispier skin.

Serving suggestions

Classic BBQ sides

If you're looking for classic BBQ sides to serve with your juicy oven-baked BBQ chicken, here are some ideas:

• Coleslaw
• Potato Salad
• Corn on the cob
• Southern Baked Beans
• Cornbread or Dinner Rolls
• Creamy Mashed Potato
• Big leafy salad

Healthy sides

If you're looking for something a little healthier, try these:

• Roasted veggies, like garlic roasted carrots, roasted broccoli, or roasted smoked sweet potatoes
• Rice, such as white rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
• Fruit, like fresh seasonal fruit or an easy mixed berry fruit salad

More substantial sides

If you want to make your oven-baked BBQ chicken the star of the show, you could serve it with:

• Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges
• Mac and cheese
• Potato and gravy

For a full meal

For a full meal, serve your juicy oven-baked BBQ chicken with some of the sides mentioned above, or try these ideas:

• Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
• Vegan Mac and Cheese
• Buffalo Mac and Cheese
• Vegan BBQ Chicken

For a real feast

If you're feeding a crowd or just feeling extra hungry, why not make a few sides to go with your juicy oven-baked BBQ chicken? Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges
• Roasted veggies, like garlic roasted carrots or roasted broccoli
• Corn on the cob
• Southern Baked Beans
• Creamy Mashed Potato

Frequently asked questions