Enjoy a delicious, easy-to-make BBQ baked chicken recipe with tender, juicy chicken and a zesty marinade. Simply preheat your oven, marinate chicken breasts in a sauce of ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper, then bake for 25-30 minutes at 375°F (190°C). The homemade BBQ sauce clings to the chicken, delivering a perfect blend of smoky flavors. This one-pan dish is versatile, efficient, and promotes even cooking, making it ideal for family meals or gatherings. Serve with your favorite sides, including fresh veggies, baked beans, mashed potatoes, and sauces like coleslaw or tangy tomato sauces. The BBQ Baked Chicken Recipe offers both culinary delight and nutritional balance, catering to daily dietary needs in a streamlined, mindful way.
Looking for an easy, one-pan BBQ chicken dinner that’s sure to please? This simple yet delicious BBQ baked chicken recipe is a game changer for weeknight meals. With just a few ingredients and a quick preparation process, you’ll be serving up tender, juicy chicken coated in a mouthwatering homemade BBQ sauce. Get ready to transform your dinner routine!
- Ingredients for BBQ Baked Chicken Recipe
- Preparation and Cooking Instructions
- Flavorful BBQ Sauce Preparation
- Baking the Chicken in a Single Pan
- Tips for Achieving Tender and Juicy Chicken
- Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
- Nutritional Information (Optional)
Ingredients for BBQ Baked Chicken Recipe
For a mouth-watering and effortless dinner, this BBQ baked chicken recipe is a true game changer. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavor-packed meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. At the heart of this dish lies boneless, skinless chicken breasts, marinated in a zesty barbecue sauce mixture. This not only tenderizes the chicken but infuses it with a delightful smoky and sweet taste.
The marinade includes easy-to-find ingredients like ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Combining these creates a sticky, savory sauce that coats each piece of chicken perfectly. Best of all, everything comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Simply toss the marinated chicken into a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen. Before you know it, tender, juicy chicken is ready to be served with your favorite sides, offering a hassle-free BBQ experience.
Preparation and Cooking Instructions
Preparation:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack on top. Gather all your ingredients: boneless, skinless chicken breasts, BBQ sauce, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning both sides generously with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, mix together melted olive oil, minced garlic, and your favorite BBQ sauce. Set this marinade aside. Arrange the chicken on the wire rack in the prepared dish, ensuring no overlap for even cooking. Brush the chicken with the marinade, making sure every piece is coated well.
Cooking Instructions:
Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes or until it’s cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Midway through the cooking time, flip each chicken breast over and brush with more marinade. This ensures a crispy exterior and tender, juicy meat. If you like your BBQ baked chicken recipe extra saucy, baste it with more BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. Once done, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
Flavorful BBQ Sauce Preparation
The heart of this mouthwatering BBQ baked chicken recipe lies in its flavorful BBQ sauce preparation. Start by combining a simple mix of ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and paprika in a saucepan over medium heat. Stirring occasionally, let the mixture simmer until the sugars dissolve and the flavors meld together, creating a rich, tangy sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken. This DIY BBQ sauce not only saves you time but also allows for precise control over the sweetness and spiciness levels to suit your taste preferences.
For an extra kick, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of Worcestershire sauce. The key is to let it simmer long enough—around 10-15 minutes—to allow the flavors to intensify. Once ready, this homemade BBQ sauce not only complements the chicken but also adds depth and character to every bite, making your BBQ baked chicken recipe a true standout on dinner tables.
Baking the Chicken in a Single Pan
Baking BBQ chicken in a single pan is a simple and effective way to ensure all your flavors meld together, creating a cohesive and delicious meal. This method allows you to avoid the mess and hassle of grilling or fumigating separate pieces of chicken. By using just one pan, you can easily toss in your favorite vegetables and seasonings, turning the preparation into a breeze. The result is tender, juicy chicken infused with the rich, smoky taste of BBQ sauce – all in one convenient dish.
This single-pan approach not only simplifies dinner prep but also promotes even cooking, ensuring every bite is equally satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, this BBQ baked chicken recipe is a foolproof way to impress your family and friends with a hearty, flavorful meal.
Tips for Achieving Tender and Juicy Chicken
Achieving tender, juicy chicken in a one-pan BBQ recipe is surprisingly simple. Start by selecting boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this BBQ baked chicken recipe. Look for pieces with similar thickness so they cook evenly. Before cooking, make sure to pat your chicken dry with paper towels; this step ensures better browning and juiciness. Seasoning is key; use a generous coating of BBQ rub on both sides of the chicken, which will not only enhance the flavor but also help keep the meat moist during baking.
For maximum tenderization, consider piercing the chicken meat a few times with a fork before seasoning; this small step allows for even moisture distribution and prevents the exterior from drying out while ensuring the interior remains juicy. Additionally, don’t overcook. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C), which guarantees that the chicken is safe to eat and still moist and tender. Resting the cooked chicken for a few minutes before serving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tastier, more satisfying BBQ baked chicken dish.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
For a satisfying and easy-to-prepare meal, pair your delicious BBQ baked chicken recipe with a variety of side dishes to complete the experience. Consider offering a mix of flavors and textures to create a well-rounded dinner. Fresh, crispy vegetables like grilled corn on the cob, sautéed bell peppers, or a colorful salad add a healthy crunch. Starchy sides such as baked beans, garlic mashed potatoes, or cornbread provide comfort and balance. You can also offer a simple green bean casserole for a classic side dish that complements the smoky flavors of the BBQ chicken.
Don’t forget about delicious sauces and condiments! Serve your BBQ chicken with a generous portion of homemade BBQ sauce on the side, allowing diners to customize their plates. Additional options like coleslaw, pickles, or a tangy tomato-based sauce can also enhance the overall dining experience. These sides and toppings not only satisfy different tastes but also make for an enjoyable and memorable family dinner or gathering around the table.
Nutritional Information (Optional)
A single pan BBQ baked chicken recipe isn’t just about deliciousness; it’s also a mindful choice for your nutritional needs. This meal offers a balanced combination of lean protein from chicken, essential vitamins and minerals found in common BBQ seasonings, and carbohydrates from vegetables like bell peppers and onions. The optional addition of cornbread crumbles further enhances the dish, providing complex carbs and fiber.
Each serving can contribute to your daily recommended intake of proteins, healthy fats, and a variety of micronutrients. Plus, using a single pan makes for easy meal tracking—you know exactly what you’re consuming since everything is cooked together. This recipe is not only a time-saver but also promotes mindful eating by simplifying the preparation process and ensuring nutritional transparency.