Name: Oven Baked BBQ Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken drumsticks (also called chicken legs (about 4 total)); 1.5 pounds chicken thighs (bone-in and skinless (about 4 total)); seasoning salt; 3/4 cup BBQ sauce; fresh parsley (chopped, optional)

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There’s nothing quite like the mouthwatering aroma that fills the kitchen when I make Oven Baked BBQ Chicken. It takes me back to summer evenings spent with family, gathered around the grill, sharing stories and laughter. Even though I love the traditional grill method, there’s something special about placing chicken in the oven instead. It allows the flavors to meld beautifully while the chicken remains tender and juicy. If you’ve ever been caught in a sudden rainstorm or just want an easy weeknight meal, this dish is your go-to. Plus, the sticky, caramelized BBQ sauce that clings to each piece is simply irresistible. As soon as you pull it from the oven, the anticipation builds as everyone eagerly awaits their first bite.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
55 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
45 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
400 kcal

Protein:
30 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
25 g

Tools Used:
Half sheet pan, Aluminum foil

What Sets This Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Apart

It’s All About the Flavor

What I love most about this Oven Baked BBQ Chicken is the depth of flavor in each bite. The seasoning salt adds just the right amount of zest, while the BBQ sauce gives it that sweet and smoky finish. You can use your favorite BBQ sauce, or even try making your own for a unique twist.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This dish is incredibly versatile! Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, Oven Baked BBQ Chicken fits right in. Pair it with a fresh salad or coleslaw, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to please everyone.

Easy to Prepare

I appreciate how effortless this recipe is. With minimal prep time, you can have the chicken in the oven in no time. Just season it, add your BBQ sauce, and let the oven do the work while you relax or prepare other dishes.

Healthy and Wholesome

This recipe is a great way to enjoy a hearty meal without the guilt! Using fresh ingredients like chicken and herbs ensures that you’re indulging in something wholesome. The protein from the chicken keeps you feeling full, too.

Family-Friendly Fun

Get the kids involved in the kitchen! They can help brush on the BBQ sauce or even sprinkle the seasoning. It’s a great way to teach them about cooking and creating delicious family meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Oven Baked BBQ Chicken

The ingredients for this recipe are simple yet effective. Each element complements the others, creating a dish that is not only delicious but also satisfying. The key players here are the chicken, which provides a hearty base, and the BBQ sauce, which adds that irresistible flavor kick.

1 pound chicken drumsticks (also called chicken legs, about 4 total)
1.5 pounds chicken thighs (bone-in and skinless, about 4 total)
Seasoning salt
3/4 cup BBQ sauce
Fresh parsley (chopped, optional)

Putting Together Oven Baked BBQ Chicken

Making Oven Baked BBQ Chicken is as easy as it gets! Follow these steps to create a succulent meal that everyone will love. Let’s dive into the instructions and get cooking!

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. This is a crucial step to ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.
Line a half sheet pan with aluminum foil. This not only makes cleanup easier but also helps the chicken cook evenly. Spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Blot any extra moisture off the chicken using paper towels. This step is important for getting that nice crispy skin. Place the pieces onto the prepared foil.
Generously sprinkle both sides of the chicken with seasoning salt, to taste. I like to use about a tablespoon for all 8 pieces to enhance the flavor.
Spoon or brush the chicken pieces with BBQ sauce. Make sure to coat them well for that sticky, delicious finish.
Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. The chicken is done when it registers an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Keep an eye on it towards the end; you want that golden brown color!
If you’d like, halfway through cooking, you can brush the chicken with more BBQ sauce for extra flavor and glaze.
Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and cover it with foil to let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken tender.
Finally, serve your Oven Baked BBQ Chicken hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy the smiles around the table!

Things Worth Knowing

Resting the chicken after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender meat.
Cooking the chicken at a consistent temperature ensures it cooks evenly and thoroughly.
Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces to discover your favorite flavor profile.
Using bone-in pieces gives the chicken more flavor and moisture during cooking.

Customization Ideas

One of the best things about Oven Baked BBQ Chicken is how easily it can be customized. Here are some ideas to elevate your dish further:

Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three to four days. Reheat in the oven for the best results.
Freezing: Yes, you can freeze this chicken! Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months.
Pairing: Serve with a refreshing coleslaw or a side of roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Spice it Up: Add your favorite spices to the seasoning salt for an extra kick. Paprika or cayenne pepper works great!
Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
BBQ Sauce Variations: Try different styles of BBQ sauce – sweet, spicy, or smoky – to match your taste.

Pairing Suggestions for Oven Baked BBQ Chicken

When it comes to serving Oven Baked BBQ Chicken, the possibilities are endless! Here are some delightful pairings:

Coleslaw: A cool, crunchy coleslaw complements the warm, savory chicken perfectly.
Roasted Vegetables: Pair the chicken with seasonal roasted veggies like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for a colorful plate.
Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans are a traditional favorite that pairs wonderfully with BBQ chicken.
Cornbread: Serve with warm cornbread for a true Southern experience that everyone will love.
Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad can balance the richness of the chicken and add a comforting side dish.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A light, fresh fruit salad is a refreshing way to cleanse the palate after rich BBQ flavors.
Casual Gatherings: This dish is perfect for backyard barbecues, family dinners, or even game day celebrations.
Storage Tips: Keep leftovers stored in the fridge, and they can be enjoyed cold or reheated later.

FAQ

Yes, you can use skinless chicken for Oven Baked BBQ Chicken. However, keeping the skin on helps retain moisture and adds extra flavor. If you prefer skinless, just be sure to monitor the cooking time carefully, as skinless pieces can cook a bit faster.

The choice of BBQ sauce is entirely up to your personal taste! For a sweet flavor, go with a honey BBQ sauce. If you enjoy heat, a spicy BBQ sauce works wonderfully. You can even make your own sauce at home for a unique twist. Experiment and find the flavor that suits you best!

The best way to know if your Oven Baked BBQ Chicken is done is by checking its internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should read 165 degrees F in the thickest part of the chicken. Additionally, the meat should be tender and juices should run clear.

Absolutely! You can use chicken breasts for this recipe. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, as breasts are often thicker. Again, the internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F for safety, and breasts may require a little less time than bone-in pieces.

Conclusion

The Oven Baked BBQ Chicken is a dish that combines ease, flavor, and comfort into one delightful meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights yet special enough to serve to guests. I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own. Enjoy the process, gather your loved ones, and savor the delicious results!