Oven Baked BBQ Chicken is a delicious and easy dish that brings the taste of summer to your kitchen. With a quick homemade barbecue sauce, this recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. The tender chicken basted in a tangy and sweet sauce will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Why Make This Recipe
Making Oven Baked BBQ Chicken at home allows you to enjoy the classic flavors of barbecue without firing up the grill. This recipe uses simple ingredients that you likely already have, and it saves you the hassle of messy grilling. Plus, the homemade barbecue sauce is quick and easy to prepare, making this dish a convenient choice for busy weeknights or special occasions.
How to Make Oven Baked BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup (or Australian/UK tomato sauce)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 4 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp mustard powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp fresh black pepper
- 1 cup water
- 1.5 kg / 3 lb chicken thighs (bone in skin on), drumsticks, or wings
- Fresh parsley, chives, or finely chopped green onions (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
- In a ceramic or glass baking dish, mix all the sauce ingredients together. Then mix in the water until well combined.
- Add the chicken to the dish and turn it to coat in the sauce. Place the chicken skin side down.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the dish and turn the chicken over. Spoon some sauce over the chicken.
- Bake for another 30 minutes. After this time, take the dish out again, and spoon more sauce over the chicken.
- If you like, you can skim off excess fat by tilting the pan and spooning or draining it off.
- Switch your oven settings to broiler or grill on high. Generously spoon more sauce over the chicken, then place it under the broiler for about 2 to 3 minutes to caramelize the sauce and chicken. Be sure to watch closely so it doesn’t burn!
- Serve the chicken garnished with parsley or green onions if you like. This dish looks great paired with mashed potatoes and green bean salad.
How to Serve Oven Baked BBQ Chicken
Oven Baked BBQ Chicken is delicious served right out of the oven. Pair it with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted vegetables. It also works well on a bed of rice or with a fresh salad for a lighter meal.
How to Store Oven Baked BBQ Chicken
If you have leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat the chicken in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Oven Baked BBQ Chicken
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the barbecue sauce for a few hours or overnight before baking.
- Feel free to adjust the ingredients in the sauce to suit your taste, adding more spice or sweetness as desired.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is fully cooked. It should reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
Variation
For a spicy twist, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the barbecue sauce mix. You can also try different types of meat, like pork ribs or chicken breast, for a change.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but cooking times may vary. Ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature.
Can I make the barbecue sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
You can use skinless chicken for a lower-fat option. Also, try reducing the sugar in the barbecue sauce for a healthier take.
Oven Baked BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
For the Barbecue Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup (or Australian/UK tomato sauce)
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 4 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp mustard powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp fresh black pepper
- 1 cup water
For the Chicken
- 1.5 kg chicken thighs (bone in skin on), drumsticks, or wings
- Fresh parsley, chives, or finely chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
- In a ceramic or glass baking dish, mix all the sauce ingredients together. Then mix in the water until well combined.
- Add the chicken to the dish and turn it to coat in the sauce. Place the chicken skin side down.
Cooking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the dish and turn the chicken over. Spoon some sauce over the chicken.
- Bake for another 30 minutes. After this time, take the dish out again, and spoon more sauce over the chicken.
- If you like, you can skim off excess fat by tilting the pan and spooning or draining it off.
- Switch your oven settings to broiler or grill on high. Generously spoon more sauce over the chicken, then place it under the broiler for about 2 to 3 minutes to caramelize the sauce and chicken. Be sure to watch closely so it doesn’t burn!
Serving
- Serve the chicken garnished with parsley or green onions if you like.
