Baked BBQ chicken is dinner in the oven in under 10 minutes. Yes! Parent and kid approved, you’ll want to make this soon!
This easy baked BBQ chicken recipe was inspired by my Italian dressing chicken. Two ingredients, no muss, no fuss, and delicious outcome. We like to serve it with garlic knots and easy sauteed veggies.
Baked BBQ Chicken
Baked BBQ Chicken
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Baked BBQ Chicken Ingredients
- Chicken – We are partial to drumsticks, but any cut of chicken will work fine.
- Barbecue sauce – Feel free to grab your favorite bottle from the grocery store, or if you’re feeling ambitious whip up some homemade bbq sauce!
- Garnish – Totally optional, but if I’m serving this for guests I like to top with some green onion, parsley, or cilantro!
Place chicken on a large baking sheet, baste on all sides with BBQ sauce, then bake. Finally garnish.
How do you make BBQ chicken in the oven? (Step-by-step)
⭐ First, lay your chicken on a baking sheet.
⭐Next, baste each piece of chicken liberally with barbecue sauce.
⭐Then, turn chicken over and baste the opposite side.
⭐Finally, bake on center rack of oven until cooked through to a safe temp.
Scroll down to the printable recipe card toward the bottom of this article for ingredient measurements and detailed cooking instructions.
It’s not recommended to rinse chicken before cooking, but you can pat it dry with a clean paper towel if desired.
Preparation
What is the best cut of chicken for baked BBQ chicken?
You really can use any cut you like. My personal favorite is drumsticks but we often will use chicken thighs when they’re on sale, or even boneless skinless breasts sometimes.
What kind of barbecue sauce should I use for baked bbq chicken?
Any kind you love (and if you’re like me, you love whatever is on sale). I’ve made this recipe with just about every kind of BBQ sauce and it always turns out great.
You can even make your own homemade bbq sauce for it!
Do you put the BBQ sauce on before or after baking?
The trick to getting that deliciously caramelized layer of sweet barbecue sauce on the chicken is to generously apply the sauce before baking. If you want a super thick layer you could even baste a second time half way through cooking.
Should I cover the chicken while baking?
No, this will create steam and keep the sauce on top from caramelizing. Always bake bbq chicken uncovered.
Baste liberally on all sides. Don’t worry about being neat!
Storage and leftovers
How long does baked barbecue chicken last?
The leftovers will keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3 – 4 days.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
You can, but the yummy caramelization will lose a lot of its luster in the freezing and thawing process. If you do freeze you’ll want to reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven for best results.
If you like it extra saucy, baste a second time halfway through cooking.
What to eat with BBQ baked chicken? (serving suggestions)
Well if we’re making barbecue, you know I’m going to suggest a yummy macaroni salad recipe! Baked sweet potatoes are also a good option, and then maybe some cucumber tomato salad with feta to top it off.
I like to add a little pop of green at the end (also green onions are delicious).
More delicious chicken recipes
- Baked parmesan chicken recipe
- Easy sweet and sour chicken
- Smoked chicken legs
- Honey garlic chicken thighs
- See all our chicken dinner recipes!
Try these BBQ recipes next
- BBQ chicken pizza recipe
- BBQ chicken nachos recipe
- Air fryer barbecue chicken tacos
- Barbecue pulled pork
- Instant pot ribs recipe
- BBQ bacon wrapped pineapple bites
The BBQ sauce has baked on and created an amazing caramelized glaze.
Tools we love
- Baking half sheet – I adore these baking sheets and use them pretty nearly every day!
- Basting brush – A good silicone basting brush is a kitchen must-have.
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How to Make Baked BBQ Chicken
Baked BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
- 14 chicken legs*
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- Garnish optional, green onion, parsley, or cilantro
Instructions
- Lay chicken legs on a baking sheet with some space between each piece.
- Baste each piece liberally with barbecue sauce.
- Turn and repeat.
- Bake on center rack of oven at 375F for 25 - 30 minutes (until they reach an internal temperature of 165F).
- Optional: turn on broiler or convection setting for 2 - 3 minutes to brown and crisp further.
- Garnish if desired.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Baked BBQ Chicken
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Shelley says
You had me at 2 ingredients, in the oven in 10 … I mean, what’s not to love about that!?! But even better were your great hints about exactly how to bake bbq chicken perfectly every time … specifically, the idea about basting it again partway through baking so you get a REALLY thick layer of sauce (YUM!) and about why you shouldn’t bake it covered – super helpful! Thank you!
Beth says
This looks so tasty! My family is going to love this recipe! Can’t wait!
Suzy says
I love how hands off this is! Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!