Easy Recipe For BBQ Chicken Breasts Baked in the Oven

I found a recipe for homemade BBQ sauce in my late mom’s recipe box years ago, and it has been a staple in my kitchen ever since. She had a knack for creating or collecting recipes that were quick, easy, and full of flavor, and this one’s no exception. The sauce is rich and complex – just the right balance of sweet, tangy, and spice – and brings something special to almost any meat. I use it often with our Pulled Beef and Pulled Pork Sandwiches, but these boneless BBQ chicken breasts are my go-to when I need something fast. (Those other two are made in the slow cooker.)

Here’s why I love this barbecue chicken recipe, and I think you will, too:

• Quick and easy – ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights
• Chicken turns out tender, moist, and full of flavor
• Calls for our unique homemade BBQ sauce – sweet, tangy, and perfectly spiced
• Versatile – great on its own or in salads, quesadillas, or even on pizza
• Can be baked or grilled

Here’s all you need to make this recipe, all of which should be available at your local grocery store:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 5 ounces each) – Boneless thighs also work, but they don’t hold their shape as well and aren’t quite as visually appealing on the plate.
• Kosher or sea salt – Lightly salting the chicken before searing helps bring out its natural flavor.
• Vegetable or canola oil – Use an oil with a high smoke point to ensure a good sear without burning.
• Oklahoma Barbecue Sauce – I recommend my homemade version, but store-bought works in a pinch.
• Chopped Italian parsley and green onions (for garnish) – Optional; they add a fresh pop of green against the deep red sauce.

Prefer bone-in, skin-on chicken? 

You can use breasts or thighs, just increase the baking time to 35 to 45 minutes and add the sauce halfway through, to prevent it from over-caramelizing. Also, be sure to sear skin-side down first for best flavor and texture.

Here’s all you have to do to create this quick and easy chicken:

1. Prep oven and chicken.
   Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towel and season lightly with salt. If needed, pound breasts to an even thickness.
2. Sear one side of chicken.
   Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large cast-iron or ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, place the chicken in the skillet in a single layer, smooth side down. Cook for 2 minutes or until lightly browned.
3. Flip, add sauce, and bake.
   Flip breasts over and place back in pan with the seared side up.  Brush the top of the chicken liberally with BBQ sauce. Place in preheated oven and bake for around 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees on an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the chicken.
4. Rest, garnish, and serve.
   Remove chicken from the oven and let rest for around 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and green onion and serve, passing additional sauce on the side.
   

If you want more smoky flavor, then you can also grill the breasts. Here’s how:

1. Prep grill. 
   Prepare a medium-hot fire in a charcoal grill, or preheat a gas grill on medium-high. Once the grill is heated, bank the coals to one side of the grill, or if gas, turn off one burner. Oil the grill. 
2. Sear chicken.
   Place chicken on the hot part of the grill, skinned (smooth) side down, and cook, uncovered, until lightly browned, around 2 minutes. 
3. Flip, add sauce, and grill.
   Turn the chicken over and move to the cooler part of the grill. Brush with barbecue sauce, cover, and cook until chicken reaches 165 degrees on an instant-read thermometer, around 10-15 minutes. 
4. Rest, garnish, and serve. 
   Remove chicken from the oven and let rest for around 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and green onion and serve, passing additional sauce on the side.

Quick and easy side dishes

Here are a few quick and easy sides that come together fast and pair perfectly with this BBQ chicken recipe:

• Simple Mixed Greens Salad – Toss with my Dijon Vinaigrette dressing.
• Lemon Mayonnaise Coleslaw – Crisp, creamy, and just the right amount of zing (use pre-shredded cabbage to save time).
• Instant Pot Potatoes – Creamy and tossed with butter, 
• Steamed Broccoli with Lemon-Curry Mayo – Bright, flavorful, and on the table in 10 minutes.
• Corn and Prosciutto Salad – A fresh mix of sweet corn, salty prosciutto, and vibrant chives.

Make ahead sides

Leftover chicken ideas

Don’t let a single bite go to waste:

• BBQ Chicken Quesadillas – Swap in chopped BBQ chicken for the pork in my Leftover Pork Quesadillas (omit the Mexican Seasoning).
• Tarragon Chicken Salad – Use this BBQ chicken in place of plain cooked chicken for a smoky twist.