Name: Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds bone-in chicken pieces or boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1/3 cup barbecue chicken rub; 1/2 cup barbecue sauce

There’s something incredibly satisfying about the rich flavors and tender juiciness of this Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe. It’s straightforward to make, yet delivers that irresistible sweet and smoky bite that keeps everyone coming back for more.

The image shows a close-up of grilled chicken pieces, including drumsticks and thighs, covered with a shiny, dark red barbecue sauce with some charred black spots from grilling. The chicken pieces are stacked closely together on a dark textured surface with small green herb leaves sprinkled on top and around them. Near the bottom left corner, there is a wooden basting brush with a reddish-brown sauce on the bristles resting on the surface. The overall look is rich, glossy, and slightly smoky. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I adore this Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe because it hits that sweet spot between easy prep and impressive flavor. It’s perfect for weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners, and I love that it doesn’t require firing up the grill to get those classic BBQ vibes.

Simple but Flavorful: A quick rub and sauce glaze create layers of smoky, tangy goodness without fuss.
Juicy, Tender Results: Baking with careful timing keeps the chicken moist, even if you’re using lean cuts like boneless breasts.
Flexible Cooking: Whether you prefer drumsticks, thighs, or skinless breasts, you can use whatever you have on hand.
Broiler Finish: That final broil step caramelizes the sauce perfectly, giving your chicken a lovely, slightly crispy glaze.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a key role in building the flavor and texture you expect from a Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe. Plus, I’ve learned a few shopping tips over the years to make the process smoother and more delicious.

Flat lay of fresh bone-in chicken drumsticks with skin, a small mound of reddish-brown barbecue chicken rub, a small white ceramic bowl filled with glossy, thick barbecue sauce, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken pieces: Bone-in chicken offers more flavor and juiciness, but boneless breasts work well if you want a leaner, faster option.
Barbecue chicken rub: A blend of smoky spices adds depth right from the start—grab your favorite store-bought blend or make your own.
Barbecue sauce: The all-important glaze that brings sweetness and tang, transforming the chicken inside and out during broiling.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

I love shaking things up with this recipe depending on what I have available or who I’m feeding — it’s a great base to experiment with.

Spice it up: Adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the rub amps up the smoky heat, perfect for spice lovers.
Sauce swaps: Honey BBQ or spicy chipotle sauces work beautifully if you want to mix flavors.
Vegetarian swap: Try this cooking method with firm tofu or cauliflower steaks and your favorite BBQ sauce for a plant-based twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe

The image shows two pieces of grilled chicken on a white plate with a blue tint. Each chicken piece is covered with a thick, shiny red barbecue sauce that has a slightly charred texture in some spots. The chicken is garnished with small green parsley leaves scattered on top and around the pieces. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a glimpse of a soft red cloth at the bottom right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken Just Right

I always start by drying my chicken pieces with paper towels. This helps the spice rub stick better, plus you get that lovely crust when it bakes. Then I pat on the barbecue chicken rub evenly over all sides and let it rest for about 15 minutes while I preheat the oven to 425ºF. This little waiting game lets the flavors get cozy.

Step 2: Arrange and Bake With Care

Line a baking sheet with foil and set an oven-safe wire rack on top. This setup lets air circulate around the chicken, helping it cook evenly and keeps the skin from getting soggy. Place your chicken on the rack, skin side up, which always leads to that perfect crispness.

Step 3: Timing the Bake for Juicy Perfection

Cooking times vary by chicken cut—I’ve learned that flipping halfway through is key. For drumsticks, I bake 15 minutes, flip, then 10 more minutes before flipping again to brush on barbecue sauce. For thighs or bone-in breasts, it’s the same start but with 20 minutes after flipping. Boneless breasts get 10 minutes per side. This timing locks in juicy, tender meat without drying out.

Step 4: Broil for That Luscious Glaze

After brushing your sauce on for the final time, pop the chicken under the broiler for 2-4 minutes. Keep a close eye because it can go from caramelized to burnt real quick. That broil is what gives this Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe its irresistible sticky, slightly crispy glaze—just like grilled BBQ but without the grill.

Top Tip

From dozens of attempts, I’ve picked up a few tips that make this Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe shine every time.

Pat Dry Chicken: Trust me, this little step is a game-changer for getting a nicely browned exterior.
Don’t Skip the Rest: Giving the rub 15 minutes to meld into the meat deepens the flavor profile.
Use a Wire Rack: It keeps the skin crispy and avoids a soggy bottom that foil-only baking can cause.
Watch the Broiler: I’ve learned to stay close and patient—just seconds can make a difference between caramelized and burnt.

How to Serve Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish my baked BBQ chicken with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions—they add a refreshing burst of color and mild flavor contrast that brightens the plate.

Side Dishes

For sides, I’m a big fan of creamy coleslaw, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. Cornbread or grilled veggies also make for a fantastic Southern-style feast pairing with this chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I sometimes slice the chicken and arrange the pieces on a wooden board with extra BBQ sauce in small bowls for dipping—makes an inviting, shareable spread that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I let leftovers cool completely, then store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. The meat stays juicy if you reheat gently.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, especially if you leave the barbecue sauce off before freezing. Wrap chicken tightly, freeze up to 3 months, then add fresh sauce and broil after thawing for near-fresh taste.

Reheating

I reheat leftover BBQ chicken in the oven at 350ºF, covered loosely with foil to keep moisture in, usually for 15-20 minutes. Then, a quick broil glaze refresh brings back the crisp finish.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use boneless skinless chicken breasts for this Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Just reduce the baking time to avoid drying them out, and watch for an internal temperature of 165ºF. A quick broil at the end adds that perfect caramelized BBQ finish.

How do I prevent the BBQ sauce from burning under the broiler?

Broil on high but keep a close eye—usually 2-4 minutes is enough. Flip the chicken to ensure even cooking and remove it as soon as the edges look caramelized and bubbly to avoid bitterness.

What’s the best way to make this recipe ahead of time?

Prep the chicken with the spice rub and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Bake and broil the day you want to serve for freshest results. Alternatively, cook fully and reheat gently when ready.

Do I need a wire rack to bake this chicken?

Using a wire rack is highly recommended—it helps air circulate and keeps the chicken skin crispy by preventing it from sitting in its own juices. If you don’t have one, placing on foil is okay but a bit less crispy.

Final Thoughts

This Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen—I love how the simple steps yield such delicious results every time. It’s one of those dishes I’m always excited to recommend to friends because it’s both approachable and impressive. Give it a shot, and I promise you’ll find yourself reaching for that barbecue sauce just a little more often.