Dry, bland chicken? I’ve been there—and I don’t have time for that either. This baked BBQ chicken is seasoned the way I was taught growing up in my great-grandmother’s kitchen: with purpose and flavor in every bite. It’s quick, easy, and reliable. Juicy chicken, rich BBQ glaze, and a recipe you can count on—every single time.
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Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works and You Will Love It
- It’s juicy, not dry – We’re not doing boring, bland chicken over here. This one stays tender and full of flavor.
- Big BBQ flavor without the grill – No need to fire up anything outside. Just bake, glaze, and enjoy.
- Simple ingredients, easy steps – Nothing fancy or hard to find. Just straight-up, real ingredients that work.
- Quick enough for a weeknight – You can get this on the table fast, even when life’s doing the most.
Key Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts
- Soy Sauce
- Brown Sugar or Sweetener
- BBQ Rub or Chicken Rub
- BBQ Sauce
What Type of Chicken to Use
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: These are convenient and easy to work with, as they cook relatively quickly and are simple to portion. They're also leaner than bone-in chicken breasts, making them a healthier option for those watching their fat intake.
- Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Breasts: These are juicier and more flavorful than their boneless counterparts. The bone helps insulate the meat and retains moisture during cooking, while the skin adds flavor and protects the meat from drying out. Baking bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts takes a bit longer than boneless breasts, but the results are often worth it for the added flavor and juiciness.
- Chicken Thighs or Legs: These will typically take an additional 10-20 minutes to bake compared to breasts.
Do You Marinate It
Marinating the chicken before baking is not strictly necessary, but it can enhance the flavor and juiciness of the chicken. Marinating allows the chicken to absorb additional flavors from the marinade, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
If you choose to marinate, marinate the chicken breast for at least 30 minutes to several hours (up to overnight) before baking. The longer you marinate, the more flavor the chicken will absorb.
How to Season the Chicken
To keep the chicken moist during the baking process, I use a combination of a liquid marinade (soy sauce) and my Homemade BBQ Dry Rub Seasoning. You can also use a store-bought rub if you prefer.
Soy sauce contains enzymes that break down proteins in the meat. It also helps the chicken retain moisture, preventing it from becoming dry during cooking. You can use apple cider vinegar if you prefer.
How to Make Baked BBQ Chicken Breast
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Marinate and season the chicken.
- Add the seasoned chicken along to an oven safe skillet or baking dish. Drizzle the chicken with BBQ sauce.
- Place the chicken in the oven and bake.
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How to Prevent the Chicken From Drying Out
- Marinate the Chicken: Marinate the chicken breast for at least 30 minutes to several hours before baking.
- Don't Overcook: Overcooking is one of the main causes of dry chicken breast. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees and no higher. Remove the chicken from the oven as soon as it reaches the correct temperature to avoid drying it out.
- Baste with BBQ Sauce: If you're using BBQ sauce, basting the chicken breast with sauce during baking can help keep it moist.
- Let it Rest: After removing the chicken breast from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in juicier chicken.
How to Ensure the BBQ Sauce Doesn't Burn
I like for the BBQ sauce to caramelize the chicken while it cooks. If you aren't a fan of this, cover the chicken breast loosely with aluminum foil during the first part of the baking process. This helps protect the BBQ sauce from direct heat and prevents it from burning. Remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to allow the sauce to caramelize and develop flavor.
Keep a close eye on the chicken breast as it bakes. If you notice the sauce starting to darken too quickly or develop black spots, you can tent the chicken breast with foil or lower the oven temperature to prevent further burning.
Cook Time/How Long to Bake
Bake the chicken for about 20 to 25 minutes or however long it takes to reach the appropriate internal temperature.
How to Tell When the Chicken is Done
- Internal Temperature: The most reliable way to determine if chicken breast is fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast and ensure it reaches the center. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- Juices Run Clear: Another indicator of doneness is the color of the juices that seep out of the chicken breast when pierced with a fork. If the juices run clear, with no traces of pink or blood, the chicken is likely cooked through.
- No Pink Meat: Cut into the thickest part of the chicken breast with a sharp knife and inspect the meat. It should be opaque all the way through, with no traces of pinkness or rawness.
- Firm Texture: The texture of the chicken breast should feel firm to the touch when gently pressed with a finger. If it feels soft or squishy, it may still be undercooked.
- Crispy and Golden Exterior: If the chicken breast is coated in BBQ sauce, it should have a crispy and golden-brown exterior when done. The sauce should be caramelized, and the chicken should appear glazed and slightly charred around the edges.
What Type of Pan to Use
- Cast Iron Skillet: Cast iron is known for its excellent heat retention and distribution properties. A cast iron skillet heats evenly, ensuring that the chicken breasts cook uniformly and develop a beautifully browned exterior.
- Baking Sheet: A standard baking sheet, also known as a baking tray or cookie sheet, is a versatile option. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Baking Dish: A baking dish, such as a glass or ceramic casserole dish, is another excellent choice. Choose a dish that's large enough to hold the chicken breasts in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Roasting Pan: If you're cooking a large batch of BBQ chicken breast or if you prefer using a deeper pan, a roasting pan with a rack is a great option. The rack allows air to circulate around the chicken, promoting even cooking and browning.
Substitutions and Variations
- Sweeteners: Adjust the sweetness of the BBQ sauce by using honey, maple syrup, molasses, or brown sugar. You can also use sugar-free alternatives like monkfruit sweetener.
- BBQ Sauce: Experiment with different varieties of BBQ sauce, such as hickory, mesquite, honey, or spicy flavors.
- Cumin: Offers a warm, earthy flavor with a hint of bitterness.
- Mustard Powder: Adds a tangy, slightly spicy flavor that complements the sweetness of BBQ sauce.
- Celery Salt: Provides a savory flavor with a hint of celery seed aroma.
- Oregano: Adds a subtle herbal note that pairs well with other spices in the seasoning blend.
- Thyme: Offers a mild, earthy flavor with subtle floral notes.
- Rosemary: Provides a pine-like aroma and a slightly bitter, woody flavor.
Pair With These Recipes
Southern Coleslaw
Soul Food Potato Salad
Potato Salad with Bacon
Smoked Mac and Cheese
Southern Baked Beans
Broccoli Salad with Bacon
More BBQ Recipes
Smoked Pulled Chicken
Oven Baked BBQ Ribs
Traeger Smoked Queso
Traeger Smoked Mac and Cheese
Baked BBQ Chicken Breast
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2-3 pounds boneless skinless breasts
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar or sweetener
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup BBQ sauce Optional for sauced chicken.
Instructions
- If you plan to marinate the chicken in advance, combine the soy sauce and all of the spices and drizzle it over the chicken in a large bowl or plastic bag. Place the chicken in the fridge (covered) for 30 minutes to overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
- Add the seasoned chicken along to an oven safe skillet or baking dish. Drizzle the chicken with BBQ sauce.
- Place the chicken in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or however long it takes for the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Use a meat thermometer.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in juicier chicken.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Heather says
Great weeknight meal! Thank you!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!