This simple yet delicious baked BBQ chicken recipe requires careful selection of key ingredients, including boneless, skinless chicken breasts, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), prepare a sweet BBQ sauce by combining these ingredients, season the chicken with salt and pepper, coat it in the sauce, and bake for 40-45 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Optional dry rubs or marinades can enhance flavor.
Easy Oven Baked Chicken with Sweet BBQ Sauce
Indulge in a mouthwatering treat with this simple and delicious baked BBQ chicken recipe. This method produces tender, juicy chicken coated in a lip-smacking sweet BBQ sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxing Sunday lunch, it’s a game-changer for busy cooks. The recipe includes easy-to-follow instructions, from seasoning the chicken to creating a mouthwatering sauce, ensuring a satisfying culinary experience. Discover the secret to a perfectly baked bird and tantalize your taste buds!
- Ingredients and Their Measurements
- – List of necessary ingredients with precise quantities.
- Preparation Steps
- – Detailed breakdown of the cooking process, step-by-step.
- Seasoning and Marinade
- – Information on how to season the chicken and create a sweet BBQ sauce marinade.
- Oven Temperature and Cooking Time
Ingredients and Their Measurements
For this delightful baked BBQ chicken recipe, gather your ingredients carefully. You’ll need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a hearty meal, along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil to keep them moist and flavorful. The star of the dish is a sweet BBQ sauce—mix together 1/2 cup of ketchup, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika for a smoky, tangy taste. Don’t forget the salt and freshly ground black pepper to season according to your preference. These measurements create a balanced blend that enhances the chicken’s natural flavors during baking.
– List of necessary ingredients with precise quantities.
To create a mouthwatering baked BBQ chicken recipe, gather the following ingredients for a delicious and easy-to-prepare meal:
1. 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 pound or 450 grams)
2. 1/4 cup of ketchup
3. 1/4 cup of brown sugar
4. 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
5. 2 cloves of garlic, minced
6. 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
7. 1 teaspoon of paprika
8. Salt and pepper to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon each)
9. 2 tablespoons of olive oil or melted butter for brushing
Mix the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined. This sweet BBQ sauce will coat your chicken perfectly. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish, brush both sides with the olive oil or melted butter, and pour the sauce evenly over the top.
Preparation Steps
Preparation for this mouthwatering baked BBQ chicken recipe is straightforward and takes just a few simple steps. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for slow-roasting the chicken. Next, prepare your sweet BBQ sauce by combining ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic, and spices in a saucepan over medium heat until they meld together beautifully. While the sauce simmers, season your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices. Place the seasoned chicken in a baking dish, pour the warm sauce over it, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. This baked BBQ chicken recipe truly comes alive as the aroma of the sweet sauce fills your kitchen during the 45-minute bake time, resulting in tender, juicy chicken that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or any occasion.
– Detailed breakdown of the cooking process, step-by-step.
To create mouthwatering baked BBQ chicken, follow this straightforward step-by-step guide. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), a crucial first step that ensures even cooking. Next, prepare your chicken by seasoning it with salt and pepper, ensuring every piece is coated for enhanced flavor. In a small saucepan, combine the sweet BBQ sauce ingredients: ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic, and a touch of cayenne pepper. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, creating a luscious, tangy sauce.
Once the sauce is ready, place the seasoned chicken in a baking dish, pouring the hot sauce evenly over each piece. This step infuses the chicken with flavor during the baking process. Bake for approximately 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring juicy, tender meat. For an extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for a final 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Your easy oven-baked BBQ chicken is now ready to be served, offering a delicious blend of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors in every bite.
Seasoning and Marinade
Seasoning and marinade play a crucial role in transforming simple chicken into mouthwatering baked BBQ chicken. Start by mixing together a blend of dried herbs and spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. This dry rub will add depth of flavor to each tender bite. For an even more flavorful experience, prepare a marinade by combining olive oil, vinegar, honey, and your chosen BBQ sauce. This liquid mixture not only keeps the chicken moist during baking but also allows the flavors to penetrate and infuse the meat.
Rub the dry seasoning over the chicken pieces, ensuring every surface is coated. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or, for even better results, marinate it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. This step allows the flavors to develop, transforming your baked BBQ chicken recipe into something truly special.
– Information on how to season the chicken and create a sweet BBQ sauce marinade.
To get started on your easy oven-baked BBQ chicken recipe, begin by preparing the chicken for marination. Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, and season them generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other dry rubs like garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne for extra flavor. Place the seasoned chicken in a large bowl.
Next, whisk together ingredients for a sweet BBQ sauce marinade. Combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and a touch of chili powder in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer until the mixture thickens slightly. Pour this warm sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes or up to an hour in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
Oven Temperature and Cooking Time
When preparing this mouthwatering baked BBQ chicken recipe, setting the right oven temperature and understanding the ideal cooking time are key to achieving juicy, flavorful results. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature range ensures that the chicken heats through evenly while developing a crispy skin without drying out the meat. Depending on the size of the chicken pieces, plan for approximately 25-35 minutes of baking time. Larger cuts like whole legs or thighs might take up to 40 minutes, while smaller breast pieces will require about 20-25 minutes. Regularly check the internal temperature with a thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.