Description
Baked BBQ Chicken Breasts
Made with just 3 simple ingredients!
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Brush chicken breasts with olive oil on both sides.
Season lightly with salt and pepper if desired.
Coat the chicken generously with BBQ sauce.
Place chicken in a baking dish and cover with foil.
Bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil, brush on more BBQ sauce, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 320 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect baked BBQ chicken every time. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels; this helps the oil and sauce adhere better. Next, brush both sides of each breast with olive oil. This thin layer helps prevent sticking and encourages browning. Season lightly with salt and pepper, even if your BBQ sauce is flavorful. Pour about half of the BBQ sauce into a shallow dish and coat each piece generously. Place the sauced chicken in a single layer in a baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil—this crucial step traps steam to keep the chicken juicy. Bake covered for 25 minutes. Carefully remove the dish and foil. Brush the remaining BBQ sauce over the chicken. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for the final 10-15 minutes. Always verify doneness with a meat thermometer; the thickest part must read 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to redistribute the juices.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile main dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a classic comfort meal, serve it with creamy coleslaw, cornbread, and baked beans. For a lighter option, pair it with a crisp green salad, grilled corn on the cob, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or sweet potato wedges. You can also shred the baked chicken and use it as a delicious filling for sandwiches, tacos, or loaded baked potatoes.
How-to Summary
In short: Dry the chicken, coat with oil and sauce, bake covered for 25 minutes at 400°F, add more sauce, then bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165°F. Rest before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Bone-in, skin-on thighs are excellent for this method. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time to ensure they are fully cooked.
How can I prevent the BBQ sauce from burning?
Using the foil cover for the first half of cooking is key. Also, avoid using sauces with very high sugar content, as sugar burns easily. If browning too fast, loosely tent with foil.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken with oil and sauce up to a day in advance, store it covered in the fridge, and bake when ready. Fully cooked chicken reheats well in a covered dish in the oven.
Is it necessary to brush with oil before the sauce?
Yes, the oil acts as a barrier, helping the sauce stick and promoting better texture. Skipping it can result in the sauce sliding off onto the pan.
My chicken turned out dry. What happened?
The most common causes are overcooking or using breasts that are too thin. Ensure you use a meat thermometer and remove the chicken at 165°F. The foil-covered step is also essential for moisture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the step of patting the chicken dry, leading to poor sauce adhesion.
- Not covering the dish with foil for the initial bake, which steams the chicken and keeps it tender.
- Overcooking the chicken by guessing doneness instead of using a meat thermometer.
- Using a baking dish that’s too large, causing the sauce to spread thin and burn.
- Applying all the sauce at the beginning, which can cause it to burn before the chicken is cooked.
Conclusion
This 3-ingredient baked BBQ chicken recipe proves that a spectacular, family-friendly dinner doesn’t require complex techniques or a long ingredient list. The simple two-stage baking method—covered to lock in moisture, then uncovered to caramelize the sauce—delivers incredibly juicy chicken with a flavorful, sticky glaze. It’s a foolproof foundation for countless meals, from quick weeknight dinners to casual gatherings. Master this easy technique, and you’ll have a guaranteed crowd-pleaser ready in about 40 minutes.