Description
This Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Breast recipe is a simple, flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken breasts are coated with a smoky, spicy spice rub and baked to tender perfection before being slathered with tangy BBQ sauce for an irresistible finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this meal pairs wonderfully with your favorite sides and is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Chicken and Rub
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
BBQ Sauce
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking tray by spraying it with non-stick spray or lining it with foil or parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup.
- Make the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir well to blend all the spices evenly.
- Prepare the Chicken: Lay the chicken breasts on the prepared baking tray. Use a paper towel to pat the chicken dry which helps the spice rub adhere better. Coat both sides of the chicken evenly with the spice rub mixture.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the tray in the oven and bake the chicken uncovered for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove from oven and coat each piece generously with BBQ sauce. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for breasts. For thighs or dark meat, cook until 175°F to 190°F for tenderness.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, making it more tender and juicy. For an extra juicy finish, cover the chicken loosely with foil during the resting phase. Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side as desired.
Notes
- Using a meat thermometer ensures perfectly cooked chicken and avoids overcooking.
- For more intense smoky flavor, use smoked paprika in the spice rub.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier result; adjust baking time accordingly.
- Resting the chicken covered with foil locks in moisture and improves tenderness.
- Can be paired with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or roasted vegetables.