This baked BBQ chicken is cooked in the oven until juicy, tender, and full of flavor. With just 2 simple ingredients and 5 minutes of prep, it’s the easiest weeknight dinner.

Sliced baked BBQ chicken breast on a plate with brussels sprouts and cheesy potatoes.

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Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Breast

No need to fire up the grill for grilled BBQ chicken, this recipe for oven baked BBQ chicken is just as easy as my crockpot BBQ chicken or oven roasted chicken but made in a quarter of the time!

It’s an easy, quick, no-fail baked chicken breast recipe that takes just 5 minutes to prep. It’s the perfect dinner for busy weeknights and only requires 2 simple ingredients, chicken breasts and BBQ sauce!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Tender and juicy: The BBQ glaze helps keep the chicken so tender and juicy. You will love every mouthwatering bite of this quick dish!
  • Family favorite: Sticky BBQ sauce is finger-licking good, the whole family will agree on it!

Recipe Ingredients

Chicken breasts in a baking dish, bbq sauce, salt and pepper on the counter.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • Chicken breasts: You will need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
  • BBQ sauce: I love to use my homemade BBQ sauce recipe, but your favorite store-bought brand works, too.
  • Kosher salt and pepper: To taste.

How to Make Baked BBQ Chicken

In only 4 steps, this baked BBQ chicken breast recipe is ready to be served! It couldn’t be any easier.

Showing how to bake bbq chicken in a 4 step collage.
  1. Prep chicken: Place chicken breasts between 2 pieces of parchment paper and lightly pound with a mallet or rolling pin until they are about 1-inch thick.
  2. Season with salt and pepper: Place chicken in a baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet then season with salt and pepper.
  3. Add BBQ sauce and bake: Pour barbecue sauce evenly over the top. I typically add 1/2 cup and then more half way through baking time. Bake 25 to 30 minutes at 400°F, or until the internal temperature reads 165°F on a digital thermometer.
  4. Rest and serve: Let the baked BBQ chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing. Serve while warm.

Tips and Variations

  • Thickness. If the chicken breasts are too thick, the outside can overcook before the center is done. Use a mallet to pound them to an even thickness so they bake more evenly.
  • Optional marinade. Marinating isn’t required, but if you have time, a quick brine or chicken marinade can make the meat extra tender and enhance the BBQ flavor. Even without it, your chicken will still turn out delicious.
  • Extra seasoning ideas. Try Italian dressing for a zesty twist, or use the seasoning blend from my baked chicken bites, it includes paprika and garlic powder. A splash of liquid smoke adds great depth.
  • Covered or uncovered? No need to cover the chicken while it bakes. The BBQ sauce keeps the meat moist, even without foil.
  • Keep it moist. For the best flavor and texture, flip the chicken halfway through baking and baste with extra sauce. I usually start with 1/2 cup of sauce and add another 1/4 to 1/2 cup as needed while it cooks.
  • Let it rest. Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest in the pan for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute for a tender, juicy result.
Top down photo of baked bbq chicken in a white baking dish.

What to Serve with BBQ Chicken

This easy baked BBQ chicken is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. I love using leftovers for BBQ chicken pizza or BBQ nachos.

When serving it fresh, pair it with a simple side like roasted vegetables, Parmesan potato wedges, or a scoop of homemade mac and cheese. Even a bowl of rice pilaf with roasted cauliflower can make it a hearty, satisfying meal.

Sliced BBQ chicken on cutting board showing how tender and juicy it is.

Love easy chicken recipes? Try this Parmesan ranch chicken, baked lemon chicken, homemade chicken wings or chicken tenders, next!

More BBQ Chicken Recipes

Sliced bbq chicken on cutting board.

Baked BBQ Chicken

5 from 7 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Rest Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
This baked BBQ chicken is cooked in the oven until juicy, tender, and full of flavor. With just 2 simple ingredients and 5 minutes of prep, it's the easiest weeknight dinner.
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Ingredients 

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ – 1 cup BBQ sauce , plus more to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  • Place the chicken breasts between 2 pieces of parchment paper and lightly pound with a mallet or rolling pin until they are an even thickness. I prefer mine about 1-inch thick. Trim any fat. If you have time, brine your chicken (see notes).
  • Place in a baking dish and season with salt and pepper.
  • Then pour BBQ sauce evenly over the top. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads 165°F on a digital thermometer. To keep the chicken juicy, flip halfway through baking and baste with more BBQ sauce.
  • Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing. Serve while warm.

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

Notes: 
  • Brine for extra juiciness: Soak in salt water for 15–20 minutes if you have time.
  • Pound to even thickness: Helps the chicken cook evenly without drying out.
  • Use a meat thermometer: Bake until internal temp reaches 165°F.
  • Flip and baste halfway: Add more BBQ sauce mid-bake if needed
  • Let it rest: Rest 5 minutes before slicing so juices redistribute.
  • Flavor boosters: Try Italian dressing, garlic, red pepper flakes, or a splash of liquid smoke.

Nutrition

Calories: 190kcal, Carbohydrates: 15g, Protein: 24g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 72mg, Sodium: 499mg, Potassium: 501mg, Fiber: 0.3g, Sugar: 12g, Vitamin A: 114IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 17mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

FAQs

What cut of chicken is best for this recipe?

I like using chicken breasts for this recipe. They’re lean, healthy and aren’t super greasy when cooking. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would also work like I use in my baked chicken thighs recipe.

You could also make this recipe with skin-on chicken thighs, drumsticks, chicken wings or bone-in breasts, although keep in mind that the total cooking time may change depending on how thick the meat is. You can use a meat thermometer to check if it’s ready (the internal temperature should be 165°F). 

What BBQ sauce is best to use?

You can use a homemade BBQ sauce or use your favorite premade bottle. When it comes to a store-bought choice I like Stubbs or Sweet Baby Ray’s.

Can this recipe be made on the grill?

This recipe as written is best to bake in the oven otherwise you risk your BBQ sauce burning. If you are firing up the grill, try these grilled chicken breasts and baste with BBQ sauce during the final few minutes.

How to store leftovers?

Any leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

You can also freeze the chicken for an easy freezer meal for a busy day. If freezing, I prefer to slice it into pieces first. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat in the microwave or oven at 200°F for about 10 minutes.