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Baked BBQ chicken is a go-to recipe when you want comfort food without the hassle of firing up the grill. Each piece turns out juicy with a sticky caramelized glaze that tastes like a backyard cookout. It only takes a handful of pantry staples and a single casserole dish to get all the flavor of barbecue any time of year.
The first time I made this for a large family dinner, everyone kept going back for seconds. Now it is my easy answer for any night I need something satisfying with little effort.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: These cook quickly and stay moist when baked Use fresh or high quality chicken for best results
- Paprika: Adds a deep smoky flavor that mimics outdoor grilling Choose a vibrant red paprika for best color and taste
- Garlic powder: Gives a nice savory backbone and aroma Look for garlic powder free of clumping
- Onion powder: Partners with garlic for more depth Use pure onion powder for cleanest flavor
- Salt and black pepper: A classic starting point to make all the flavors pop Freshly cracked pepper and kosher salt add the best taste
- Dehydrated chopped onions: Extra onion bites for texture and sweetness Opt for onions that are golden and dry not sticky
- BBQ sauce: The star that delivers that sticky tangy finish Test a few brands to pick your favorite flavor profile
- Butter: Slices on top melt into the sauce and chicken Keeping everything rich and moist I prefer salted for extra flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the Chicken:
- Pat chicken breasts dry then sprinkle both sides with paprika garlic powder onion powder salt and black pepper Press the spices gently onto the surface for better flavor
- Arrange in the Pan:
- Place the seasoned chicken in a 7 x 11 glass casserole dish Space the pieces so they bake evenly and top with a generous sprinkle of dried minced onion
- Add the Sauce:
- Pour your BBQ sauce evenly over all the chicken Using a spoon or brush lift the chicken slightly to let some sauce coat the bottom too
- Top with Butter:
- Cut cold butter into thin slices and lay them on top of each chicken breast These little pats will melt down as the chicken cooks creating a silky glaze on the surface
- Bake:
- Slide the uncovered dish into your oven at 400 degrees F Bake for 20 to 30 minutes checking that the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F Basting once with the pan sauce halfway through boosts the flavor and color
- Rest and Serve:
- When finished let the chicken rest in the pan for at least 5 minutes This gives juices time to settle which means moist slices and a behind the scenes trick for a glossy barbecue glaze
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Paprika has always been my favorite spice in this recipe It is the secret to getting a real barbecue flavor from the oven When my son was little he used to sneak spoonfuls of the sauce straight from the dish because it smelled so inviting right out of the oven
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days If you plan to freeze wrap each chicken piece in foil before placing in a freezer bag This prevents freezer burn and makes reheating simpler later
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat Use your favorite store bought or homemade barbecue sauce For a lighter flavor try using olive oil instead of butter on top Add smoked paprika if you want that extra kick
Serving Suggestions
Baked BBQ chicken is a crowd pleaser alongside classics like buttery corn on the cob crisp coleslaw or creamy mac and cheese For a lighter meal pair with a simple salad or roasted green beans
Cultural and Historical Context
Baked BBQ chicken reflects a home cook shortcut to get that big summery barbecue flavor without seasonal limitations This recipe lets you create a backyard feel from the comfort of your indoor kitchen It is all about gathering friends and family for a fuss free feast
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Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use store-bought barbecue sauce?
Absolutely! Use your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce for convenience and great flavor.
- → What are the best sides for baked BBQ chicken?
Corn, coleslaw, green beans and macaroni and cheese all complement this tangy dish perfectly.
- → How do I keep the chicken juicy?
Cover the pan for part of the baking time, then uncover to finish; let the chicken rest before slicing.
- → How do I get a sticky, caramelized glaze?
Uncover the chicken near the end and broil for a few minutes for that classic sticky finish.
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Certainly! Chicken thighs work well and will remain tender and flavorful with this method.