Baked BBQ Chicken Breast – Easy Weeknight Dinner the Whole Family Will Love

I genuinely believe Baked BBQ Chicken Breast is one of those weeknight lifesavers that never gets old. It’s juicy, flavorful, and comes together with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or prepping meals for the week, this recipe delivers every single time.

I’ll never forget the first time I made this for a busy Tuesday dinner. I was rushing around, wondering what to make that wouldn’t require a million ingredients or complicated steps. I tossed some chicken breasts in a bag with spices, slathered them with BBQ sauce, and popped them in the oven. The result? Perfectly caramelized, tender chicken that had everyone asking for seconds. This Baked BBQ Chicken Breast recipe has been my go-to ever since. It’s gluten-free, high in protein, and works beautifully with low-sugar BBQ sauce if you’re watching your sugar intake. The best part is how hands-off it is once everything goes into the oven.

What You’ll Need to Make This BBQ Chicken

I always start with quality boneless skinless chicken breasts because they cook evenly and absorb the seasonings beautifully. Pro tip: if your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, pound them gently so they bake uniformly.

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each)
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds a subtle smoky depth)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon white pepper (black pepper works too)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¾ cup BBQ sauce (I recommend a low-sugar or sugar-free version for a healthier twist)

Personal note: I prefer using homemade BBQ sauce when I have time, but a good quality store-bought option works just as well for busy nights. You can marinate for as little as 30 minutes or up to overnight for deeper flavor.

How to Bake Juicy BBQ Chicken Breasts

I recommend preheating your oven first so it’s ready when your chicken is prepped. This ensures even cooking from the start.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a casserole dish with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Place the chicken breasts into a large Ziploc bag. Add 1 tablespoon oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon white pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt. Seal the bag and shake vigorously until every piece is coated evenly. Pro tip: you can marinate this for 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate overnight for even deeper flavor.

Step 3: Remove the seasoned chicken from the bag and arrange in your prepared casserole dish. Brush half of the BBQ sauce generously over the tops. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20 minutes.

Step 4: At the 20-minute mark, carefully flip each chicken breast to the other side. Brush with more BBQ sauce to create that beautiful caramelized glaze. Continue baking for another 20 to 30 minutes, depending on thickness. The sauce should look sticky and slightly darkened around the edges.

Step 5: Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165°F for safe consumption. If it hasn’t reached 165°F, continue baking and check every 5 minutes to prevent overcooking, which leads to dry chicken.

Step 6: Remove from the oven and let rest for 3 to 5 minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute for maximum moisture. Serve warm with the remaining BBQ sauce drizzled on top or on the side.

Perfect Pairings for BBQ Chicken

This chicken pairs beautifully with both light and hearty sides, making it incredibly versatile for any meal.

Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges: The crispy, savory potatoes complement the sweet and tangy BBQ sauce perfectly.

Healthy Potato Salad: A creamy, cold side balances the warm, rich chicken and adds freshness to your plate.

Roasted Garlic Cauliflower: For a low-carb option, this brings a mild, nutty flavor that doesn’t compete with the BBQ.

White Rice or Cauliflower Rice: Both soak up the extra sauce beautifully. Choose regular rice for traditional comfort or cauliflower rice for lighter, keto-friendly meals.

Mixed Berry Fruit Salad: The bright, juicy fruit offers a refreshing contrast to the smoky, savory chicken, especially in summer.

These are some of the best sides for Baked BBQ Chicken Breast, but honestly, this recipe is flexible enough to go with whatever you have on hand.

More Delicious Chicken Recipes to Try

This Baked BBQ Chicken Breast pairs wonderfully with other easy chicken dinners perfect for busy weeknights. For more flavorful baked options, try the tender Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast or the ultra-creamy Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts for variety throughout the week.

When looking for different preparation methods, the Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken offers a sweet and savory twist that’s just as simple, while the Melt in Your Mouth Chicken Breast provides another foolproof method for incredibly tender results. These recipes all share the same ease and family-friendly appeal as this BBQ version.

Storing and Reheating Your Chicken

Store leftover Baked BBQ Chicken Breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It holds up remarkably well and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

For reheating, I recommend using the microwave for quick weekday lunches or the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes if you want to maintain that slightly caramelized texture. Add a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce before reheating to keep the chicken moist.

Pro tip: freeze individual portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed for an instant protein-packed meal.

Your BBQ Chicken Questions Answered

Print