Indulge yourself to hassle-free barbecue by capturing all the smokiness and flavor of outdoor cuisine right inside your kitchen with this recipe for Baked BBQ Chicken Breast.
The second I see snow melt and the temperature rise, I start scouring through my BBQ recipes. That charcoal smell is as much associated with the onset of spring as the chirping of robins in the trees. But what can I do once winter has arrived? I like snowy activities like tobogganing, skiing, and skating, but standing by a barbecue waiting for my meal to cook? Not so much.
That’s why this recipe is such a godsend. It takes the taste of the BBQ and relocates it indoors. I (and now you!) can make one of my favorite chicken dishes all year round. It’s also incredibly simple, so you don’t have to feel like you’re having to completely reorganize your kitchen to accommodate it. It reminds me of my Air-Fryer Chicken Breast and Sour-Cream Chicken, in that all three dishes are made indoors. What sets this recipe apart, though, is that it still manages to capture that outdoor taste.
Top Tips For a Perfect Baked BBQ Chicken Breast
- If you don’t want to get your hands dirty, put the spices along with the chicken in a plastic bag and shake; this will coat the meat evenly (and you get an arm workout!).
- Line the pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This makes cleanup a snap, speeds up cooking in batches, and helps distribute the heat.
- Add chili powder, cumin, onion powder, and/or cayenne pepper to your rub for added flavor.
- Reuse the juice and pan drippings to recoat the chicken.
FAQs
How will I know when the chicken is done?
Cut into it. It should be white throughout. To remove the guessing from it, use a meat thermometer; the chicken’s internal temperature should be 165°F.
Can I keep the skin on?
Sure. The skin will add taste and texture and helps preserve some of the chicken’s moisture. I advise using a meat thermometer to ensure the meat is adequately done, as the skin may obscure your view of the chicken’s internal color.
Do I have to flip the chicken?
No. It will cook evenly without having to be flipped.
Serving Suggestions
You have a number of options, with most of these suggestions being made because of how well they complement outdoor-cooked chicken. This Roasted Pepper Salad, for instance, would make a fresh and cheesy side. You can also add Potato Wedges for a crisp addition. And this BLT Pasta Salad deserves mention; not only does the pasta salad work with the chicken but so does the BLT! For dessert, try this Oreo Pie—it’s no-bake, which is convenient considering your oven will be busy cooking the chicken.
How to Store Baked BBQ Chicken Breast
Let the chicken cool completely. Put it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge where it will last for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Let it thaw completely in the fridge overnight when you’d like to eat it again. To reheat, you can either use the microwave, a skillet on the stove, or put it in the oven. If you’re choosing the latter option, you may want to put aluminum foil over it to preserve its moisture.
Baked BBQ Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- pinch of salt and black pepper
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. Pound the chicken breasts until they are of even thickness.
- In a small bowl combine the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Rub both sides of the chicken breasts with the mixture.
- Coat the seasoned chicken breast with the barbecue sauce, drizzle with the olive oil, then place it in a baking dish.
- Bake the chicken breast in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Serve the baked BBQ chicken breasts with additional barbecue sauce on the side. Enjoy!
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