Description
This baked BBQ chicken is tender, saucy, and flavored with a simple spice rub that makes it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly spray a baking tray with non-stick spray or line it with foil.
- Seasoning: Combine the chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Prep Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of each piece.
- Initial Bake: Arrange the chicken on the tray in a single layer and bake uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Glazing: Remove the tray and brush the tops of the chicken with half of the BBQ sauce.
- Final Bake: Return to the oven and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F for breasts or 175°F-190°F for thighs.
- Rest: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for more forgiving meat that stays moist. For even cooking, choose chicken pieces of similar thickness. Always use an instant-read thermometer to ensure food safety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: baked bbq chicken, dinner, chicken recipe, easy recipe, meal prep