BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe
This Baked BBQ Chicken Breast recipe brings out bold, smoky flavors in under an hour—perfect for a satisfying family dinner. It’s juicy, tender, and coated in sweet, tangy BBQ sauce.
Covered in spices and slathered in your favorite barbecue sauce, the chicken bakes to a golden, caramelized finish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides.
Key Ingredients in Baked BBQ Chicken Breast
Chicken breasts – The star protein, lean and hearty, that absorbs all the smoky, sweet BBQ flavors beautifully.
Avocado oil – Adds richness and helps the seasoning cling to the chicken while keeping the texture moist during baking.
Smoked paprika – Infuses a deep, smoky flavor that mimics grill-cooked chicken without firing up the barbecue.
Garlic and onion powder – These pantry staples provide savory undertones that round out the flavor profile.
Kosher salt and white pepper – Enhances flavor and adds a gentle kick without overpowering the BBQ glaze.
BBQ sauce – The sweet and tangy coating that caramelizes during baking, adding bold flavor and a glossy finish.
How to Make Baked BBQ Chicken Breast – Step-by-Step
This recipe uses a simple marinating method inside a zip-top bag, then bakes to perfection in one pan.
After coating the chicken with spices and oil, it’s brushed with BBQ sauce and baked at 375°F. Halfway through, the chicken is flipped and basted again to build layers of flavor. A final brush after baking seals in juiciness and gloss.
Recipe Tips for Baked BBQ Chicken Breast
For the best results, use chicken breasts that are uniform in size so they cook evenly. Smoked paprika adds the classic BBQ flavor; if using regular paprika, expect a milder taste. Flip the chicken only once during baking to prevent drying out. A meat thermometer is the best tool to ensure doneness—look for 165°F at the thickest part.
How to Store Leftover Baked BBQ Chicken Breast
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet with a splash of water to retain moisture. For longer storage, freeze in portions and thaw overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and tend to be juicier. Adjust the baking time slightly, as thighs may cook faster or slower depending on thickness.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Use your favorite, but for a healthier twist, choose a sugar-free or low-sugar version. Look for sauces with natural ingredients for the best flavor.
Can I marinate the chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely. Letting the chicken sit in the spice and oil mixture for a few hours—or even overnight—can intensify flavor.
Why flip the chicken halfway through baking?
Flipping helps the BBQ sauce caramelize on both sides and ensures even cooking throughout.
Baked BBQ Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil plus extra for greasing
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 large chicken breasts approx. 1.5 lbs. total
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 1/2 tablespoons smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a casserole dish using about a tablespoon of avocado oil.
- Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag. Add the remaining avocado oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and white pepper. Seal the bag and shake thoroughly to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Transfer the seasoned chicken to the prepared baking dish. Using a brush, coat the tops of the breasts with half of the BBQ sauce.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes. At the 20-minute mark, turn each breast over and brush the top with additional BBQ sauce. Continue baking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the oven. Let rest briefly, then slice and serve warm, accompanied by the remaining BBQ sauce.
