5 Easy BBQ Baked Chicken Recipes for a Flavorful Dinner

Bite into flavor with these 5 easy BBQ baked chicken recipes that promise to elevate your dinner game—discover the secret to mouthwatering meals!

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Just like a summer cookout, the aromas of BBQ baked chicken can instantly lift your spirits. You might think that creating these flavorful dishes requires culinary expertise, but that's not the case. With a few simple recipes, you can whip up a delicious dinner that impresses. Curious about how to achieve that perfect glaze or balance of flavors? Let's explore five easy BBQ baked chicken recipes that will make your next meal unforgettable.

Key Takeaways

  • Classic BBQ Baked Chicken Thighs are easy to prepare and offer a delicious, crispy skin with a tangy glaze.
  • Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Breasts feature a sweet and savory marinade, perfect for quick meals or sandwiches.
  • Spicy BBQ Baked Chicken Wings provide a flavorful kick, ideal for gatherings and casual dinners, paired with dipping sauces.
  • Teriyaki BBQ Chicken Drumsticks fuse sweet and savory flavors, marinated for tenderness and grilled or baked to perfection.
  • Maple Mustard BBQ Chicken Thighs blend sweet maple syrup with tangy mustard, ensuring juicy, flavorful results for family gatherings.

Classic BBQ Baked Chicken Thighs

savory baked chicken thighs

BBQ Baked Chicken Thighs are a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic barbecue flavor without firing up the grill. The blend of spices and the tangy BBQ sauce create a mouthwatering glaze that enhances the rich, juicy meat of the chicken thighs. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, and it pairs well with sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted vegetables.

To achieve the best results, it's crucial to marinate the chicken thighs in the BBQ sauce for a while to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply. Baking them in the oven guarantees that they cook evenly and stay moist. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a satisfying dish that will please your family and guests alike.

Ingredients:

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss them in the spice mixture until they're well coated.

Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes if you have time; otherwise, you can proceed immediately.

Place the marinated chicken thighs skin-side up in a baking dish. Pour half of the BBQ sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is generously coated. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

During the last 10 minutes of baking, brush the remaining BBQ sauce over the chicken and turn on the broiler to caramelize the sauce for a few minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Extra Tips:

For extra crispy skin, make sure to pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before marinating them. You can also experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your favorite flavor.

If you're looking for a smoky taste, consider adding some liquid smoke to the marinade or using a smoked BBQ sauce. Always let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking before serving to keep the juices locked in. Enjoy your BBQ Baked Chicken Thighs!

Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Breasts

sweet and savory chicken

Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Breasts are a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the savory flavor of garlic and the smoky richness of BBQ sauce. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, as it's easy to prepare and packed with flavor. The chicken breasts are marinated in a delicious honey garlic mixture, then baked to tender perfection, making them juicy and full of taste.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering meal that will impress your family and friends. Serve your Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Breasts with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal. You can also use leftovers for sandwiches or salads, making this recipe versatile and practical.

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

To prepare your Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Breasts, start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and black pepper to create the marinade.

Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they're well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).

After marinating, remove the chicken from the marinade and let the excess drip off. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Then, brush the BBQ sauce over the chicken, ensuring they're nicely coated. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Extra Tips:

For maximum flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight. If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can simmer the leftover marinade in a small saucepan for a few minutes until it thickens, then drizzle it over the chicken before serving.

Additionally, using bone-in chicken breasts will enhance the flavor even further, though cooking times may need to be adjusted. Enjoy your delicious Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Breasts!

Spicy BBQ Baked Chicken Wings

spicy baked chicken wings

Spicy BBQ Baked Chicken Wings are a fantastic choice for any gathering or even a casual weeknight dinner. These wings aren't only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Coated in a spicy BBQ sauce, they deliver a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, making them irresistible to anyone who loves bold flavors.

Baking them in the oven allows for a crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy and tender inside. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch of these spicy wings in no time.

Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and a side of celery sticks for a classic touch. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering dish that will surely be a hit at your next event!

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds chicken wings
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss them in the sauce mixture until they're evenly coated. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the rack, ensuring they aren't touching each other for even cooking.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through to achieve a crispy texture on both sides. Once they're cooked through and crispy, remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Extra Tips:

For an extra kick, you can marinate the chicken wings in the sauce mixture for a few hours or overnight before baking. This will enhance the flavors and tenderness of the meat.

Additionally, if you prefer your wings even crispier, you can broil them for the last few minutes of cooking, but keep a close eye to prevent burning. Enjoy your spicy BBQ baked chicken wings with a rejuvenating beverage to cool down the heat!

Teriyaki BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

grilled teriyaki chicken drumsticks

Teriyaki BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are a delightful fusion of flavors that bring the sweet, savory notes of teriyaki sauce to the beloved BBQ chicken experience. The combination of tender, juicy chicken and a rich glaze makes these drumsticks an irresistible option for your next backyard cookout or family dinner. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you can whip up this dish in no time, guaranteeing that everyone at the table will be asking for seconds.

This recipe is perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned grill masters alike. The teriyaki sauce not only enhances the chicken's flavor but also caramelizes beautifully on the grill, creating a deliciously sticky coating. Whether you choose to cook them on a grill or in the oven, these drumsticks are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds chicken drumsticks
  • 1 cup teriyaki sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon minced ginger
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
  • Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

To prepare the Teriyaki BBQ Chicken Drumsticks, start by marinating the chicken. In a bowl, combine the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Mix well and reserve about 1/4 cup of the marinade for basting later.

Place the chicken drumsticks in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish, pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, and seal or cover. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor.

When you're ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the drumsticks from the marinade and discard the used marinade. Grill the chicken for about 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the reserved marinade during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Ascertain that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).

If using an oven, preheat to 400°F (200°C) and bake the drumsticks on a lined baking sheet for 35-40 minutes, turning halfway through.

For an extra touch, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top before serving. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding some crushed red pepper for a spicy kick or serve with a side of steamed vegetables or rice for a complete meal. Enjoy your delicious Teriyaki BBQ Chicken Drumsticks!

Maple Mustard BBQ Chicken Thighs

sweet and savory chicken

Maple Mustard BBQ Chicken Thighs are a delicious way to elevate your weeknight dinner. The combination of sweet maple syrup and tangy mustard creates a beautifully balanced marinade that infuses the chicken with flavor. Using chicken thighs guarantees a juicy and tender result, perfect for grilling or baking.

Whether you're cooking for a family gathering or a cozy dinner for two, this recipe is sure to impress. This dish isn't only simple to prepare but also requires minimal ingredients, making it a great choice for busy cooks. The marinade can be made in advance, allowing the chicken to soak up the flavors before cooking.

Serve it with your favorite sides, and you'll have a meal that's both satisfying and memorable.

Ingredients:

  • 4 bone-in chicken thighs, skin on
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

To start, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you're baking, or prepare your grill for medium heat. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over them, confirming they're well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.

Once marinated, remove the chicken from the refrigerator. If baking, place the chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy.

If grilling, place the thighs skin-side down on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 6-7 minutes, basting with leftover marinade, until cooked through.

For perfect results, always let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute. You can also experiment with the marinade by adding herbs like rosemary or thyme for an extra layer of flavor.

Enjoy your Maple Mustard BBQ Chicken Thighs with sides like roasted vegetables or coleslaw for a complete meal!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Skinless Chicken for These BBQ Recipes?

You can use skinless chicken in these BBQ recipes. While it may not be the traditional choice, it'll still soak up flavors beautifully, giving you a delicious, healthier meal that'll impress anyone at your table!

What Side Dishes Pair Well With BBQ Baked Chicken?

You can't go wrong with classic sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, or baked beans. Garlic bread or a fresh garden salad also complements BBQ chicken nicely, adding a revitalizing contrast to the meal.

How Do I Store Leftover BBQ Baked Chicken?

Like a treasure you want to keep, store leftover BBQ baked chicken in an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to four days, or freeze it for longer storage. Just reheat before enjoying again!

Can I Cook These Recipes on a Grill Instead?

Absolutely, you can cook these recipes on a grill instead. Just adjust your cooking times and temperatures to guarantee the chicken's cooked through. You'll enjoy that smoky flavor and perfect char from grilling!

Are There Vegetarian Alternatives for BBQ Baked Chicken?

Did you know about 7.3 million Americans identify as vegetarians? You can definitely enjoy BBQ flavors with alternatives like grilled tofu, tempeh, or jackfruit. They absorb marinades well, giving you that delicious, smoky taste you crave.