Two Ingredient Crispy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken
This Two Ingredient Crispy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. The combination of just barbecue sauce and chicken creates an irresistible flavor that everyone will love. With minimal effort, you can achieve crispy skin and tender meat that makes this dish a standout at any event. Enjoy it during family dinners, summer barbecues, or quick meals—it’s versatile enough for all occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: With only two main ingredients, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making it perfect for beginners.
- Flavor Explosion: The rich, sweet flavors of barbecue sauce caramelize beautifully on the chicken, ensuring each bite is delicious.
- Crispy Texture: Baking at high temperatures gives the chicken a perfect crispy skin while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
- Versatile Dish: You can serve this chicken with sides like coleslaw, rice, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
- Quick Preparation: With just 5 minutes of prep time and 50 minutes of cooking, you can have a delightful meal ready in under an hour.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure everything runs smoothly. Having the right equipment on hand will help you create the best crispy oven-baked BBQ chicken.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: A rimmed baking sheet helps catch any drippings while ensuring even cooking.
- Basting brush: This tool is essential for evenly applying barbecue sauce to achieve maximum flavor.
- Spatula: Use a spatula to flip the chicken gently without tearing the skin.
- Meat thermometer: Ensures your chicken reaches a safe internal temperature for optimal taste and safety.
Ingredients
This recipe uses only TWO INGREDIENTS – barbecue sauce and chicken (plus a little olive oil, salt, and pepper) – to make the crispiest, most perfectly glazed, sweet, sticky, and tender barbecue baked chicken you will ever have.
For the Chicken
- 8-10 chicken thighs and/or drumsticks (bone-in, skin on)
For the Sauce
- 2 cups of your favorite bbq sauce
For Coating
How to Make Two Ingredient Crispy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. This initial temperature helps start cooking the chicken evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Coat the chicken thoroughly on all sides with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper for added flavor.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken skin side down on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Step 4: Increase Oven Temperature
After 25 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven. Increase the oven temperature to 425 degrees F. Remember to close the oven door quickly!
Step 5: Baste and Flip
Using a basting brush, coat one side of the chicken with barbecue sauce. Carefully flip it over with a spatula and baste the other side as well. Return it to the oven for an additional 7 minutes.
Step 6: Repeat Basting
Remove from the oven again after 7 minutes. Baste top with more barbecue sauce and return to bake for another 7 minutes.
Step 7: Final Basting
Repeat basting once more after another 7 minutes in total. Ensure that your chicken cooks fully; check its internal temperature with a meat thermometer aiming for at least 165 degrees F.
Step 8: Broil for Extra Crispiness
If desired, move your oven rack up and broil for an extra 3-5 minutes until crispier.
Step 9: Rest Before Serving
Let your crispy oven-baked BBQ chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving so that juices can redistribute within each piece. Enjoy!
How to Serve Two Ingredient Crispy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken
Serving your Two Ingredient Crispy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken can enhance the meal experience. Here are some delicious serving suggestions that complement the dish perfectly.
Pair with Fresh Salads
- Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons provide a great contrast to the crispy chicken.
- Coleslaw: This tangy side adds a refreshing crunch that balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
Enjoy with Classic Sides
- Baked Beans: Their rich, smoky flavor pairs well with barbecue chicken for a hearty meal.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled, this side adds sweetness and texture, making for a delightful combination.
Serve with Dipping Sauces
- Ranch Dressing: A creamy dip that complements the flavors of the chicken while adding a cool touch.
- Hot Sauce: For those who enjoy heat, this adds an extra kick to each bite.
Add Starch Options
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort and absorb any leftover BBQ sauce beautifully.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf is a perfect base for your chicken, soaking up all the delicious flavors.

How to Perfect Two Ingredient Crispy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken
To achieve perfection in your cooking, follow these essential tips for making Two Ingredient Crispy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken.
- Preheat your oven thoroughly: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking. This helps in achieving an even cook and a crispy skin.
- Use bone-in skin-on chicken pieces: These cuts stay juicy during cooking and crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Don’t skip oiling the chicken: Coating with olive oil not only helps seasonings stick but also promotes better browning and crispiness.
- Baste multiple times: Regularly applying barbecue sauce enhances flavor and creates a sticky glaze that everyone loves.
- Check internal temperature properly: Use a meat thermometer at the thickest part; ensure it reaches at least 165°F for safety.
- Broil for extra crispiness if needed: If you want more crunch, broiling at the end can elevate your dish significantly.
Best Side Dishes for Two Ingredient Crispy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken
Pairing sides with your Two Ingredient Crispy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken elevates your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Garlic Bread: A warm loaf slathered in garlic butter complements the savory flavors of barbecue chicken perfectly.
- Potato Wedges: Seasoned and baked until golden, these crispy wedges are a crowd-pleaser alongside any barbecue meal.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like bell peppers and zucchini add color and nutrition to balance out the richness of the chicken.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is a comforting classic that pairs wonderfully with barbecue flavors.
- Quinoa Salad: This healthy alternative offers a nutty flavor and packs in extra protein, making it a great side option.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness contrasts beautifully with savory barbecue sauces while adding an enjoyable crunch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Two Ingredient Crispy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your chicken turns out perfectly.
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Ignoring the oven temperature – Make sure to preheat your oven correctly. Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to uneven cooking and soggy skin.
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Not seasoning properly – Always coat the chicken with olive oil and season it generously with salt and pepper for better flavor. Skipping this step can result in bland chicken.
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Overbasting too soon – Wait until the chicken has baked for a while before starting to baste. This prevents the barbecue sauce from burning and allows the flavors to meld better.
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Skipping the meat thermometer – Using a meat thermometer is essential for ensuring your chicken is cooked through. Aim for at least 165 degrees F, but dark meat is best at 180-190 degrees F.
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Not letting it rest – Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps the juices redistribute. Cutting into it right away can lead to dry meat.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover chicken in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Two Ingredient Crispy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken
- Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer bag.
- Frozen chicken can be stored for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Two Ingredient Crispy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and heat the chicken on a baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave – Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover it loosely. Heat on medium power for about 2-3 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop – Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth. Cover with a lid until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Two Ingredient Crispy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken.
Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Yes, you can use other cuts like breasts or wings, but cooking times may vary. Ensure all pieces reach 165 degrees F internally.
What type of barbecue sauce should I use?
Choose your favorite barbecue sauce! Sweet, smoky, or spicy options all work well with this recipe.
How do I achieve extra crispy skin?
To get extra crispy skin, broil the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking after basting it several times.
What should I serve with this dish?
This crispy BBQ chicken pairs well with coleslaw, cornbread, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
The Two Ingredient Crispy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken recipe is both simple and delicious. With just two main ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering dish that is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Feel free to customize it by adding different spices or trying various barbecue sauces to suit your taste!
Two Ingredient Crispy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 (based on serving two pieces per person) 1x
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavor of Two Ingredient Crispy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken, a delightful dish that combines the juicy tenderness of chicken with the sweet, smoky goodness of your favorite barbecue sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, allowing you to create a mouthwatering meal with just two main ingredients: chicken and BBQ sauce. With minimal prep and simple cooking steps, you can achieve perfectly crispy skin and tender meat that will impress family and friends alike. Serve it alongside fresh salads, classic sides, or dipping sauces for a versatile dining experience every time.
Ingredients
- 8–10 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and/or drumsticks
- 2 cups of your favorite barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Coat chicken pieces with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Place seasoned chicken skin side down on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
- Increase the oven temperature to 425°F; flip chicken over, baste with BBQ sauce, then return to oven for 7 minutes.
- Repeat basting process every 7 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
- For added crispiness, broil for an additional 3-5 minutes if desired.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 100g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 95mg







