Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe
This Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. With its smoky spice rub and tangy BBQ sauce, this dish delivers juicy, flavorful chicken in just 30 minutes. It’s a versatile recipe that can suit family dinners, gatherings with friends, or even meal prep for the week ahead. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and the ease of preparation that makes this recipe a standout.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With a total time of only 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those hectic evenings.
- Flavorful Rub: The unique blend of spices adds a smoky and savory taste that enhances the chicken beautifully.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with rice, salad, or your favorite sides for a complete meal.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love BBQ chicken! This recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
- Healthy Choice: Using skinless chicken breasts keeps this dish lean while still being packed with protein.
Tools and Preparation
To make this easy baked BBQ chicken breast recipe, having the right tools on hand will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking tray: Essential for cooking the chicken evenly and catching any drippings.
- Non-stick spray or foil/parchment paper: Helps with easy cleanup, preventing the chicken from sticking to the tray.
- Small mixing bowl: Perfect for mixing your spice rub ingredients thoroughly.
Ingredients
This juicy Baked BBQ Chicken recipe is seasoned with a smoky rub and slathered in tangy BBQ sauce for an easy weeknight recipe in 30 minutes!
For the Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
For the Spice Rub
- 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
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for serving)
How to Make Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a baking tray with non-stick spray or line it with foil or parchment paper. This makes for an easy cleanup later!
Step 2: Make the Spice Rub
In a small bowl, combine all spice rub ingredients:
1. Add chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
2. Stir until well mixed.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
- Place your chicken on the prepared baking tray.
- Use a paper towel to pat each piece dry; this helps achieve a nice sear.
- Coat both sides of your chicken with the spice rub mixture evenly.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
- Place your seasoned chicken in the oven and bake uncovered for about 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove it from the oven.
- Brush BBQ sauce generously over each piece of chicken.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
Step 5: Rest Before Serving
Allow your baked BBQ chicken to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Covering it with foil during this time helps lock in moisture for extra juiciness!
Enjoy your delicious Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Breast as part of your meal rotation!
How to Serve Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe
This Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe is delicious and versatile, making it perfect for various serving options. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or enjoying a casual meal, these suggestions will elevate your dining experience.
Pair with Fresh Salads
- Coleslaw: Crunchy and creamy coleslaw complements the smoky flavors of the chicken.
- Caesar Salad: A classic choice, Caesar salad adds a tangy twist that balances the sweetness of BBQ sauce.
- Greek Salad: Fresh veggies and feta cheese in Greek salad provide a refreshing contrast.
Serve with Comforting Sides
- Baked Beans: Hearty baked beans are sweet and savory, perfect for soaking up extra BBQ sauce.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brings sweetness and a pop of color to your plate.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make for a comforting side that pairs well with juicy chicken.
Create a Fun Sandwich
- BBQ Chicken Sandwich: Shred the chicken and serve it on a bun with extra BBQ sauce, pickles, and coleslaw for added crunch.
- Wrap It Up: Use tortillas to create wraps filled with chicken, veggies, and ranch dressing for a quick meal.
Add Some Crunch
- Potato Chips: Simple potato chips served on the side add texture and are great for dipping in extra BBQ sauce.
- Vegetable Platter: A colorful array of fresh vegetables provides a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken.
How to Perfect Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe
To ensure your Easy Baked BBQ Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:
- seasoning: Don’t skimp on the spice rub; it enhances flavor significantly.
- Pat the chicken dry: Drying the chicken helps achieve a better sear and flavor absorption.
- Check temperature carefully: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through but still juicy.
- Let it rest: Allowing the chicken to rest before cutting helps retain its juices for a tender bite.
- Experiment with sauces: Try different BBQ sauces or even homemade ones to find your favorite flavor profile.
- Use foil to keep warm: Covering with foil while resting keeps the chicken warm and moist.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe
Pairing your Easy Baked BBQ Chicken with delightful side dishes enhances the overall meal experience. Here are some fantastic options:
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread pairs beautifully, perfect for sopping up sauces.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted in olive oil add color and nutrients to your plate.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf flavored with herbs complements the rich taste of BBQ chicken nicely.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a sweet contrast that balances savory flavors.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is always a hit, especially with kids!
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds protein and freshness, making it a healthy option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can ensure your Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Breast turns out perfectly every time.
- Using unseasoned chicken: Always season the chicken well with spices before baking. This enhances flavor and ensures a delicious meal.
- Skipping the resting time: Letting the chicken rest after cooking is crucial. It allows juices to redistribute, making the meat tender and juicy.
- Not checking doneness: Rely on a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken should reach 165°F for safety and quality.
- Overcooking the chicken: Keep an eye on cooking times and temperatures. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough.
- Ignoring BBQ sauce application: Apply BBQ sauce towards the end of cooking. This prevents burning and keeps the sauce tangy and flavorful.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Ensure the chicken has cooled completely before sealing.
Freezing Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Wrap individual portions tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F; place chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in short bursts until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe.
Can I use skin-on chicken?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken, but adjust cooking times as skin may take longer to crisp up.
What BBQ sauce works best?
Choose your favorite brand or homemade sauce. Sweet, tangy, or spicy sauces all work wonderfully with this recipe.
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating overnight enhances flavors even more. Just be sure not to exceed 24 hours.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe is perfect for meal prep. Cook in batches and portion into containers for quick meals.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe is not only simple but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, you can customize it with various spices or sauces. Give it a try for a delightful meal that everyone will love!
Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of this Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe, perfect for busy weeknights! In just 30 minutes, you can serve up juicy, tender chicken coated in a smoky spice rub and slathered in tangy BBQ sauce. This versatile dish is ideal for family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep for the week ahead. Pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal that delights everyone at the table!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking tray with non-stick spray or parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper to create the spice rub.
- Pat the chicken dry and coat both sides evenly with the spice rub.
- Place the chicken on the baking tray and bake uncovered for about 20 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, brush BBQ sauce over each piece, and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 4 oz (113g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
