Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly juicy, flavor-packed chicken breast that's glazed with rich, tangy BBQ sauce and cooked to absolute perfection. This Baked BBQ Chicken Breast recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds! With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this American classic is so simple to make that even novice cooks can look like culinary superstars.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- While the oven is heating, prepare the chicken breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the BBQ sauce adhere better.
- In a large bowl, drizzle the olive oil over the chicken breasts. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to taste. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken.
- Once seasoned, place the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Make sure they are arranged in a single layer for even cooking.
- Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully coated. You can use a brush or the back of a spoon to spread the sauce evenly.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps to keep the chicken moist during the initial cooking phase.
- Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through without drying out.
- After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes. This will allow the BBQ sauce to caramelize and develop a nice glaze.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. It should reach at least 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken more tender.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
- Serve the baked BBQ chicken breasts with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted vegetables. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Always pat your chicken dry before seasoning to help the BBQ sauce stick better and create a more delicious crust.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) without overcooking.
- Choose a high-quality BBQ sauce for the best flavor - homemade or premium store-bought varieties work best.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to keep it incredibly juicy and tender.
- For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the BBQ sauce for 30 minutes before baking.
- If you want a more caramelized finish, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the baking dish - keep chicken pieces in a single layer for even cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 110mg
