Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe
This Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. The chicken is juicy and flavorful, making it a crowd-pleaser for family and friends. With just a few simple ingredients and quick preparation, you can enjoy tender chicken coated in tangy BBQ sauce in about 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, ideal for busy nights.
- Flavorful Rub: The smoky spice rub enhances the chicken’s natural flavors, making each bite delicious.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with rice, on a bun, or alongside your favorite sides for a complete meal.
- Healthy Choice: Using skinless chicken breasts keeps the dish light without sacrificing taste.
- Easy Cleanup: Lining your baking tray with foil ensures minimal mess and hassle-free cleanup.
Tools and Preparation
To make this easy baked BBQ chicken breast recipe, you’ll need some essential tools that will help streamline the cooking process.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking tray
- Non-stick spray or parchment paper
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Instant-read meat thermometer
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking tray: Provides the right surface for even cooking of the chicken.
- Non-stick spray or parchment paper: Ensures that the chicken doesn’t stick to the pan, making cleanup easier.
- Instant-read meat thermometer: Guarantees perfectly cooked chicken every time by checking internal temperature.
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. Prepare your baking tray by spraying it with non-stick spray or lining it with foil or parchment paper. This makes cleanup much easier!
Step 2: Make the Spice Rub
In a small mixing bowl, combine:
1. Chili powder
2. Smoked paprika
3. Garlic powder
4. Onion powder
5. Sea salt
6. Black pepper
Stir well to ensure all spices are mixed evenly.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
Lay your chicken on the prepared baking tray. Use a paper towel to pat the chicken dry, which helps the spice rub adhere better. Coat both sides of each piece of chicken generously with your spice rub mixture.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes. After this time, remove it from the oven and generously coat each piece of chicken with BBQ sauce. Return to the oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until cooked through—check that an instant-read meat thermometer shows at least 165°F for white meat or between 175°F to 190°F for dark meat.
Step 5: Let It Rest
Once done cooking, let your chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in juicier chicken. For extra juiciness, cover with foil while resting!
How to Serve Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe
This Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. Here are some great serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
Sandwiches
- Toasted buns – Serve the chicken on toasted buns for a tasty BBQ chicken sandwich.
- Coleslaw – Add crunchy coleslaw for a refreshing bite that complements the savory chicken.
Salads
- Mixed greens – Slice the chicken and serve it over mixed greens with your favorite dressing.
- Pasta salad – Combine the chicken with pasta and veggies for a hearty salad.
Wraps
- Tortilla wraps – Roll the chicken in tortillas with cheese and veggies for a quick wrap.
- Lettuce wraps – Use lettuce leaves for a low-carb option that still packs flavor.
Dips
- BBQ sauce – Serve extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
- Ranch dressing – A creamy ranch dip pairs well with the smoky flavors of the chicken.
How to Perfect Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe
To ensure your chicken turns out perfectly juicy and flavorful, follow these helpful tips.
- Pat dry: Always pat the chicken dry before applying the spice rub. This helps the rub stick better and results in a crispy exterior.
- Use a meat thermometer: Check for doneness with an instant-read thermometer. Chicken should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
- Let it rest: Allow the chicken to rest after baking. This step helps retain the juices, making each bite tender.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs to customize the flavor of the rub.
- Extra sauce: Brush on more BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of baking for added flavor and glaze.
- Foil cover: Covering the chicken with foil while resting will help keep it warm and juicy until serving.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe
Pair your Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Breast with these delightful side dishes that complement its rich flavors.
- Corn on the cob – Sweet corn adds a nice crunch and sweetness, perfect alongside BBQ chicken.
- Baked beans – The smoky flavor of baked beans pairs wonderfully with BBQ dishes.
- Garlic bread – Warm garlic bread is an excellent addition that everyone loves.
- Macaroni salad – Creamy macaroni salad brings comfort and balance to your meal.
- Roasted vegetables – Colorful roasted veggies provide healthy nutrients and vibrant visuals on your plate.
- Potato wedges – Crispy potato wedges are always a hit and easy to prepare alongside your main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make the best Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe, avoid these common mistakes that can impact the taste and texture of your dish.
- Skipping the Spice Rub: Not applying a spice rub means missing out on flavor. Always coat your chicken with spices for a well-seasoned bite.
- Overcrowding the Baking Tray: Placing too much chicken on one tray can lead to uneven cooking. Give each piece space to bake properly.
- Ignoring Rest Time: Cutting into the chicken immediately after baking can cause juices to escape. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes to keep it juicy.
- Not Checking Cooking Temperature: Failing to use a meat thermometer can result in undercooked or overcooked chicken. Always check for 165°F for safety.
- Using Low-Quality BBQ Sauce: A bland sauce can ruin an otherwise great dish. Choose a flavorful BBQ sauce that complements your spices.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store the chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the chicken to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe
- Freeze cooked chicken in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- Label containers with the date for easy identification later.
Reheating Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts (30 seconds), checking frequently until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or BBQ sauce, heating until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken; just adjust the cooking time as it may take longer than boneless cuts.
What type of BBQ sauce is best?
Choose a sauce that you enjoy; sweet, tangy, or smoky varieties all work well with this recipe!
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating overnight will enhance the flavor even more. Just be sure not to exceed 24 hours.
How do I know when my chicken is done?
Use an instant-read thermometer; it should read 165°F in the thickest part of the breast for safe consumption.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You can easily customize it by trying different spice blends or sauces according to your taste preferences. Give this easy recipe a try and enjoy delicious, juicy chicken tonight!
Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Experience the ultimate weeknight dinner with this Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up juicy, tender chicken breasts coated in a smoky spice rub and tangy BBQ sauce. Perfect for busy families or casual gatherings, this dish is not only flavorful but also versatile—pair it with rice, serve it on a bun, or enjoy it alongside your favorite sides. With minimal cleanup required, thanks to the use of foil or parchment paper, you’ll have more time to savor each delicious bite. Get ready to impress your family and friends while keeping mealtime stress-free!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking tray with non-stick spray or line it with foil.
- In a small bowl, mix chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Pat the chicken dry and coat both sides generously with the spice rub.
- Place the chicken on the prepared baking tray and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven and brush BBQ sauce over the chicken; return to oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature should be at least 165°F).
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approximately 170g)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
