Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe

Last Updated on January 28, 2026 by Carrie Korem, FNTP

I love grilled meats and vegetables, but this oven baked BBQ chicken recipe is the perfect back up for nights when you don’t want to fire up the grill. The chicken gets crisp on the edges, stays juicy inside, and the homemade BBQ sauce brings that classic smoky flavor without the junk that is in so many store bought bottles.

You can also make the sauce a few days ahead, so dinner comes together quickly.

What cut of chicken is best to use for oven baked BBQ chicken?

You can use thighs, drumsticks, or breasts for this BBQ chicken recipe. I prefer meat with the skin on because it holds in moisture and gives you a juicier piece of chicken.

If you are using breasts, just keep an eye on them since they can cook faster than thighs and drumsticks.

If you’re looking for pastured chicken in your area, check out this site. It will show you the farms closest to you!

What kind of baking sheet should I use?

I like to use a large stainless steel cookie sheet or a ceramic baking dish. Either one works well for this recipe.

What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?

Most barbecue sauces contain ingredients like corn syrup and preservatives so I like making a homemade sauce.

It has that sweet, tangy BBQ flavor, plus a little smoke, but it’s made with real ingredients. You can make the sauce a few days ahead and store it in the fridge until you are ready to bake the chicken.

If you’d like to purchase your sauce, this one is a good option.

How to make oven baked BBQ chicken?

The key is roasting first, then basting in layers.

Roasting the chicken skin side down first helps render the fat. Then you flip it and baste again and again so the sauce builds flavor without burning. The layered basting is what makes this BBQ chicken taste like it came off a grill.

What to serve with baked BBQ chicken?

Here are a few simple ideas that fit right alongside this BBQ chicken recipe:

• Cheesy Ranch Potatoes 
• Romaine, Avocado and Bacon Salad with Warm Balsamic Dressing
• A big wedge salad
• Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Raisins 
• Creamy Potato Salad 
• Baked potatoes with butter and sea salt

More easy chicken recipes

If you love easy dinners like this baked BBQ chicken recipe, here are a few more chicken recipes to add to your list:

• Lemon chicken soup with vegetables
• Green chili chicken stew
• Creamy chicken and wild rice soup
• Tuscan lemon chicken 

Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Units USM

For the BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup ketchup (I used the homemade recipe from my cookbook, The Grain-Free Family Table)
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire (here's a great homemade recipe)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Celtic sea salt
• 1 teaspoon powdered garlic
• 3/4 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 2-4 dashes of hot sauce

For the chicken:

• 1 whole chicken cut into 8 pieces

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Place all of the BBQ sauce ingredients in a medium saucepan and whisk until incorporated. Heat over medium-low for about 5 minutes, until hot. Remove from heat.
2. Preheat oven to 400ºF and adjust rack to middle position. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the chicken on the baking sheet skin-side down. Roast for 30 minutes. Remove the chicken from the oven and using a pair of tongs, flip each piece of chicken. Using a pastry brush, baste each piece of meat (top and bottom) with the BBQ sauce. Roast for another 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and baste the tops with more BBQ sauce. Roast for another 10 minutes and baste again with the BBQ sauce. Repeat the process of roasting for 10 minutes and basting until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is starting to turn brown on the edges. Serve.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: Serves 4-6