Baked BBQ Chicken Breast (4 ingredient recipe!)
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Baked BBQ chicken breast is an easy weeknight dinner recipe that is always a winner. The chicken is smothered in BBQ sauce and baked for 30 minutes. It turns out tender, juicy, and delicious every time. If you’re looking for an oven-baked BBQ chicken breast recipe, this is the one that you want to make!
This recipe is the chicken breast version of our popular baked BBQ chicken thighs. It’s all about the sweet and sticky BBQ sauce that coats the chicken and creates a delicious sauce as it cooks.
The chicken turns out tender, juicy, and smothered in a thick, caramelized BBQ sauce.
It’s an incredibly easy recipe that you can reach for on busy weekday evenings, and you can be sure that it will be a hit at your dinner table!
Step up this recipe by making your own BBQ sauce (it’s easy!)
Recipe FAQs
Is this a saucy chicken recipe?
The baking dish will have enough sauce to spoon some over the chicken breasts when you serve them.
What BBQ sauce should I use?
We love making homemade BBQ sauce to control the sugar and other ingredients. If you have a favorite store-bought BBQ sauce, use that! Sweet Baby Ray’s is a popular choice.
Can I use chicken thighs in this recipe?
Chicken thighs cook differently from chicken breasts. We recommend our baked BBQ chicken recipe if you prefer thighs.
Why is the sauce runny?
Some chicken breasts are injected with water to make them look larger. This water is released during cooking and can water down the sauce. If this happens to you, pour the sauce into a small pan and boil rapidly over high heat for a few minutes to thicken.
How do I tell if the chicken is cooked?
When the chicken breasts are ready to eat, the meat will be completely white on the inside. The best way to check the chicken is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Knowing the exact temperature helps ensure that you don’t overcook it, which is essential if you want it to remain juicy. Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Baked BBQ Chicken Breast (4 ingredient recipe!)
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts (pounded – see notes)
- ½ teaspoon EACH: sea salt and pepper
- 1 cup bbq sauce (storebought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and sprinkle the tops with salt and pepper. Pour the BBQ sauce over top then shake the pan a little so that the chicken is well coated.4 chicken breasts, ½ teaspoon EACH: sea salt and pepper, 1 cup bbq sauce
- Bake the chicken for 15 minutes. Baste the tops with some of the BBQ sauce in that baking dish then return it to the oven and continue to bake the chicken for another 15 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
This was so good and easy too! Great recipe!
Can I prepare ahead of time and then cook later?
Thank you.
Absolutely you can prep it ahead!
I tried your recipe with duck breast and indeed it came out fine. Thanks for shairng. Keep working dear.
Loved this the first time I made it! Looking to meal prep it and have it for a few more nights next time. How many days will the chicken stay good in the fridge after being cooked?
So happy that you enjoyed the recipe! Cooked chicken will keep well for 3-4 days in your fridge. Make sure to store it near the back of your fridge where it is the coldest. 🙂
I made this recipe for Sunday dinner. The dish was delicious. I took my favorite barbeque sauce and added 1/3 cup brown sugar. That made it spicy, sweet and juicy.
So good and super easy! My go to meal especially on an extremely busy night! I love that I found this recipe 😊
Does this turn out ok with boneless skinless chicken breasts?
Yes, that’s what we use in the recipe. 🙂
I can’t believe how good this chicken is! Seriously easiest recipe ever!
My chicken is still a little frozen so I need to increase baking time?
It’s best to start with thawed chicken. 🙂
I sprayed the baking dish with Pam so it won’t stick. I noticed with your instructions it did indicate to do this?
No we didn’t find it was necessary to oil the pan. 🙂
Hi Kristen, I’m actually trying to make this as I write this. My only question is, do you recommend covering with aluminum foil while cooking or not?
No I like to bake them uncovered. 🙂
Hi Kristen,
I am so glad that I found this recipe! I love BBQ chicken on the grill and have really been missing it this winter. I am going to make this over the weekend. Thanks so much for sharing! 🙂
Turned out amazing!!!!
Best BBQ Chicken Recipe. Fast and delicious. Love it. I can make it in the oven which is great. Thank you.
Simple and delicious. Thank you for sharing.
Most recipes don’t indicate if you should cover while baking. Is it rule of thumb, if it doesn’t indicate “covering” you should not cover?
That’s right, no need to cover the chicken while it bakes!
This turned out great. The chicken was very moist and it was so easy to make. Will definitely make it again!