Baked BBQ Chicken with Sweet and Sticky Glaze
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Baked BBQ Chicken is the best way to enjoy BBQ chicken all year round. I use only two ingredients and have perfected our baking method so the chicken turns out juicy, with the best sweet, sticky glaze every time!
This is a recipe I make at least once a month, so I’ve had plenty of time to get it just right. Over the years, I’ve tried several cooking methods, but this one consistently delivers the best results.
Here’s why you’ll fall in love with baked BBQ chicken: it gets coated in a thick, sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, while the chicken underneath stays tender and juicy. The recipe is almost hands-off—pop it in the oven, flip it once, then finish with a quick broil. You can use my favorite homemade BBQ sauce or whatever bottle you already have in the fridge. Either way, it’s sweet, saucy, and downright delicious.
Ingredients to gather
One of the things I love most about this recipe is the SUPER short ingredient list. It’s the recipe that I reach for when I don’t feel like cooking.
- Chicken Thighs: To make this recipe, you’ll need bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. If you don’t like the skin, rub some BBQ sauce underneath it to flavor the meat, but keep it on for baking. The skin will help protect the meat and keep it nice and juicy.
- BBQ Sauce: The bottle you have in your fridge will do just fine! For a flavor that is a bit unique, you can try my bourbon BBQ sauce.
What cut of chicken is best for this recipe?
Chicken thighs! Specifically, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs will yield tender, juicy chicken with a deliciously sticky glaze. Drumsticks work well, too.
Boneless chicken thighs cook very quickly, so if you use them, the BBQ sauce won’t have a chance to caramelize fully. They’ll be good, but not as good. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are best!
If your family enjoys chicken breasts, I recommend my baked BBQ chicken breast recipe.
What to serve with oven baked BBQ chicken
Simple sides are best with BBQ chicken as this recipe will be the star of the show. Here are a few of our favorites:
Veggie sides:
How to store BBQ baked chicken
Leftover chicken can be stored in a sealed container in your fridge for 3-4 days. I enjoy it sliced and served cold over a salad for lunch. Or warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave with a little extra BBQ sauce.
Baked BBQ Chicken with Sweet and Sticky Glaze
Ingredients
- 8 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce (divided (see notes))
Instructions
- Place the chicken in a bowl and pour ½ cup of the BBQ sauce over top. Mix to combine then set aside while your oven heats. Or leave it to marinate in the fridge for up to 4 hours.8 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. For easy cleanup, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the chicken on the baking sheet skin side down. (Reserve any extra BBQ sauce left in the bowl.) Bake the chicken for 25 minutes.
- Flip the chicken over and baste the top with the BBQ sauce that was in the marinating bowl. Return to the oven and bake for another 25 minutes.
- Turn your oven to broil. Baste the top of the chicken with the remaining ¼ cup of BBQ sauce and broil for 3-5 minutes until the top is dark and caramelized. Keep a close eye on it and remove the chicken sooner if it starts to get too dark.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
Not a fan of dark meat. Thoughts on using chicken breasts? I’m guessing bone in, skin on would probably have a better result than chicken filets. Thanks
Hi Yespat! To follow this recipe, bone in breast would be best. But I also have a Baked BBQ Chicken Breast recipe that you can use if you want boneless. 🙂
My family loved this!
I’m so glad to hear that—thanks for trying the recipe! Always the best feeling when it’s a family hit!
I have made this several times. I have used bone in and boneless chicken. I have also added potatoes to roast for a sheet pan dinner.
Great idea to turn it into a sheet pan dinner. Love that!
Too bland – where’s the garlic powder, salt & pepper, etc. ?
Most BBQ sauces have tons of flavor, which is why I don’t add extra. But you can go ahead and add those three if you’d like!
Easy to make and delicious! I make it often.
That is so wonderful to hear! Thanks, Janet!
The most moist delicious chicken I ever made
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it!
This is a great recipe, but how is there no oil on the pan before flipping? I always have a mess of chicken fat I need to drain off.
The oil comes from the chicken skin!
This is favorite in my house. All my roommates love it. I cook just like directions say, except I use a sweet and spicy BBQ sauce, plus add half a cup of brown sugar.
Love sweet and spicy BBQ sauce – great choice!
I skipped the broiling part. The bar-b-que sauce looked perfectly carmalized after the bake time. It was delicious. I’m making it again tonight for dinner.
I’m so happy you loved the recipe!
That chicken looks Delicious.