Baked BBQ Chicken: The Ultimate Oven-Baked Recipe for Juicy, Flavorful Chicken

This Baked BBQ Chicken recipe is a no-fail, oven-baked masterpiece you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re using homemade or store-bought BBQ sauce, this easy method guarantees sticky, saucy, tender chicken with perfectly crispy skin every time. Ideal with chicken thighs, drumsticks, or chicken breast, it’s the dinner recipe that’ll please everyone at the table.

Why This Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe Works

Let’s be real—there’s something magical about a plate of oven-baked BBQ chicken. It’s nostalgic, it’s mouthwatering, and best of all? It’s surprisingly easy to perfect.

By using the dry brining method and layering flavors through repeat basting and baking, you get juicy meat, bold BBQ flavor, and skin that crackles with each bite. It’s comfort food with a crisp, smoky edge.

Ingredients You’ll Need

8 chicken drumsticks (about 1¾ lbs.)
3 tablespoons olive oil
Salt/Pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon paprika
1¼ cups barbecue sauce (homemade or store-bought)

How to Make Baked BBQ Chicken – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Dry Brine the Chicken

This is optional, but trust us—it’s worth it. Pat your chicken drumsticks dry and generously salt them on all sides. Place them on a cooling rack over a baking sheet and refrigerate uncovered for at least 2 hours, or up to 20 hours. This makes the meat tender and the skin irresistibly crispy.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Remove the chicken from the fridge and season with pepper and paprika. Brush the top with olive oil, flip, and brush the other side.

Step 3: Bake Skin-Side Down

Place the chicken skin-side-down on a light-colored, rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 26 minutes.

Step 4: BBQ Basting Layers

Remove the chicken, dab off excess oil, and generously baste with BBQ sauce using a pastry brush. Flip to skin-side-up and baste again. Return to the oven and bake for 8 minutes.

Repeat the baste-and-bake process two more times, for a total of three rounds (24 minutes).

Step 5: Optional Broil

Want extra crisp? Broil at 425°F for 2-4 minutes until the sauce caramelizes and the skin bubbles.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let your oven-baked BBQ chicken rest for 5-10 minutes. This locks in the juices and gives you maximum flavor.

Pro Tips for Perfect Baked BBQ Chicken

Dry Brining = Game Changer: It seasons the chicken deeply and crisps up the skin beautifully.
Dark Meat Wins: Thighs and drumsticks are more forgiving and stay juicy at 180°F.
Use a Silicone Baking Mat: Easier cleanup, less sticking.
Homemade BBQ Sauce: It’s next-level good. Try the recipe below.

What to Serve with Baked BBQ Chicken

Potatoes: Mashed, roasted, grilled, or wedges
Veggies: Roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, green beans, carrots
Classic Sides: Cornbread, mac and cheese, baked beans, coleslaw

This is your go-to family dinner or crowd-pleasing dish for game day, BBQ parties, and weeknight meals.

Storage Tips

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven to retain crispiness.

Tools That Make It Easier

Baking Sheet with Rims
Cooling Racks
Silicone Baking Mat
Pastry Brush
Digital Meat Thermometer
Spice Rack

Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe (Yields 2 cups)

1 cup ketchup
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup honey
¼ cup water
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp yellow mustard
1 tsp smoked paprika
¾ tsp each: onion powder, garlic powder
¼ tsp each: black pepper

Combine everything in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let cool. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition (Per Drumstick)

Try These Chicken Recipes Next

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Slow Cooker Short Ribs
Chicken Enchiladas
Smothered Chicken with Gravy
Chicken Corn Chowder

Join Our Foodie Community

Get our FREE Dinner eBook with 7 of our most popular meals. Click here to subscribe and follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!

Conclusion

This oven-baked BBQ chicken recipe offers a delightful combination of simplicity and flavor. By following these steps, you’ll achieve juicy, tender chicken with a beautifully caramelized glaze. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.Bowl of Delicious+2The Kitchn+2RecipeTin Eats+2

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of drumsticks?

Yes, but adjust the cooking time as chicken breasts may cook faster. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

2. What’s the benefit of dry brining?

Dry brining helps to enhance flavor and retain moisture while also drawing out moisture from the skin for extra crispiness when baked. It’s a simple technique that makes a big difference.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can dry brine the chicken overnight, bake it, and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or until warmed through.

4. Is it necessary to flip the chicken during baking?
Yes, flipping the chicken helps the skin crisp evenly and allows the sauce to caramelize on both sides, giving you that sticky, finger-lickin’ BBQ goodness.

5. Can I use homemade BBQ sauce?
Definitely! Homemade sauce gives you control over the flavor—sweet, spicy, smoky, or all three. Just ensure it’s thick enough to stick to the chicken during baking.

6. How do I prevent the BBQ sauce from burning in the oven?
Apply the BBQ sauce after the first bake and in layers. Avoid high broil temperatures unless closely monitored. Use the middle rack in your oven to minimize direct heat exposure.

7. What if I don’t have a wire rack?
No problem. You can place the chicken directly on the lined baking sheet, but flip it halfway through baking to avoid sogginess. The rack simply promotes air circulation and even crisping.