Craft mouthwatering, tender oven-baked BBQ chicken with minimal effort. Use bone-in, skin-on breasts or thighs marinated in olive oil, vinegar, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper, plus your choice of BBQ sauce. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes or until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C). Brush on BBQ sauce during last 5 minutes for maximum flavor. Perfect for meal prep with minimal prep time and effort.
Craving delicious BBQ chicken but short on time? Discover the ultimate low-effort solution with our easy oven-baked BBQ chicken recipe, perfect for meal prep. Achieve juicy, flavorful meat with minimal effort. This guide breaks down the process step-by-step, from ingredient selection to cooking techniques that ensure an even bake. Explore creative meal prep ideas and variations to tailor this dish to your taste. Get ready to elevate your weeknight meals with a simple, mouthwatering BBQ chicken recipe.
- Ingredients and Preparation
- – List of required ingredients
- – Tips for preparing the chicken evenly
- Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Cooking Process
Ingredients and Preparation
For a delicious and low-effort oven baked BBQ chicken recipe, gathering the right ingredients is key. You’ll need bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or thighs, a simple marinade of olive oil, vinegar, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper, plus your favorite BBQ sauce. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Next, pat the chicken dry with paper towels before massaging it with the marinade. Ensure every piece is well-coated, then place them on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side up. Sprinkle with additional seasoning if desired, cover loosely with foil, and bake for about 40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, brush on your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of baking to lock in flavor.
– List of required ingredients
To create a delicious and tender oven-baked BBQ chicken for meal prep, gather the following ingredients:
1. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: These are versatile choices that cook evenly in the oven. Use about 4-6 pieces, depending on your appetite and meal portions.
2. BBQ sauce: Opt for a store-bought variety or whip up a homemade sauce for a personalized flavor profile. The saucy coating not only adds taste but also helps to keep the chicken moist during baking.
3. Olive oil: A drizzle of olive oil ensures the chicken doesn’t dry out, keeping it juicy and flavorful.
4. Garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper: These spices enhance the BBQ sauce’s flavor and contribute to a rich, smoky taste. Adjust quantities to suit your preferred spice level.
– Tips for preparing the chicken evenly
For an even and crispy finish with your oven-baked BBQ chicken recipe, there are a few simple tips to keep in mind. First, ensure your chicken pieces are of similar size, so they cook uniformly. Place them on a single layer on the baking sheet to promote even heat distribution. Second, marinate or season the chicken ahead of time to infuse flavor throughout the meat; this step will also help tenderize the chicken for a more satisfying texture. Preheating the oven and using the correct temperature (typically 375-400°F/190-200°C) are equally vital for achieving that mouthwatering, evenly cooked BBQ chicken.
Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Cooking Process
The process of making oven-baked BBQ chicken for meal prep is incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal effort but delivering maximum flavor. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or a silicone mat for easy cleanup. Rinse and pat dry the chicken pieces—thighs, drumsticks, breasts, or a combination—then season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides. In a small bowl, whisk together your favorite BBQ sauce ingredients: ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. Brush this flavorful mixture over the chicken, ensuring every piece is evenly coated. Place the seasoned chicken onto the prepared baking sheet, skin-side up for crispy edges (if desired). Bake uncovered for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), allowing juicy flavors to develop without drying out the meat.