Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Breast: A Perfect Weeknight Meal

Are you in search of a delicious and hassle-free recipe for BBQ chicken breast? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through two simple and delicious recipes that will transform your oven into a grill, giving you perfectly cooked, juicy chicken breast imbued with the rich flavors of barbecue sauce. Whether you want to cook it slowly or quickly, there’s a method for every preference. Let’s get started!

Method 1: Low and Slow

If you prefer a more tender and less dry chicken breast, this method is perfect. It involves cooking the chicken in a low oven for an extended period, followed by a brief broiling to get the perfect caramelized sauce.

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts Salt and pepper to taste Olive oil or cooking spray Your choice of seasonings (garlic powder, paprika, dried herbs) Your favorite BBQ sauce

Instructions

Preheat the oven broiler to high heat. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spatchcock the chicken (break the backbone and flatten the chicken breast) and season generously. Cover the chicken with foil and cook in a low oven – 225°F – for an hour or so. Once the internal temperature reaches 160°F, remove the pan. Turn on the broiler and set the rack quite far away. Brush both sides of the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce and run it under the broiler for a couple of minutes per side until the sauce is starting to caramelize. Note that the timing may vary based on the size, age, moisture content, and initial temperature of the chicken. Adjust the oven temperature if necessary to achieve the desired result. Optionally, you can remove the skin, which tends to be rubbery.

Method 2: Quick and Crispy

For those who want a quicker cooking time and a more traditional barbecue flavor, this method is ideal. The chicken is quickly seasoned, baked, and finished with a flavorful glaze.

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts Oil for greasing the casserole dish Oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper, salt (for seasoning) Your favorite BBQ sauce

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a casserole dish with a bit of oil. Season the chicken: Place the chicken breast into a large Ziploc bag, add oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper, and salt. Shake well until fully coated. Transfer the seasoned chicken into the prepared dish. Brush the breasts with half of the BBQ sauce and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. After 15 minutes, flip the chicken and brush again with the remaining BBQ sauce. Continue to bake until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has caramelized. Once done, remove the chicken from the oven, slice, and serve warm with the remaining BBQ sauce.

Both methods offer unique advantages and can be modified to suit your taste. Whether you opt for the low and slow method or the quick and crispy one, you’ll end up with a delicious BBQ chicken breast that’s perfect for a cozy evening meal. Experiment with different seasonings and sauces to find the perfect combination that suits your palate. Enjoy your cooking!

Remember, you can bake any meat in the oven, and if you use barbecue sauce, you end up with barbecued meat. It won’t be seared as it would on a barbecue grill, but the flavor will be there. So, feel free to try this recipe with other meats as well.