Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 708 reviews

Oh, I absolutely love sharing this Oven Baked BBQ Chicken with Quick Homemade Barbecue Sauce Recipe with you because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s packed with bold flavors from a sauce you whip up in no time, and the oven does all the hard work—perfect for when you want amazing barbecue vibes without firing up the grill. Seriously, you’ll find it’s a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or casual weekend gatherings when you want that smoky, tangy goodness.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how effortlessly the chicken turns out juicy and tender with a beautifully caramelized crust. Plus, making the barbecue sauce from scratch means you control the sweet, tangy, and spicy notes, which I think makes it so much better than store-bought versions. Trust me, once you try this Oven Baked BBQ Chicken with Quick Homemade Barbecue Sauce Recipe, it’ll become a go-to favorite in your kitchen too!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless Flavor Boost: The quick homemade barbecue sauce adds deep, balanced flavor that’s far better than anything store-bought.
  • Juicy, Tender Chicken Every Time: Baking bone-in, skin-on pieces locks in moisture while the sauce caramelizes beautifully.
  • Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a backyard barbecue, this recipe fits right in.
  • Simple Ingredients & Steps: No fancy gadgets or hours in the kitchen—perfect for busy cooks who want impressive results.
Oven Baked BBQ Chicken, Quick homemade barbecue sauce, Easy BBQ chicken recipe, Juicy oven baked chicken, Smoky grilled flavor without a grill A close-up view of a white plate with a thick, glossy dark brown sauce-covered piece of cooked chicken with a tender, white inside, placed over a creamy textured layer of mashed potatoes that have a pale yellow color, next to blurred background of bright red cherry tomatoes with green stems and green beans, a woman's hand holds a fork piercing a piece of chicken on the right edge of the plate; the sauce glistens and small green herb pieces are sprinkled on top of the chicken, all set on a white marbled surface, this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together to create a rich, tangy barbecue sauce and succulent, oven-baked chicken that’s full of flavor. Most are staples you might already have, but fresh herbs for garnish add that lovely finishing touch you’ll appreciate.

  • Ketchup or Australian/UK Tomato Sauce: I use whichever I have; they both give the sauce that classic tangy base.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: The acidity balances the sweetness and brightens the flavor, but you can swap it with white wine vinegar if needed.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a subtle umami depth that makes the sauce stand out.
  • Brown Sugar: For that perfect sweet balance that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
  • Mustard Powder: Gives just a touch of heat and complexity.
  • Onion Powder: A pantry staple that layers more flavor in the sauce.
  • Salt & Fresh Black Pepper: To season the sauce and chicken well—never underestimate good seasoning!
  • Water: Helps create the perfect sauce consistency that coats the chicken nicely.
  • Chicken Thighs, Drumsticks, or Wings (Bone-In, Skin-On): These cuts keep everything juicy and tasty during the bake.
  • Fresh Parsley, Chives, or Green Onions: For garnish, adding a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this recipe, and you absolutely should too! Once you get comfortable with the basic Oven Baked BBQ Chicken with Quick Homemade Barbecue Sauce Recipe, there are so many fun ways to customize it for your taste, seasonal ingredients, or dietary needs.

  • Spicy Kick Variation: I often add a bit of smoked paprika or cayenne to the sauce when I want a little heat—it’s a total crowd-pleaser with spice lovers.
  • Low-Sugar Version: Try reducing the brown sugar and swapping ketchup for a no-sugar-added tomato sauce, which keeps things lighter but still flavorful.
  • Using Boneless Chicken: I used to struggle with keeping boneless breasts moist, but by following my adjusted bake and baste method (less water, more sauce coating) you can still get great results.
  • Different Herbs: Fresh rosemary or thyme also work wonderfully as garnishes or added to the sauce for a herbaceous note.

How to Make Oven Baked BBQ Chicken with Quick Homemade Barbecue Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Mix the Sauce

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (around 390°F) so it’s nice and hot when you put the chicken in. While it’s heating, whisk together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper right in a ceramic or glass baking dish. Then stir in the water; this will help your sauce reach the perfect consistency—thick enough to coat the chicken, but not gluey.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken and Start Baking

Now, add your chicken pieces to the sauce and gently turn them to coat evenly. Lay the chicken skin-side down in the sauce — this helps the skin crisp up while baking. Pop the dish into the oven for 20 minutes, letting the chicken start to cook and the sauce begin to thicken.

Step 3: Flip, Baste, and Continue Baking

After 20 minutes, take the chicken out and flip each piece over so the skin side is up. Spoon more sauce over the top before sliding it back into the oven to bake for another 30 minutes—this is when the magic happens as the sauce caramelizes and flavors develop deeply.

Step 4: Optional Fat Skimming and Broil for that Caramelized Finish

This might sound fussy, but I like to tilt the pan and spoon off any excess fat that’s collected to keep things from getting greasy. Finally, switch your oven to the broiler/grill on high. Generously spoon more sauce over the chicken and broil for 2-3 minutes—watch closely!—until you get that mouthwatering caramelized crust that makes this dish irresistible.

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Pro Tips for Making Oven Baked BBQ Chicken with Quick Homemade Barbecue Sauce Recipe

  • Use Bone-In, Skin-On Pieces: This makes all the difference in juicy, tender chicken with crispy skin—trust me, it’s worth it.
  • Watch the Broil Time Closely: The sugar in the sauce caramelizes quickly; don’t walk away or it can burn in seconds.
  • Line Your Baking Dish: Using foil or parchment under the chicken eases cleanup, especially since the sauce is sticky.
  • Adjust Sauce Consistency on the Fly: If the sauce looks too thick before broiling, add a splash of water; if too thin after baking, broil a little longer to thicken it up.

How to Serve Oven Baked BBQ Chicken with Quick Homemade Barbecue Sauce Recipe

Oven Baked BBQ Chicken, Quick homemade barbecue sauce, Easy BBQ chicken recipe, Juicy oven baked chicken, Smoky grilled flavor without a grill A white round plate holds a meal with three main parts: on the left, there is a thick layer of white mashed potatoes with a smooth texture and a splash of orange-colored sauce. In the middle, a large piece of meat covered in dark brown sauce with a shiny, slightly thick texture, sprinkled with small green herbs, sits partly over the mashed potatoes. On the right, the meat is sliced to show its tender layers, resting in more sauce that spreads across the plate's surface. Behind the meat, there are fresh green beans topped with red cherry tomato halves and finely chopped purple onions, adding a fresh and colorful touch to the dish. The background shows a white marbled texture.

Garnishes

I almost always finish off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or finely chopped green onions—it adds a fresh burst of color and a touch of brightness that balances the rich barbecue flavors beautifully. Sometimes, chives work well too, especially if you want a subtle onion kick.

Side Dishes

My family goes crazy for classic pairings like creamy mashed potatoes, cornbread, or a crisp coleslaw. For lighter options, I love serving it alongside a big green salad with vinaigrette or steamed corn with butter. Southern baked beans are another favorite that soak up the sauce so well!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to line a serving platter with fresh lettuce leaves and arrange the chicken pieces nestled with lemon wedges and extra sauce on the side. Adding colorful sides and garnishes can turn this easy dish into something that looks impressive and festive — perfect for sharing with guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, let any leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. I find the sauce-soaked chicken actually tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen, making it a fantastic meal prep option.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this chicken before with good success—just wrap individual pieces tightly or place in a freezer-safe container. When thawed gently overnight in the fridge, the texture stays tender and the sauce remains delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer popping the chicken back into a preheated oven (around 180°C/350°F) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This keeps the skin nice and crispy, unlike the microwave which can make it soggy. Adding a little extra sauce on top before reheating also helps maintain moistness.

FAQs

  1. Can I use boneless chicken for the Oven Baked BBQ Chicken with Quick Homemade Barbecue Sauce Recipe?

    Yes, you can! While bone-in, skin-on cuts give the best flavor and juiciness, boneless chicken can work too. Just use about 1 kg (2 lb) of boneless thighs or breasts, skip adding water to the sauce, and baste the chicken frequently. Broil at the end for a nice glaze, but watch carefully as boneless pieces cook faster.

  2. How do I make the homemade barbecue sauce less sweet?

    If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar or substitute it with a little honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. You can also increase the vinegar slightly to add more tang, or add smoky spices like smoked paprika to balance the sweetness.

  3. What should I do if my sauce gets too thick or too thin?

    Good question! If your sauce thickens too much during baking, simply stir in a splash of water to loosen it. If it’s too thin after baking, place the pan under the broiler for a minute or two to reduce and thicken it. Keeping an eye on it during broiling prevents burning.

  4. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

    Absolutely! You can mix the sauce and coat the chicken a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. When ready, bring it to room temperature before baking as per the recipe. This makes dinner prep a breeze on busy days.

Final Thoughts

This Oven Baked BBQ Chicken with Quick Homemade Barbecue Sauce Recipe means a lot to me because it bridges the comfort of home-cooked meals with the bold flavors usually reserved for outdoor grilling — all right in your oven! I hope you give it a try and discover how easy it is to make finger-licking good barbecue chicken anytime you want. Once you taste that sticky, sweet, tangy sauce and tender chicken, I promise it’ll become one of your favorites too!

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Oven Baked BBQ Chicken with Quick Homemade Barbecue Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 708 reviews
  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

This Oven Baked BBQ Chicken recipe features juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, drumsticks, or wings smothered in a quick homemade barbecue sauce. The sauce combines classic flavors like ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar, baked to perfection and finished under the broiler for a delicious caramelized finish. This easy-to-make meal pairs wonderfully with traditional side dishes such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Sauce

  • 1 cup ketchup or Australian/UK tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tsp mustard powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp fresh black pepper
  • 1 cup water

Chicken

  • 1.5 kg / 3 lb chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on), drumsticks, or wings
  • Fresh parsley, chives, or finely chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 200°C (390°F), ensuring it reaches the desired temperature before placing the chicken inside for even cooking.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: In a ceramic or glass baking dish, combine all the sauce ingredients except water. Stir well, then add the water and mix until smooth.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the baking dish and turn them to coat evenly with the barbecue sauce. Arrange the chicken skin-side down for the initial bake.
  4. Bake Initially: Bake the chicken for 20 minutes, allowing the sauce to start melding with the chicken and the skin to begin crisping.
  5. Turn and Baste: Remove the dish from the oven, turn the chicken pieces over, and spoon more sauce over them to keep them moist and flavorful.
  6. Continue Baking: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, letting the chicken cook thoroughly and absorb the sauce flavors.
  7. Optional Fat Skimming: Tilt the pan and spoon or drain off any excess fat from the dish to reduce grease before finishing.
  8. Broil to Caramelize: Switch the oven setting to broil/grill on high. Spoon sauce generously over the chicken and place the dish under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes to caramelize the sauce and crisp the chicken skin. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley, chives, or green onions. Serve immediately alongside your favorite side dishes.

Notes

  • Sauce substitutions: Use Australian/UK tomato sauce instead of ketchup, or substitute apple cider vinegar with white wine, sherry, champagne vinegar, or 2 tbsp regular white vinegar. Onion powder can be replaced with garlic powder or 1 finely minced garlic clove.
  • Chicken choice: This recipe works best with bone-in, skin-on pieces such as thighs, drumsticks, or wings for optimal juiciness and flavor. Breast or boneless thighs can be used but may require adjusted cooking times and sauce application.
  • Use a glass or ceramic baking dish for best results and easy cleaning; if using metal, line with foil and parchment paper to minimize scrubbing.
  • The final sauce thickness may vary depending on chicken size, juiciness, and oven accuracy; adjust by adding water if too thick or placing back in oven briefly to thicken if too thin.
  • Barbecue sauce adapted from a recipe by the Neely’s from Food Network.
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Hey there, I’m Nora Blake, the foodie behind LittleSpoonBites.com! I’m here to make cooking YUMMY, EASY, and a whole lotta FUN! From cozy dinners to sweet treats, I’m all about simple recipes that taste like a warm hug. So grab a spoon, tie that apron, and let’s whip up something DELICIOUS together!

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