Description
Juicy, saucy chicken baked to perfection with minimal hands-on time, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 lbs / 700–900 g total)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional flavor boosters: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, pinch smoked paprika or chili powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with foil for easier cleanup.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub each breast with the olive oil and season both sides with salt, pepper, and any optional spices.
- Arrange the breasts in a single layer in the baking dish. Pour 1 cup of BBQ sauce over them and spread lightly to coat.
- Bake uncovered. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the thickest part reaches 165°F (75°C).
- If you reserved sauce, brush it over the cooked chicken and return to the oven for 2–3 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest 5 minutes before slicing or shredding.
Notes
For more forgiving results, use chicken thighs. Low-sugar BBQ sauces can help avoid burning during the glaze step.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American