Baked BBQ Chicken Breast is a weeknight winner, combining juicy chicken with your favorite barbecue sauce!
When it comes to cooking, keeping it simple doesn’t have to translate to bland and tasteless. I think this baked BBQ chicken breast recipe is an excellent example of that. It’s the perfect meal for a busy weeknight when you don’t have much time or energy for prep work. Plus, you’ll still get a healthy and delicious dinner out of it.
Obviously, cooking BBQ chicken in the oven isn’t the same as grilling, but the chicken still comes out tender and juicy. With my favorite barbecue sauce on top and perhaps a few of my favorite spices, this chicken boasts plenty of flavor. This recipe is healthy, tasty, and easy. What more could you want?
Is Baked BBQ Chicken Breast Healthy?
Since this chicken is baked rather than fried, the lack of oil helps reduce the amount of fat and calories. The chicken breast is also a good source of protein. The key to making this recipe as healthy as possible is using barbecue sauce that’s low in sugar and sodium. Preferably, use a homemade sauce. If using store-bought, look for one that’s organic and doesn’t have too many additives. Additionally, you’ll want to add a healthy grain like brown rice and some green vegetables to your meal in order to balance it out.
A Little Seasoning
If you don’t think salt and pepper will be enough, add more seasoning to the chicken before putting it in the oven. Keep in mind that the BBQ sauce won’t be applied until midway through the cooking process, so adding seasoning at the start is a good idea. I’ve found that a combination of chili powder and garlic powder gives the chicken an extra zip. However, any kind of dry rub can help enhance your chicken’s overall flavor.
How to Make Ahead and Store
If there is a leftover BBQ chicken breast, keep it in an airtight container. It should stay fresh in the fridge for 3 or 4 days. Cooked chicken breast can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
As mentioned, picking the right BBQ sauce is important for this meal. I suggest using this homemade Easy Keto BBQ Sauce or this Low-Carb Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce; both are healthier than most store-bought brands. As for a side dish, I usually like to make Air-Fryer Potato Wedges with BBQ chicken. I’d also recommend a tasty potato salad to complement the chicken. And don’t forget the veggies! I’d suggest Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower or perhaps Instant-Pot Green Beans.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken breasts
- Kosher salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Season the chicken breasts with kosher salt and black pepper, then place them skin-side up on the prepared pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes, until juices start to appear, then reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Brush half of the barbecue sauce over the chicken and return to the oven for 20 minutes.
- Apply the remaining barbecue sauce and continue baking until the chicken is fully cooked and the skin is crispy, about 15 to 20 minutes more.
- Remove from the oven, let rest for a few minutes, and serve hot.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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