If you’re craving a comforting, flavorsome dish that brings that irresistible smoky-sweet charm to your dinner table, the Oven Baked BBQ Chicken with Quick Homemade Barbecue Sauce Recipe is going to be your new best friend. This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with a luscious, homemade barbecue sauce that hits all the right notes—tangy, sweet, and a little bit savory—without any fuss or fancy ingredients. It’s perfect for weekday meals or weekend gatherings alike, giving you restaurant-worthy BBQ that you can whip up right in your own oven. Trust me, once you try this oven baked BBQ chicken, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Oven Baked BBQ Chicken with Quick Homemade Barbecue Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Oven Baked BBQ Chicken with Quick Homemade Barbecue Sauce Recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a depth of flavor you might not expect. Each component plays a special role, whether it’s the tangy vinegar cutting through the sweetness or the spices adding layers of warmth and zest to the sauce.

1 cup ketchup or Australian/UK tomato sauce: The rich, tangy base for your homemade BBQ sauce, bringing that classic tomato flavor.
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: Adds a bright, sharp acidity to balance the sweetness and deepen the sauce’s flavor.
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Introduces a subtle umami kick and complexity.
4 tbsp brown sugar: Sweetness with a hint of molasses that melds beautifully with the other ingredients.
2 tsp mustard powder: Gives a gentle heat and depth to the sauce’s profile.
2 tsp onion powder: Brings savory warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
1/2 tsp salt: Essential for enhancing every element’s natural taste.
1/2 tsp fresh black pepper: A touch of sharpness to balance the sweetness.
1 cup water: Helps create the perfect consistency for coating the chicken.
1.5 kg / 3 lb chicken thighs, drumsticks or wings (bone-in, skin-on): Juicy, flavorful cuts that hold up beautifully in the oven.
Fresh parsley, chives or finely chopped green onions: For a fresh, green garnish that brightens the dish.

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

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (390°F). This is the perfect temperature to get the chicken cooking evenly and develop that irresistible crispy skin while keeping the meat moist inside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a ceramic or glass baking dish, combine the ketchup or tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and water. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and beautifully blended. This quick homemade barbecue sauce forms the soul of the dish—its vibrant balance of flavors will coat the chicken perfectly.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces to the baking dish, nestling them in the sauce. Turn each piece gently to ensure every bit of chicken is generously coated with the sauce. Arrange them skin side down to start baking, which helps render the fat and locks in flavor.

Step 4: Bake Initially

Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This step begins cooking the chicken gently while letting the sauce seep into every nook and cranny, so get ready for some mouthwatering aromas.

Step 5: Turn and Baste

After those 20 minutes, take the dish out and flip the chicken pieces over. Spoon some of the sauce from the dish back onto the chicken to keep it moist and amplify the flavor. This little extra love ensures every bite is saucy and rich.

Step 6: Bake Further

Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes. This final bake time helps the chicken cook through completely and allows the sauce to thicken just right while infusing the meat with smoky-sweet barbecue goodness.

Step 7: Skim Off Excess Fat (Optional)

If you notice any excess fat pooling in the dish, tilt it carefully and spoon or drain it off. This makes the final result less greasy without losing any of the sauce’s amazing flavor.

Step 8: Broil to Caramelize

Turn your oven to the broiler or grill setting on high. Generously spoon extra sauce over the chicken and place it under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. This step caramelizes the sauce, crisps the skin up beautifully, and adds a slight smoky char that makes this dish truly irresistible. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn—caramelized, not charred, is the goal!

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Remove the chicken from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley, chives, or finely chopped green onions. The vibrant green garnish adds a fresh burst of flavor and a pop of color that makes this dish look as good as it tastes.

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

Garnishes

Finishing touches are everything! Fresh parsley, chives, or green onions not only add a lovely visual contrast but also lift the flavors with their mild, fresh bite. They break through the richness of the BBQ sauce beautifully and leave you wanting just one more bite.

Side Dishes

This oven baked BBQ chicken pairs wonderfully with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, buttery corn on the cob, or even fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of sauce. For a lighter option, try a crisp garden salad or grilled vegetables. The choices are endless, and each will complement the rich, saucy chicken impeccably.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests or just treat yourself? Serve the chicken on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh herb sprigs and lemon wedges for a touch of bright acidity. Or create a BBQ chicken platter with assorted dipping sauces, pickles, and crusty bread to make it a full-on feast everyone can help themselves to. The informal, laid-back presentation makes sharing and enjoying even more fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your delicious Oven Baked BBQ Chicken with Quick Homemade Barbecue Sauce Recipe, be sure to store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Properly stored, your chicken will stay flavorful and moist for 3 to 4 days—making for easy next-day meals or lunch on the go.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this BBQ chicken freezes well! Lay the chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. The sauce holds up nicely, too. Frozen leftovers are best used within 2 to 3 months for optimal taste and texture.

Reheating

When it’s time to reheat, pop the chicken in a 180°C (350°F) oven for about 15-20 minutes, covered loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, reheat gently in a microwave, but be sure to add a little splash of water or reserved sauce to keep it juicy. Avoid overheating, and your BBQ chicken remains just as tasty as the day it was made.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs or drumsticks?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts can work, but since they are leaner, watch the cooking time closely to prevent drying out. Bone-in, skin-on breasts will give you the best results for tenderness and flavor.

Is it possible to make the barbecue sauce spicier?

For sure! Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or a dash of hot sauce to the homemade BBQ sauce to give it a kick. Adjust according to your spice preference.

Do I need to baste the chicken halfway through baking?

Basting the chicken after the initial bake helps keep the meat moist and lets you build up layers of delicious sauce flavor. While optional, I highly recommend it for the tastiest results.

Can I use store-bought barbecue sauce instead?

You can, but homemade sauce has a fresh, balanced flavor that elevates the dish. Plus, it’s easy to customize your own, which makes the meal feel so much more special and homemade.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) and the juices run clear. The skin should be nicely caramelized and crispy. Using a meat thermometer is the easiest way to be sure.

Final Thoughts

This Oven Baked BBQ Chicken with Quick Homemade Barbecue Sauce Recipe is a wonderful blend of simplicity and flavor that makes dinner feel like a treat any night of the week. It’s easy enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests, with no complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy of this cozy, sticky, saucy dinner with your family and friends. Happy cooking and, most importantly, happy eating!

Oven Baked BBQ Chicken with Quick Homemade Barbecue Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.8 from 63 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This Oven Baked BBQ Chicken recipe features juicy, flavorful chicken thighs, drumsticks, or wings baked to perfection in a homemade tangy and sweet barbecue sauce. The sauce, made from simple pantry staples like ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices, is brushed generously to keep the chicken moist and then caramelized under the broiler for a crispy, delicious finish. Ideal for a family dinner, this easy-to-make dish delivers classic BBQ flavors without the grill.

Ingredients

Scale

Barbecue 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

Garnish

Fresh parsley, chives or finely chopped green onions

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) to prepare for baking the chicken.
Prepare Sauce: In a ceramic or glass baking dish, mix together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and water until well combined.
Coat Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the sauce in the baking dish and turn them to coat thoroughly with the sauce. Arrange the chicken skin side down.
Bake Initial: Bake the chicken in the oven for 20 minutes.
Turn and Baste: Remove the baking dish from the oven, turn the chicken pieces over, and spoon some more sauce over them to keep them moist and flavorful.
Bake Further: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
Skim Fat (Optional): Tilt the pan and spoon or drain off any excess fat that has accumulated.
Broil to Caramelize: Switch your oven setting to broiler/grill on high. Generously spoon sauce over the chicken and place the dish under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes to caramelize the sauce and crisp the skin. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or green onions before serving.

Notes

Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for best flavor and juiciness.
Keep an eye during broiling to prevent the sauce from burning.
Adjust the sweetness by varying the brown sugar according to your taste.
Draining excess fat is optional but helps reduce grease and improves sauce consistency.
Can be served with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American