Description
This Oven Baked BBQ Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs, drumsticks, or wings baked in a homemade quick barbecue sauce made from pantry staples like ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and spices. Finished under the broiler for a caramelized, crispy skin, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for a flavorful family dinner with minimal prep.
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) to get ready for baking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare the barbecue sauce: In a ceramic or glass baking dish, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and water. Mix thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and well blended.
- Coat the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the baking dish with the sauce. Turn each piece to coat thoroughly, then arrange the chicken skin side down to maximize flavor absorption and crispiness.
- Bake the chicken – first phase: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 20 minutes to start cooking and infuse the BBQ flavors.
- Turn and baste: Remove the dish from the oven carefully, flip the chicken pieces over, and spoon additional sauce over them to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Bake the chicken – second phase: Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 30 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through completely and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Optional fat removal: Carefully tilt the pan and spoon off any excess fat that has accumulated during baking for a leaner dish.
- Broil for caramelization: Set your oven to the broiler/grill setting on high. Spoon a generous amount of sauce over the chicken again and place the dish under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce caramelizes and the skin crisps up nicely. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, chives, or green onions. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful oven-baked BBQ chicken.
Notes
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces for the best flavor and juiciness.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet barbecue sauce.
- Watch carefully when broiling to avoid burning the sauce due to high sugar content.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the barbecue sauce mixture.
- The homemade barbecue sauce can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
- Serve with your favorite sides like coleslaw, baked potatoes, or corn on the cob for a complete meal.
