Heart-Healthy Baked BBQ Chicken

Indulge in guilt-free comfort food with this Heart-Healthy Baked BBQ Chicken recipe, a flavorful twist on classic BBQ chicken crafted with wholesome ingredients. This dish features tender, juicy skinless chicken breasts coated in a homemade low-sodium BBQ sauce made from tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of natural honey for sweetness. Smoky paprika, garlic powder, and dried oregano infuse the sauce with rich, aromatic depth, while the oven-baking method ensures a lighter, oil-free finish. Ready in just 45 minutes with minimal prep, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Pair it with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a nourishing, heart-smart meal the whole family will love!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces skinless chicken breast
• 1 cup low-sodium tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, whisk together the low-sodium tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and dried oregano to create the heart-healthy BBQ sauce.

Step 3

Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and place them in the prepared baking dish.

Step 4

Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. You can use a spoon or a brush for even distribution.

Step 5

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven. This helps keep the chicken moist.

Step 6

After 20 minutes, remove the foil and return the dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and caramelize slightly.

Step 7

Check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C) before removing it from the oven.

Step 8

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, and serve warm. Enjoy your heart-healthy meal!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	818 grams (818.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1275

Total Fat 46.00g	59%
Saturated Fat 9.10g	45%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 395mg	132%
Sodium 399mg	17%
Total Carbohydrate 53.90g	20%
Dietary Fiber 7.90g	28%
Total Sugars 37.60g
Protein 153.50g	307%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 117mg	9%
Iron 6mg	35%
Potassium 952mg	20%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 33.3%

Protein: 49.4%

Carbs: 17.3%