The Best Oven Barbecued Chicken

Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly caramelized, "The Best Oven Barbecued Chicken" is your go-to recipe for lip-smacking barbecue-style chicken made effortlessly in the comfort of your kitchen. Featuring tender bone-in, skin-on drumsticks or thighs, this recipe combines a smoky spice rub of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a touch of salt and pepper, with a generous slathering of sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. A quick broil at the end creates that irresistible sticky, caramelized finish without the need for a grill. Whether you're hosting a casual family dinner or craving a barbecue feast any time of year, this easy-to-follow recipe delivers bold flavors with just 15 minutes of prep time. Pair it with grilled corn, a fresh salad, or classic coleslaw for the ultimate crowd-pleasing meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this oven-baked barbecue chicken is guaranteed to become a household favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces Chicken drumsticks or thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 cup Barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon Brown sugar (optional, for extra caramelization)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place a wire rack on top of the foil to allow the chicken to cook evenly.

Step 2

Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel and place them in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3

Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Rub the seasonings evenly onto the chicken pieces to ensure they are fully coated.

Step 4

Arrange the chicken pieces on the wire rack, skin-side up, making sure they are not touching each other for better airflow.

Step 5

Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.

Step 6

Remove the chicken from the oven and brush a generous layer of barbecue sauce on each piece. If desired, sprinkle a little brown sugar on top for added caramelization.

Step 7

Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Step 8

Switch the oven to broil mode and broil the chicken for 3-5 minutes, or until the barbecue sauce becomes slightly sticky and caramelized. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Step 9

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 10

Serve warm with additional barbecue sauce on the side, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1089.9 grams (1089.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2495

Total Fat 153.00g	196%
Saturated Fat 38.80g	194%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 720mg	240%
Sodium 4960mg	216%
Total Carbohydrate 132.00g	48%
Dietary Fiber 2.70g	10%
Total Sugars 115.30g
Protein 146.90g	294%

Vitamin D 40IU	200%
Calcium 180mg	14%
Iron 10mg	53%
Potassium 1945mg	41%

*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: 55.2%

Protein: 23.6%

Carbs: 21.2%