Perfectly caramelized outsides and tender, juicy insides, this baked BBQ chicken breast is big on summery barbeque flavors and makes the perfect midweek meal.
Preheat the oven to 350ºF/175ºC. Use a little oil to grease an ovenproof casserole or baking dish.
Lay out your chicken breasts flat and drizzle with more olive oil. Cover the chicken with the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, and use your hands to make sure they’re all completely covered. For a no-mess version, put the chicken in a Ziplock bag and shake with the spices and oil until covered.
Bake in three stages
Cook the chicken uncovered for 15 minutes at 350ºF/175ºC.
Add ½ of the BBQ sauce over the partially baked chicken breasts, using a pastry brush or spoon to spread it out over all of the chicken breasts. Return to the oven for a further 15 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the oven and pour the rest of the BBQ sauce before cooking for a further 15 minutes. All together, the chicken will have been cooked for 45 minutes.
Check for doneness: Using a meat thermometer, check the center of the breast. When perfectly cooked, chicken breast should have an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C. If you don't have a thermometer, check by cutting into the thickest part of the breast. If the juices run clear and there's no pinkness, the chicken is done.
Allow the chicken breasts to rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the BBQ sauce to meld into the meat. Serve hot with fresh chopped parsley.
Video
Notes
To store: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, warm it thoroughly either in the microwave or oven.To reheat: Place leftover chicken in a baking dish, spread more BBQ sauce, and reheat in the oven at 350°F/175ºC.To freeze: Store leftovers in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat following the above instructions. Check the blog post for serving suggestions!