Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 c. ketchup
- 1 c. packed brown sugar
- 1/2 c. water
- 1/4 c. apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp. molasses
- 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
- 1/4 tsp. ground mustard
- 3 lb. bone-in
skin-on chicken thighs, drumsticks, and breasts
- 2 large onions
thinly sliced 
- 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
Directions
- 1
Make barbecue sauce: In a large bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, water, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire, molasses, and spices. Reserve 1 cup of sauce for later. Add chicken to remaining barbecue sauce. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to overnight.
- 2
Make chicken: Preheat oven to 425° and line a large baking sheet with foil. Place onions on baking sheet, drizzle with oil, and toss to coat. Place chicken on top of onions, skin side up, and bake until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°, 30 to 40 minutes.
- 3
Turn oven to broil. Brush chicken with reserved barbecue sauce on both sides and broil until skin is crispy and sauce is thickened, 5 minutes.
Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken
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About this Recipe
Looking for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s also incredibly simple to prepare? This Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken recipe is a major win for dinner, bringing all the comforting flavors of classic barbecue right into your kitchen with minimal fuss.
Why This Recipe Works This recipe shines by building its own rich, tangy BBQ sauce from scratch using readily available pantry staples. The harmonious blend of ketchup, packed brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and molasses creates a deeply flavorful, homemade sauce that truly elevates the chicken. Baking the chicken in the oven ensures each piece is tender and juicy, absorbing all the delicious barbecue goodness.
What to Expect Prepare your taste buds for tender, succulent chicken enveloped in a luscious, sweet, and tangy homemade barbecue sauce. The garlic powder and onion powder infuse the sauce with aromatic depth, while the Worcestershire sauce adds a savory, umami note that perfectly balances the sweetness from the brown sugar and molasses. Each bite offers that comforting, familiar BBQ flavor that clings beautifully to the bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces.
Customization & Variations Feel free to use your favorite combination of chicken pieces—this recipe works beautifully with bone-in, skin-on thighs, drumsticks, and breasts. If you don't have molasses on hand, an extra tablespoon of brown sugar can provide a similar depth of sweetness, though the molasses adds a unique richness. For a vegetarian twist, consider using the sauce with large portobello mushrooms or substantial root vegetables.
Serving & Context This Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken is perfect for a relaxed family dinner, a potluck, or any occasion where you want maximum flavor with minimum effort. Serve it alongside your favorite sides like creamy coleslaw, baked beans, or a simple green salad for a complete, satisfying meal.