Crispy Baked Barbecue Chicken
Get ready to redefine weeknight dinners with this Crispy Baked Barbecue Chicken recipe—juicy, flavorful chicken with irresistibly crispy skin, all baked to perfection in just under an hour! This easy recipe combines a mouthwatering spice blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a hint of baking powder for that signature crunch without the need for frying. The chicken is brushed with sticky, caramelized barbecue sauce in the final moments of baking, guaranteeing bold, smoky flavors in every bite. Perfect for feeding the family or impressing guests, this dish pairs beautifully with creamy coleslaw, buttery corn on the cob, or a fresh salad. With minimal prep and easy cleanup, this oven-baked barbecue chicken is an ideal choice for busy cooks seeking a healthier alternative to fried chicken without skimping on flavor.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken drumsticks or thighs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, then place a wire rack on top. Lightly grease the rack with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
Pat the chicken drumsticks or thighs dry using paper towels. Removing excess moisture is essential for crispy skin.
In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and baking powder. Mix well.
Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
Arrange the chicken on the prepared wire rack in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pieces. This allows hot air to circulate around the chicken for even cooking.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. Turn the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
After 35 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven. Brush a generous layer of barbecue sauce onto each piece, coating all sides.
Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the barbecue sauce is caramelized and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Optional: For extra caramelization, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Crispy Baked Barbecue Chicken with your favorite sides!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
580 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.1 g | 36% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.8 g | 34% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 211 mg | 70% | |
| Sodium | 1747 mg | 76% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 30.0 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.2 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 22.9 g | ||
| Protein | 51.3 g | 103% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 57 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 2.8 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 694 mg | 15% | |
*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.
