I absolutely love this Oven BBQ Chicken Recipe because it’s like a little BBQ party right in your oven. Whether you’re craving that smoky, saucy chicken feeling but don’t want to mess with the grill, this recipe has you covered. The combination of tangy BBQ sauce and sweet peach preserves creates a flavor that feels both familiar and delightfully unexpected.
Whenever I make this, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings when you want juicy chicken with tons of flavor but minimal fuss. You’ll find that the oven does all the work, roasting the chicken to tender perfection while building those caramelized BBQ sauce edges that my family absolutely goes crazy for. Trust me, this Oven BBQ Chicken Recipe is worth trying again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples with a twist of peach preserves for depth of flavor.
- Hands-off Cooking: The oven does the work—minimal tending, maximum flavor.
- Juicy, Tender Chicken: Bone-in thighs stay moist and flavorful with crispy skin.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether weeknight dinner or casual get-together, it’s sure to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together for a balanced and rich Oven BBQ Chicken Recipe. My tip is to use a BBQ sauce you really enjoy, because it’s the star of the show, and peach preserves add a lovely fruity sweetness that’s subtle but game-changing.
- BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade version for a personalized touch.
- Peach preserves: Adds natural sweetness and depth; you can substitute other fruit jams if you want.
- Garlic: Freshly grated gives the best pungency and aroma.
- Hot sauce (optional): Use just a splash if you like a bit of heat—it balances the sweetness nicely.
- Olive oil: Just enough to prevent sticking and encourage crisp skin.
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: These are perfect for juicy meat and crispy skin—boneless just won’t give the same experience.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and flavor balance.
- Ground black pepper: Freshly ground for maximum aroma.
Variations
I like to tweak this Oven BBQ Chicken Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. Feel free to experiment with swapping the peach preserves for apricot or even spicy mango chutney for an exciting twist. It’s all about making this recipe your own!
- Spicy Kick: I once added smoked paprika and cayenne to the sauce, and it became an instant favorite in my house.
- Sweet & Tangy: Try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar to the BBQ sauce for extra tang if you like it bright and punchy.
- Healthier Option: Swap skin-on thighs for skinless and reduce the oil; still delicious but lighter.
- Grilled Variation: If you prefer, you can finish the chicken on the grill for those classic char marks, though the oven method is easier.
How to Make Oven BBQ Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Sauce Mixture
In a medium saucepan, combine your BBQ sauce, peach preserves, freshly grated garlic, and hot sauce if you’re using it. Warm it gently over medium heat for about 5 to 10 minutes. This helps the peach preserves melt smoothly into the sauce, creating a rich, sticky glaze that’s simply irresistible. Set it aside — this is your magic sauce that will coat the chicken perfectly.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken and Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F. While it’s heating, line two rimmed baking sheets with foil—trust me, this makes cleanup so much easier. Drizzle a little olive oil on the foil, then place the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly for well-rounded seasoning.
Step 3: Roast and Sauce the Chicken
Roast the chicken thighs for 25 minutes, then carefully remove the pans. This is when the fun starts: brush the chicken thoroughly with your warm BBQ sauce mixture. Flip the thighs gently to the other side without tearing the skin, then add more sauce on top. Return to the oven for 7 minutes. Repeat this saucing and roasting cycle two more times to build those beautiful layers of sticky, caramelized BBQ goodness.
Step 4: Finish at Higher Heat
After the final coating of sauce, crank the oven temperature up to 425°F. Roast the chicken for another 5 to 7 minutes. This final blast of heat caramelizes the sauce edges and crisps the skin beautifully, sealing in juicy flavor. Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for at least 10 minutes before serving — this is key for tender, juicy bites every time.
Pro Tips for Making Oven BBQ Chicken Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the chicken rest after roasting keeps it juicy and helps the sauce set beautifully.
- Be Gentle Flipping: Use a spatula carefully to flip thighs without tearing the skin—this keeps the chicken looking appetizing.
- Sauce in Layers: Applying sauce multiple times during roasting builds a sticky, deep-flavored crust that is pure magic.
- Foil Lining Hack: Line your pans with foil for easy cleanup; I learned the hard way that sticky BBQ sauce can be a pain to scrub off!
How to Serve Oven BBQ Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I love to garnish this Oven BBQ Chicken with a sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro to add a pop of green freshness. Sometimes, I’ll add thinly sliced green onions or a few pickled jalapeño slices for a tangy contrast. These little touches really brighten up the rich, saucy chicken and make the presentation pop.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with this are creamy coleslaw, buttery cornbread, and roasted sweet potatoes. I’ve also served it with simple steamed green beans or a crisp Caesar salad for balance. The chicken’s bold flavors stand up wonderfully to both hearty and fresh sides—you really can’t go wrong!
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve the chicken on a large wooden cutting board surrounded by rustic sides and stacked fresh herb sprigs. Sometimes I’ll drizzle extra warmed BBQ sauce over the platter so everyone can add more if they want. It’s such a crowd-pleaser and makes everyone feel like they’re digging into a feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover Oven BBQ Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When packed tightly, the sauce keeps the chicken moist, and I always make sure to wait until it’s fully cooled before sealing to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
This recipe freezes surprisingly well. I like to freeze leftover chicken in single portions wrapped tightly in foil or in freezer bags with some sauce. It will keep for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat and keep that crispy skin, I pop the chicken in a 375°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. If you want, add a little extra BBQ sauce warmed separately for serving to freshen up the flavor. Avoid microwaving—it tends to make the skin soggy and the chicken less appealing.
FAQs
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Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in for this Oven BBQ Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts if you prefer, but bone-in pieces tend to stay juicier and develop better flavor in this recipe. Just reduce the roasting time slightly and watch for doneness to avoid overcooking.
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Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Adding extra hot sauce or mixing smoked paprika and cayenne pepper into the BBQ sauce before heating are great ways to increase the heat level. Just adjust to your preferred tolerance, balancing heat with the peach sweetness.
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Can I prepare the BBQ sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat gently before brushing onto the chicken during roasting. This can save you time on busy cooking days.
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How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F at the thickest part of the thigh. The sauce will also bubble and caramelize nicely when it’s done.
Final Thoughts
This Oven BBQ Chicken Recipe quickly became a staple in my kitchen because it’s reliable, flavorful, and so easy to make. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does—it’s one of those recipes that makes a cozy meal feel a little more special without extra work. So, grab your favorite BBQ sauce and give it a try—you’ll be hooked before you know it!
Print
Oven BBQ Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A flavorful and easy Oven BBQ Chicken recipe featuring juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs roasted to perfection with a tangy and sweet homemade BBQ sauce enhanced with peach preserves and garlic. Perfectly roasted at high heat to achieve caramelized, tender chicken with a rich BBQ glaze.
Ingredients
BBQ Sauce
- 3 cups your favorite BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup peach preserves
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- Hot sauce, optional, to taste
Chicken
- 12 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- Olive oil for brushing and drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the BBQ Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the BBQ sauce, peach preserves, grated garlic, and optional hot sauce. Heat over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture is hot and well combined. Set aside to keep warm.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line two rimmed baking sheets with aluminum foil and drizzle olive oil over the foil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the prepared baking sheets. Evenly sprinkle the chicken with kosher salt and ground black pepper to season.
- Roast the Chicken Initial Phase: Roast the chicken in the oven for 25 minutes. This initial roasting allows the chicken to cook and the skin to start crisping.
- Apply Sauce and Flip: Remove the chicken from the oven briefly. Brush the sauce generously over the skin of the chicken thighs. Carefully flip the chicken thighs over using a spatula without tearing the skin. Brush the newly exposed side with more sauce.
- Continue Roasting with Sauce: Return the chicken to the oven and roast for 7 minutes. Remove again to brush more sauce on the skin, then roast an additional 7 minutes. Repeat brushing the sauce once more.
- Increase Oven Temperature: Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (218°C). Continue roasting the chicken for another 5 to 7 minutes or until the sauce starts to brown at the edges and the chicken is thoroughly cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful chicken.
Notes
- Line baking sheets with foil for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce according to your spice preference or omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Resting the chicken after baking enhances juiciness and flavor.
- Brush the sauce carefully to avoid tearing the chicken skin during flipping.
