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Oven Baked BBQ Chicken with Homemade Sauce Recipe

Avatar photoByEmily
Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 51 reviews

If you’re hunting for a comfort meal that’s both easy and bursting with flavor, you’ve got to try my Oven Baked BBQ Chicken with Homemade Sauce Recipe. This dish is a game changer because it brings together juicy chicken and sticky, tangy homemade barbecue sauce — all baked right in your oven. Trust me, whether you’re a BBQ pro or just craving that smoky-sweet chicken without firing up the grill, this recipe will make your taste buds sing and your kitchen smell divine. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through the whole process so you nail it perfectly every time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Homemade Sauce: No store-bought BBQ here — the sauce cooks right with the chicken for insanely rich flavor.
  • Juicy, Fall-Off-The-Bone Chicken: Baking low and slow in the sauce keeps the meat tender and moist.
  • Minimal Fuss, Maximum Reward: You only need one baking dish and less than 10 minutes prep time.
  • Versatile & Family-Friendly: Perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or anytime you want that crave-worthy BBQ taste without the grill.
A white plate filled with three layers: the bottom layer is creamy mashed potatoes with a smooth texture, the middle layer is a thick piece of cooked meat topped with a shiny reddish-brown sauce, and the top layer has small green herb pieces sprinkled over the sauce. On the side of the plate, there are blurred cherry tomatoes and green beans adding red and green colors in the background. A fork is holding a piece of the meat, lifting it slightly from the plate. The dish is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Oven Baked BBQ Chicken, Homemade BBQ Sauce, Easy BBQ Chicken Recipe, Juicy baked chicken, Smoked flavor oven baked chicken this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays its part to build layers of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in the sauce while complementing the chicken beautifully. When shopping, look for fresh spices and quality chicken thighs or drumsticks for the best results.

Flat lay of fresh bone-in chicken thighs with skin on, two brown eggs (whole and uncracked), a small white ceramic bowl of bright red ketchup, a small white bowl of clear apple cider vinegar, a small white bowl of dark Worcestershire sauce, a small white bowl filled with golden brown sugar, a small white bowl of pale yellow mustard powder, a small white bowl with finely ground onion powder, a small white bowl of coarse sea salt, a small white bowl with cracked black pepper, a small white bowl of clear water, and a small bunch of fresh green parsley and chives arranged neatly, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Oven Baked BBQ Chicken, Homemade BBQ Sauce, Easy BBQ Chicken Recipe, Juicy baked chicken, Smoked flavor oven baked chicken
  • Ketchup: The base of our homemade sauce; you can use your favorite brand or tomato sauce if you’re in Australia or the UK.
  • Apple cider vinegar: Adds that tangy kick which balances the sweetness perfectly.
  • Worcestershire sauce: Brings a subtle umami depth without overpowering the sauce.
  • Brown sugar: For that sticky, caramelized glaze that makes BBQ irresistible.
  • Mustard powder: Adds a gentle sharpness and warmth.
  • Onion powder: Enhances savory notes, giving the sauce wonderful complexity.
  • Salt and fresh black pepper: Season the sauce and chicken to amplify all the flavors.
  • Water: Used to loosen the sauce for braising — don’t skip it!
  • Chicken thighs/drumsticks or wings: Bone-in, skin-on pieces give the best combination of flavor and juiciness.
  • Fresh parsley, chives or green onions: For a fresh, colorful garnish to finish the dish beautifully.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Oven Baked BBQ Chicken with Homemade Sauce Recipe is — I often switch things up based on what I have on hand or our mood. Feel free to make it your own, and you’ll never get bored with it.

  • Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne to the sauce for a smoky heat that my family adores.
  • Healthier Swap: Using skinless chicken cuts down on fat, though I admit I prefer the skin-on for max flavor and crispiness.
  • Using Different Cuts: Chicken wings turn out amazing with this sauce, especially for game day snacks.
  • Sweetener Alternatives: Swap brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness.

How to Make Oven Baked BBQ Chicken with Homemade Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Sauce Base

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (390°F). Now, mix all the sauce ingredients — ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and water — right in a ceramic or glass baking dish. Why glass or ceramic? They’re perfect for even heat distribution and won’t react with the acidic vinegar in your sauce.

Step 2: Coat Your Chicken and Begin Baking

Drop your chicken pieces into the sauce and turn them well to coat every nook and cranny. Lay the chicken skin-side down in the dish — this helps keep the skin juicy while cooking. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. You’ll start to smell the sauce bubbling and your kitchen will begin to feel like a BBQ haven already!

Step 3: Turn Chicken, Baste, and Continue Baking

When the 20 minutes are up, take the dish out and flip each piece to skin side up. Spoon some of the sauce over the top—you want that sticky, flavorful glaze on every surface. Return it to the oven and let it bake for another 30 minutes. This is where the magic happens — the sauce thickens and the chicken cooks through to tender, juicy perfection.

Step 4: Optional Fat Skim and Broil for Caramelization

Once baked, you may notice some fat has rendered off the chicken—if you want, carefully tilt the pan and spoon or drain off excess fat. Then, switch your oven setting to broil (or grill) on high. Generously spoon more sauce over the chicken and broil for 2 to 3 minutes. This step caramelizes the sauce and crisps the skin beautifully, but keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn. This broil finish is what sends this recipe from good to drool-worthy!

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Once out of the oven, sprinkle over some freshly chopped parsley, chives, or green onions. These fresh garnishes add not only color but a bright flavor contrast that balances the richness of the chicken and sauce. Serve hot and prepare for your family or guests to go crazy for this!

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Pro Tips for Making Oven Baked BBQ Chicken with Homemade Sauce Recipe

  • Don’t Skip the Broil Finish: This final caramelization adds incredible texture and depth — it’s my secret weapon for restaurant-style BBQ chicken at home.
  • Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken: I learned the hard way that skinless or boneless dries out quickly; the skin locks in juice while the bones add flavor.
  • Make Sauce in the Baking Dish: Mixing your sauce right in the oven-safe dish saves on cleanup and lets the sauce soak into the chicken as it cooks.
  • Watch the Broil Closely: The sugar in the sauce burns fast under a broiler, so stand by and don’t wander off!

How to Serve Oven Baked BBQ Chicken with Homemade Sauce Recipe

A white plate shows a thick layer of smooth white mashed potatoes on the left side, topped with a glossy brown sauce that pools around the dish. On top of the potatoes sits a piece of cooked meat covered in the same brown sauce, with a slice cut to reveal the inside texture. Behind the meat, there is a row of green beans and bright red cherry tomato halves scattered around, garnished with small pieces of chopped onions. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Oven Baked BBQ Chicken, Homemade BBQ Sauce, Easy BBQ Chicken Recipe, Juicy baked chicken, Smoked flavor oven baked chicken

Garnishes

I like using fresh parsley, chives, or finely chopped green onions for garnish — they brighten up the dish with color and fresh flavor that complements the rich BBQ sauce. Sometimes I even toss on a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a little extra oomph.

Side Dishes

Mashed potatoes and a crisp green bean salad (maybe with a touch of feta) are my go-tos. You’ll find that the creamy potatoes soak up the sauce wonderfully while the salad adds a refreshing crunch. Cornbread or roasted veggies also pair beautifully with this chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the chicken on a big wooden board surrounded by fresh herb sprigs, roasted lemon halves, and little bowls of extra sauce for dipping. It turns dinner into a fun, shared experience and looks gorgeous on the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Oven Baked BBQ Chicken with Homemade Sauce stores really well — just pop your chicken and any leftover sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. I like to keep the sauce separate when possible to avoid soggy skin, but it’s delicious either way.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this chicken a couple of times with great success. After cooling completely, wrap each piece tightly or pack in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. When thawed, the sauce might separate a bit, but a quick reheat brings everything back to life.

Reheating

To reheat, I like using the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy and lets the sauce bubble up nicely again. You can also refresh the caramelized finish by popping it under a broiler for a minute or two—just watch it closely!

FAQs

  1. Can I use other cuts of chicken for this Oven Baked BBQ Chicken with Homemade Sauce Recipe?

    Absolutely! While bone-in, skin-on thighs and drumsticks work best for juiciness and flavor, you can also use wings or even breast meat. Just keep in mind that breasts will cook faster and can dry out, so reduce baking time accordingly and consider marinating beforehand to retain moisture.

  2. Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

    Yes! The main ingredient to check is Worcestershire sauce, as some brands contain gluten. Look for gluten-free Worcestershire sauce or omit it if needed; you can add a splash of soy sauce substitute or tamari if you want that savory depth.

  3. How do I get that sticky glaze without burning the sauce?

    The key is watching the chicken closely when broiling. Broil on high for just 2-3 minutes, turning the chicken and spooning sauce generously. Stay right by the oven because the sugar caramelizes fast and can burn if left unattended.

  4. Can I prepare the BBQ sauce in advance?

    Yes, you can mix the sauce ingredients ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This helps flavors meld even better. Just bring it to room temperature before adding the chicken and baking.

  5. Why do you use water in the BBQ sauce?

    Water helps thin the sauce so it spreads evenly over the chicken and cooks down slowly in the oven, creating that perfect sticky coating without being overly thick or burning prematurely.

Final Thoughts

This Oven Baked BBQ Chicken with Homemade Sauce Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it gives me all the sticky, smoky BBQ vibes without the fuss of firing up a grill. I love how the simple homemade sauce fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas, and the ease of cooking it all in one dish means it’s a no-brainer for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners. If you try it, I’m confident it’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation — it’s that good. So, go ahead and give it a whirl; your taste buds will thank you!

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Oven Baked BBQ Chicken with Homemade Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 51 reviews
  • Author: Villerius
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings (5-6 people)
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

This Oven Baked BBQ Chicken recipe features succulent chicken thighs, drumsticks, or wings slow-baked in a quick homemade barbecue sauce. The sauce is tangy, sweet, and loaded with rich flavors from ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar, creating a luscious glaze that caramelizes beautifully under the broiler. Perfect for a comforting meal craving sticky, juicy chicken without firing up the grill, this dish is garnished with fresh herbs and pairs wonderfully with mashed potato and green bean salad.

Ingredients

BBQ Sauce

  • 1 cup ketchup (or Australian/UK tomato sauce)
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tsp mustard powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp fresh black pepper
  • 1 cup water

Chicken

  • 1.5 kg / 3 lb chicken thighs (bone in, skin on), drumsticks or wings

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chives or finely chopped green onions (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) to prepare for baking the chicken.
  2. Prepare Sauce: In a ceramic or glass baking dish, combine all the BBQ sauce ingredients: ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and water. Stir well to mix thoroughly.
  3. Add Chicken: Place the chicken pieces into the baking dish with the sauce, turning them to coat evenly. Arrange the chicken skin side down in the sauce.
  4. Bake First Stage: Bake the chicken uncovered for 20 minutes to begin cooking and infuse flavors.
  5. Turn Chicken and Baste: Remove the dish from the oven, turn the chicken pieces over, and spoon some sauce over them to keep them moist and flavorful.
  6. Bake Second Stage: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes to ensure chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  7. Skim Off Fat (Optional): Carefully tilt the baking dish and use a spoon to skim off any excess fat that has collected in the sauce for a leaner finish.
  8. Broil to Caramelize: Change the oven setting to broil/grill on high. Generously spoon sauce over the chicken and place under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. This step caramelizes the chicken skin and thickens the sauce—watch closely to prevent burning.
  9. Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or green onions if desired. Serve warm with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes and green bean salad.

Notes

  • This recipe is ideal for those craving sticky BBQ chicken without using an outdoor grill or BBQ.
  • The homemade BBQ sauce simmers with the chicken juices, resulting in a flavorful and juicy glaze.
  • Broiling at the end creates a beautifully caramelized finish—do not leave unattended to avoid burning.
  • Chicken pieces can be any combination of thighs, drumsticks, or wings depending on preference.
  • Pair with classic sides like mashed potatoes and a fresh green bean salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 256 g
  • Calories: 392 kcal
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 655 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 33 g
  • Cholesterol: 168 mg
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Hey, I'm Emily! I'm a home cook with a passion for fun, real recipes that make my kitchen my happy place. Dive in and share the flavor of my everyday foodie adventures!

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