Baked Bbq Chicken Recipe

I love finding a recipe that makes a weeknight dinner feel like a weekend treat. This baked bbq chicken recipe delivers exactly that, transforming humble bone-in chicken into a centerpiece with a deeply caramelized, smoky-sweet glaze. The aroma alone when the glaze hits the hot oven is enough to draw the whole family to the kitchen. We’re skipping bland store-bought sauces and making a rich chipotle-maple glaze that caramelizes perfectly in the oven for a crispy, sweet, and smoky coating. This recipe for bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks is a favorite for easy weeknights when you want comfort food that feels like a special meal. The key to success is searing for crispy skin before baking and finishing with a simple homemade garnish that elevates the entire dish. Get ready for tender, juicy chicken that’s guaranteed to be a new family favorite.

Ingredients

• Chicken: 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks), approximately 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) total. Bone-in chicken helps keep the meat extra moist and flavorful during baking. Ensure chicken pieces are completely thawed if previously frozen; pat dry thoroughly before seasoning to achieve crispy skin.
• Seasoning: 1.5 tsp fine sea salt (divided) and 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Seasoning the skin directly helps to pull out moisture and create a crispy texture during searing. We’ll divide the salt, using some for seasoning and some for the finishing garnish.
• Glaze Base: 180 g (0.75 cup) ketchup, 60 ml (0.25 cup) pure maple syrup, 30 ml (2 tbsp) apple cider vinegar. This combination provides the classic sweet and tangy BBQ sauce foundation. The maple syrup provides a rich caramelization quality, far superior to standard sugar.
• Chipotle Elements: 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Chipotle peppers provide smoky heat; adjust quantity to control spice level (1 pepper for mild, 2 for medium). Smoked paprika reinforces the authentic BBQ flavor profile.
• Aromatics: 1 tbsp tomato paste, 0.5 tsp garlic powder, 0.5 tsp onion powder. Tomato paste adds depth of flavor and helps thicken the glaze. The powders ensure a smooth glaze consistency without chunks of fresh aromatics.
• Garnish: 2 large shallots (approx. 100 g), 120 ml (0.5 cup) vegetable oil, 15 g fresh cilantro. Shallots fry quickly to create a crisp texture and mild onion flavor. Fresh cilantro brightens the dish and balances the richness of the glaze.

Optional (plan-ahead): If you’re shopping for the week, I put this into a 4-Week Meal Plan + Grocery Lists so dinner’s already decided before your day gets busy.

Instructions

Here’s how to create the best baked bbq chicken recipe right in your kitchen. This method guarantees tender meat and perfectly crispy skin.

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 200°C (395°F) and position an oven rack in the center. Pat the chicken pieces thoroughly dry using paper towels; this step is critical for developing crispy skin during searing. Season the chicken generously on all sides with 1 tsp of the fine sea salt and all of the freshly ground black pepper.
2. Make the Glaze: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together all ingredients for the Smoky Chipotle-Maple Glaze: ketchup, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, minced chipotle peppers, tomato paste, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure all ingredients are fully combined into a smooth, thick sauce. Set aside about one-third of the glaze to be applied during the second baking stage.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the chicken pieces skin-side down in the hot oil; sear for 5-7 minutes until the skin is deeply golden brown and crispy. I always use a 10-inch cast iron skillet for this; it gives the best sear and goes straight into the oven. Do not overcrowd the skillet; sear in batches if necessary, ensuring proper browning.
4. First Bake: Flip the chicken pieces skin-side up and brush generously with about one-third of the prepared glaze. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes to start caramelizing the first layer of glaze. Use a pastry brush to ensure even coating and prevent dry spots on the baked bbq chicken.
5. Prepare Garnish: While the chicken bakes, prepare the crispy shallots. Heat 120 ml of vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced shallot rings and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-8 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove shallots promptly using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Season immediately with a pinch of the remaining fine sea salt; set aside.
6. Final Glaze and Bake: Remove the skillet from the oven after the first 20 minutes of baking. Brush the chicken generously with the remaining one-third of the glaze. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized. If the glaze starts to look too dark during the last 10 minutes, tent loosely with foil to prevent burning. For extra char on your baked bbq chicken, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
7. Rest and Serve: Remove the finished baked bbq chicken from the oven and let rest in the skillet for 5-10 minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute back into the meat, ensuring a tender and moist result. To plate, garnish generously with the crispy shallots and fresh cilantro just before serving.

Best Sides to Serve with Baked BBQ Chicken

Pairing the right side dishes with this baked bbq chicken recipe enhances the entire meal. A great side provides balance to the rich, smoky, and sweet glaze. Here are a few family-friendly options that complement the flavors perfectly:

• Creamy Macaroni and Cheese: The ultimate comfort food pairing for rich BBQ chicken. A classic side dish that balances the tangy glaze with creamy pasta. For a lighter option, use a simple vinaigrette-based pasta salad.
• Roasted Green Beans: A simple, healthy vegetable side that adds color and freshness. Toss green beans with olive oil and salt, roast on a sheet pan for 15-20 minutes. Add sliced almonds or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
• Creamy Coleslaw: A cold, crunchy side dish that cuts through the richness of the BBQ sauce. Make a classic vinegar or mayonnaise-based coleslaw to serve alongside. For added texture, incorporate shredded apples or carrots.
• Fluffy White Rice or Mashed Potatoes: Use the residual sauce from the skillet to top starchy sides. Mashed potatoes soak up all the delicious glaze. White rice offers a neutral base that lets the chicken’s flavor shine.

FAQs about Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe

Q: Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of bone-in pieces?

A: Yes, but cooking time will be significantly shorter (around 20-25 minutes total after searing). Be careful not to overcook boneless breasts, as they can dry out quickly. Check for an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) before removing from the oven.

Q: How can I adjust the spice level of this recipe?

A: To reduce the heat, use only half of one chipotle pepper or omit it entirely. If you prefer more heat, use two full chipotle peppers and include some of the adobo sauce they are packed in. The smoked paprika adds smoky flavor without significant heat to the baked bbq chicken recipe.

Q: Can I make the glaze ahead of time for meal prepping?

A: Yes, the Smoky Chipotle-Maple Glaze can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let the glaze come to room temperature before brushing onto the chicken. This saves significant prep time for busy weeknights and makes this a great meal prep recipe.

Q: Is searing necessary for this recipe?

A: While not strictly necessary, searing is highly recommended for achieving crispy skin on the baked BBQ chicken. If you skip searing, the skin will likely be softer and less flavorful. You can also try searing under the broiler for a few minutes before baking, but watch carefully.

Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?

A: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through to maintain crispy skin. Reheating in the microwave may result in soft skin.

Conclusion

This baked bbq chicken recipe with a smoky chipotle-maple glaze and crispy shallot topping truly takes weeknight dinners to the next level. The sear-then-bake method ensures tender meat and crispy skin, while the layered glaze provides deep, rich flavor that makes this a family favorite. Be sure to save this easy dinner idea to your collection on Pinterest for later!

Print