This baked BBQ chicken recipe brings all the smoky, tangy flavors into your home, no grill required. The juicy chicken is perfectly seasoned and coated in a rich, homemade barbecue sauce that’s reduced to perfection, creating a sticky, caramelized glaze that will have everyone coming back for more. It's simple to make but full of flavor, making it an excellent option for a cozy dinner or an easy-to-make dish for a crowd. And, of course, it pairs wonderfully with Day 19 Wine from your All Red Wine Advent Calendar.
Yields: 4-6 servings
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 cups barbecue sauce
Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken: In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons kosher salt and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet and season all over with the garlic powder mixture.
- Roast the chicken: Arrange the chicken pieces skin-side down in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced apart. Roast the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F for 25 minutes.
- Simmer the barbecue sauce: While the chicken is roasting, pour 3 cups of barbecue sauce into a small saucepan. Place it over medium-high heat and bring it to a simmer. Stir regularly and let it reduce by about half, which should take 20-25 minutes.
- Brush with sauce: After 25 minutes of roasting, remove the chicken from the oven. Increase the oven temperature to 450°F. Brush the chicken generously with the reduced barbecue sauce, flip the pieces over, and coat the skin and sides with more sauce.
- Final roast: Return the chicken to the oven and roast for an additional 10 minutes. Afterward, brush the chicken all over with more sauce.
- Caramelize the chicken: For a sticky, charred finish, return the chicken to the oven for one last round of roasting. Roast for another 10 minutes or until the chicken is darkened in spots and the sauce has caramelized.
- Serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and serve with any remaining sauce on the side for extra flavor.