Dinner

Baked BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe

ByJack Voss March 6, 2026March 6, 2026

Introduction

This Baked BBQ Chicken Breast recipe is a simple, flavorful way to enjoy tender and juicy chicken with a smoky, sweet seasoning and tangy BBQ sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner, it pairs well with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal.

Three pieces of grilled chicken breasts sit inside a black cast iron skillet. Each chicken breast is fully covered with a glossy, reddish-brown barbecue sauce that looks thick and slightly caramelized around the edges. The chicken is sprinkled with small green herb bits, giving a fresh touch. The skillet has a shiny oily surface where the chicken rests, showing it is hot and just cooked. The background is a white marbled texture with a white and blue striped cloth visible near the skillet handle. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast (3-4 chicken breasts)
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon brown sugar
½ tablespoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon cumin
2 tablespoons olive oil
⅓ cup BBQ sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375˚F (190˚C).
Step 2: In a small dish, combine chili powder, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and cumin. Mix well to create the seasoning blend. Rub this mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken breasts.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 1-2 minutes on one side until lightly browned. Flip and sear the other side for another 1-2 minutes.
Step 4: Brush BBQ sauce on both sides of the seared chicken. If your skillet is oven-safe, transfer it directly to the preheated oven. If not, transfer the chicken breasts to a baking sheet before baking.
Step 5: Bake the chicken in the oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165˚F (74˚C). Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices and improve flavor.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend.
If you prefer a sweeter BBQ taste, brush an additional layer of BBQ sauce on the chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and moist.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave until heated through, avoiding overcooking which can dry it out.

How to Serve

Three grilled chicken breasts with a shiny, reddish-brown barbecue sauce coating sit in a black cast iron pan. Each chicken breast is garnished with small green herb bits scattered on top. The pan has a slightly oily surface with some roasted marks, and the handle of the pan is visible on the right, resting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use fully thawed chicken breasts for even cooking and proper seasoning absorption. If using frozen, thaw completely before preparing.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, simply sear the chicken in the skillet then transfer the chicken to a baking sheet before brushing with BBQ sauce and baking.