Sticky BBQ Glazed Baked Chicken Breasts

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Juicy chicken breasts baked in a rich, sweet-and-smoky BBQ glaze until beautifully caramelized and glossy.

Ingredients

For the chicken

  • 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder

For the sticky BBQ glaze

  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • ⅓ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F / 200°C. Lightly grease a large baking dish.
  2. Season the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry. Rub them with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  3. Prepare the sauce. In a bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and optional cayenne.
  4. Pour about half of the BBQ mixture into the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer and spoon more sauce generously over each piece.
  5. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Remove the dish, spoon the sauce from the pan over the chicken, and brush with another layer of BBQ glaze.
  6. Return to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F / 74°C.
  7. For that dark, sticky caramelized finish shown in the photo, switch the oven to broil/grill for 2–4 minutes. Watch carefully so the glaze caramelizes without burning.
  8. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Spoon plenty of the thick pan sauce over the top before serving.

Optional Thick Sauce

If you want the sauce extra thick and glossy, pour the pan juices into a small saucepan and simmer for 3–5 minutes. For an even thicker glaze, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water, stir it into the sauce, and cook for another minute.

Serving Ideas

Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, mac and cheese, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6

Tip

For maximum flavor, marinate the seasoned chicken with a few spoonfuls of the BBQ glaze for 30 minutes to 2 hours before baking.

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