Craving juicy, tender chicken with a smoky, tangy BBQ flavor that'll make your taste buds sing? Look no further! This Open Pit BBQ Sauce Chicken recipe is a game-changer, delivering restaurant-quality deliciousness right to your dinner table. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue feast. This recipe is your go-to for easy recipes and healthy meals that are both satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup your favorite open pit BBQ sauce (check the label for ingredients; many brands offer low-sugar options for healthy meals)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures perfectly cooked chicken without drying it out.
Preparing the Chicken:
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In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This simple spice rub adds another layer of flavor to your chicken.
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Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and generously coat them with the spice mixture, ensuring each breast is evenly seasoned.
Baking the Chicken:
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Pour half of the BBQ sauce over the chicken, making sure to coat the top of each breast.
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Bake for 20 minutes, then carefully flip the chicken breasts and pour the remaining BBQ sauce over them.
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Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy for perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.
Serving Suggestions:
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Serve this delicious dish on its own, or pair it with your favorite sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips for the Best Open Pit BBQ Sauce Chicken:
- Bone-in or boneless? Feel free to use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks for extra flavor and moisture. Adjust cooking time accordingly; bone-in chicken will require longer cooking time.
- Spice it up! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the spice rub for a kick.
- Make it your own! Experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your perfect flavor combination. Homemade BBQ sauce is also a great option!
- Slow cooker option: For a hands-off approach, you can also slow cook this recipe. Place the seasoned chicken and BBQ sauce in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Variations:
- Sheet pan dinner: Roast vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers alongside the chicken for a complete one-pan meal.
- Grilled chicken: For a smoky char, grill the chicken instead of baking it. Marinate the chicken in the BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Protein: Approximately 35-40g Fat: Approximately 15-20g Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This delicious and easy recipe makes for the perfect homemade cooking experience, ideal as a quick dinner idea, or a centerpiece for any gathering. Enjoy!