Description
This Baked BBQ Chicken Breast recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a flavorful homemade barbecue sauce blend with honey, lime, and garlic. Perfectly baked in the oven, it’s a simple yet delicious dish ready in just 30 minutes, ideal for a family-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1-1¼ lbs. chicken breasts (cut into 4-5 oz. portions)
BBQ Marinade
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 lime (juiced)
- 2 Tbsp. honey
- 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- ½ tsp. salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, and salt. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Reserve ¼ cup of this mixture for basting later.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the bowl with the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat each piece. For best flavor, marinate for at least 30 minutes, or optionally up to overnight in the refrigerator.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the marinated chicken breasts in a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading them out evenly.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 24 to 26 minutes. During the last 5 minutes, brush the chicken with the reserved marinade to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Check for Doneness: The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit and there is no pink remaining in the center.
Notes
- Marinating overnight intensifies the flavors and tenderizes the chicken further.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked for safety and best texture.
- Feel free to substitute the barbecue sauce with a homemade sauce if preferred.
- Serve with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
