This oven-baked barbecue chicken is the epitome of comfort food, promising tender, juicy meat enveloped in a rich, smoky barbecue glaze. As it bakes, the aroma of barbecue sauce fills your kitchen, tantalizing your senses and building anticipation. The sauce, caramelized to perfection, adds a delightful sweet and tangy dimension to the succulent chicken, making each bite an explosion of flavor. Accompanied by fresh herbs and extra barbecue sauce on the side, this dish is sure to be a hit at your dining table. Pair it with your favorite sides for a complete, satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs), cleaned and patted dry
– 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite kind)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tsp garlic powder
– 2 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1 lemon, halved
– Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley) for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Chicken:
– In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
– Rub this mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
– Squeeze the lemon juice over the chicken and place the lemon halves inside the chicken cavity.
3. Bake the Chicken:
– Place the chicken in a roasting pan or on a baking sheet with a rack.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
4. Baste with Barbecue Sauce:
– After 1 hour, remove the chicken from the oven and brush it generously with barbecue sauce.
– Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, basting with barbecue sauce every 10 minutes.
5. Check for Doneness:
– The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part (not touching the bone) and the juices run clear.
– Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.
6. Garnish and Serve:
– Garnish with fresh herbs.
– Serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side.
Enjoy your oven-baked barbecue chicken! Do you have a favorite side dish to pair with it?
