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Smoky BBQ Glazed Chicken Bake | 30-Min Easy Family Dinner

Easy Smoky BBQ Glazed Chicken Bake 30 Min Family Dinner

BBQ chicken bake — smoky BBQ glazed chicken bake ready in 30 minutes. Sticky BBQ chicken with easy weeknight preparation. Try this family favorite tonight.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Quick Dinner Recipes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 425

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb chicken pieces (thighs and breasts work equally well)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp liquid smoke
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp water

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F and position the rack in the center. Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels, which helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes browning during baking.
  2. Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Rub this spice mixture evenly across all chicken pieces, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor development.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Sear chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, working in batches if needed to avoid crowding the pan.
  4. Mix together BBQ sauce, honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke in a separate bowl. Pour this glaze over the seared chicken, then add chicken broth around the sides of the skillet without covering the BBQ chicken bake completely.
  5. Bake uncovered for 18-22 minutes until the glaze thickens and darkens slightly, and chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. The sauce should bubble actively around the edges while the top develops a sticky, caramelized sheen.
  6. Remove from oven and let rest for 3 minutes before serving. If you prefer thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry, stir it into the pan juices, and simmer on the stovetop for 2 minutes until the easy chicken dish reaches desired consistency.