If you’re craving that perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors without firing up your grill, this Oven BBQ Chicken with Homemade Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this recipe yields juicy, tender chicken smothered in a sticky, finger-licking BBQ glaze that’s made from scratch in your own kitchen. It’s simple, satisfying, and the homemade sauce brings out the best in every bite. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll keep coming back to it for quick weeknights or weekend dinners alike!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade Sauce Magic: The quick homemade BBQ sauce perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and smoky notes that store-bought just can’t compete with.
Juicy & Tender Chicken: Slow-baking the chicken in the sauce keeps it moist and flavorful—no dry bites here.
Simple & Convenient: You don’t need a grill or fancy equipment—just your oven and a few pantry staples.
Family Friendly: My family goes crazy for this dish, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

A white plate filled with three layers: the bottom layer is creamy mashed potatoes with a smooth texture, the middle layer is a thick piece of cooked meat topped with a shiny reddish-brown sauce, and the top layer has small green herb pieces sprinkled over the sauce. On the side of the plate, there are blurred cherry tomatoes and green beans adding red and green colors in the background. A fork is holding a piece of the meat, lifting it slightly from the plate. The dish is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Oven BBQ Chicken with Homemade Sauce, Oven BBQ Chicken, Homemade BBQ Chicken Recipe, Juicy Oven Chicken, Easy BBQ Chicken Dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to craft a sauce that’s bursting with flavor while keeping the chicken juicy and tender. Plus, they’re easy to find in most kitchens or grocery stores, which makes prepping this Oven BBQ Chicken with Homemade Sauce Recipe a breeze.

Flat lay of fresh bone-in chicken thighs with skin on, two brown eggs (whole and uncracked), a small white ceramic bowl of bright red ketchup, a small white bowl of clear apple cider vinegar, a small white bowl of dark Worcestershire sauce, a small white bowl filled with golden brown sugar, a small white bowl of pale yellow mustard powder, a small white bowl with finely ground onion powder, a small white bowl of coarse sea salt, a small white bowl with cracked black pepper, a small white bowl of clear water, and a small bunch of fresh green parsley and chives arranged neatly, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Oven BBQ Chicken with Homemade Sauce, Oven BBQ Chicken, Homemade BBQ Chicken Recipe, Juicy Oven Chicken, Easy BBQ Chicken Dinner

Ketchup (or Australian/UK tomato sauce): This is the base of your BBQ sauce, giving it that classic tomato sweetness and tang.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds a punch of acidity that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Worcestershire Sauce: Deepens the flavor with a savory, slightly smoky hint.
Brown sugar: Sweetness and caramelization magic happen here—don’t skip it!
Mustard powder: Brings a mild heat and complexity to the sauce.
Onion powder: Adds subtle depth and aroma without overpowering.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the sauce and chicken.
Fresh black pepper: Just enough spice to lift the taste.
Water: Helps thin the sauce for braising so the chicken stays moist.
Chicken thighs, drumsticks or wings: Juicy skin-on, bone-in pieces are perfect here for flavor and succulence.
Fresh parsley, chives, or green onions: A fresh garnish that brightens the final presentation.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Oven BBQ Chicken with Homemade Sauce Recipe is super adaptable, so feel free to tweak it based on what you’ve got on hand or your flavor preferences. It’s your kitchen playground—make it your own!

Spicy Kick: When I want a bit more heat, I add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or some cayenne pepper to the sauce—just enough to zing but not overwhelm.
Sweet & Smoky Variation: Sometimes I swap the apple cider vinegar for balsamic vinegar for a deeper, sweeter tang.
Healthy Swap: I’ve used skinless chicken breasts before—just watch the cooking time closely so it doesn’t dry out.
Different Cuts: Wings are a hit with my kids, but drumsticks and thighs are my personal favorite because they stay juicy and meaty!

How to Make Oven BBQ Chicken with Homemade Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare that luscious homemade BBQ sauce

This is the heart and soul of the dish. Mix your ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper together in a ceramic or glass baking dish. Then stir in the water to loosen things up so it wasn’t too thick—it’s what gently braises the chicken. I always use a glass dish here because it heats evenly and is easy to clean up.

Step 2: Coat and bake the chicken

Add your chicken pieces, making sure to turn them over to coat each one generously with the sauce. Place the chicken skin side down into the sauce so all the flavor gets sealed in during baking. Pop it in the oven at 200°C (390°F) and bake for 20 minutes. This starts the braising process and locks in moisture.

Step 3: Turn, baste, and continue baking

After those initial 20 minutes, pull the dish out, turn each chicken piece to the other side, and spoon over even more sauce. Continue baking for another 30 minutes. This slow cook really helps the chicken soak up the BBQ goodness while staying juicy and tender.

Step 4: Skim and caramelize for that perfect finish

You might notice some fat floating on top of the sauce after baking; I usually tilt the pan slightly and carefully spoon off excess fat to keep the sauce rich but not greasy. Then comes the best part—switch your oven to broil or grill mode on high. Spoon on a generous layer of sauce over the chicken, then place under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce caramelizes and thickens beautifully. Don’t walk away here; it can burn quickly but the golden glaze it creates is worth watching closely.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh parsley, chives, or green onions over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it up with your favorite sides and get ready for some serious compliments!

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Pro Tips for Making Oven BBQ Chicken with Homemade Sauce Recipe

Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken: I learned that this choice keeps the meat juicy and flavorful during baking—skin crisps nicely when broiled at the end.
Don’t Skip the Basting: Spoon sauce over the chicken halfway through so each side absorbs it well and you get that rich caramelized finish.
Watch the Broiler Like a Hawk: The sauce caramelizes fast, so stay close to avoid burning and get that perfect sticky glaze.
Use a Glass or Ceramic Dish: Metal pans can sometimes cause uneven cooking; glass or ceramic holds heat and moisture beautifully, enhancing the braising.

How to Serve Oven BBQ Chicken with Homemade Sauce Recipe

A white plate shows a thick layer of smooth white mashed potatoes on the left side, topped with a glossy brown sauce that pools around the dish. On top of the potatoes sits a piece of cooked meat covered in the same brown sauce, with a slice cut to reveal the inside texture. Behind the meat, there is a row of green beans and bright red cherry tomato halves scattered around, garnished with small pieces of chopped onions. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Oven BBQ Chicken with Homemade Sauce, Oven BBQ Chicken, Homemade BBQ Chicken Recipe, Juicy Oven Chicken, Easy BBQ Chicken Dinner

Garnishes

I always reach for fresh parsley or finely chopped green onions to sprinkle on top right before serving. It adds a pop of color, a bit of fresh crunch, and cuts through the richness of the BBQ sauce. Sometimes, chives work beautifully too for a mild onion-like bite.

Side Dishes

One of my go-to pairings is creamy mashed potatoes and a crisp green bean salad—simple, fresh, and perfectly balanced. But feel free to serve it alongside coleslaw, cornbread, or your favorite roasted veggies. They soak up the sauce just as well!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes arrange the chicken on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra homemade BBQ sauce for dipping. Adding colorful grilled corn on the cob and a sprinkling of fresh herbs makes it feel festive and inviting—a lovely spread for a casual dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It tastes just as good when reheated thoughtfully, especially if you keep that sticky sauce in the container to coat the chicken—prevents it from drying out.

Freezing

Freezing works well too! I usually freeze the cooked chicken with sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and gently reheat for a quick, satisfying meal whenever you’re short on time.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the chicken with foil and warm it in a 175°C (350°F) oven for about 15-20 minutes, spooning sauce over occasionally to keep it moist. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven method keeps the skin a bit crispier and the flavors fresher.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs or drumsticks?

Absolutely! Just be mindful that chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out if overcooked, so reduce the baking time slightly and watch carefully to keep them juicy. You might skip the broiling step if the breasts are thin.
Is the homemade BBQ sauce suitable for other recipes?

Definitely! I often use this quick homemade BBQ sauce as a dip or glaze for ribs, burgers, or even roasted vegetables. It’s versatile and adds a lovely flavor boost across many dishes.
How do I prevent the sauce from burning under the broiler?

Stay close and keep a close eye! The high heat caramelizes the sugars quickly, so don’t wander off while broiling. Also, placing the rack a bit further from the broiler element helps prevent burning while achieving that beautiful glaze.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just make sure to use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and ketchup or tomato sauce that doesn’t contain gluten. This recipe is naturally gluten-free with a few simple swaps.

Final Thoughts

This Oven BBQ Chicken with Homemade Sauce Recipe has become my secret weapon for when I want that BBQ flavor without the hassle of outdoor grilling. It’s straightforward, flavorful, and brings my family together around the dinner table every time. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as I do—it’s comfort food with a homemade twist that’s sure to become a favorite in your home too!