Two Ingredient Crispy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken
This Two Ingredient Crispy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. With just two primary ingredients—barbecue sauce and chicken—you can whip up a deliciously crispy, sticky, and tender dish that everyone will love. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and incredible flavor. Get ready to impress with minimal effort!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only two main ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for those hectic evenings.
- Flavorful: The combination of barbecue sauce creates a sweet, tangy glaze that enhances the chicken’s natural flavors.
- Crispy Texture: Baking at high temperatures ensures that you achieve a crispy skin without frying.
- Versatile: Suitable for various occasions, from casual family meals to festive gatherings.
- Healthy Option: Using skin-on chicken provides flavor while keeping the dish lower in carbs.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your delicious Two Ingredient Crispy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Basting brush
- Meat thermometer
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: A rimmed baking sheet helps catch drippings while allowing air circulation around the chicken for even cooking.
- Basting brush: This tool is crucial for evenly applying barbecue sauce to ensure each piece is perfectly glazed.
- Meat thermometer: A meat thermometer ensures your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
Ingredients
This recipe uses only TWO INGREDIENTS – barbecue sauce and chicken (plus a little olive oil, salt, and pepper) – to make the crispiest, most perfectly glazed, sweet, sticky, and tender barbecue baked chicken you will ever have.
For the Chicken
- 8-10 chicken thighs and/or drumsticks (bone-in, skin on)
For the Sauce
- 2 cups of your favorite bbq sauce
For Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (or canola oil)
How to Make Two Ingredient Crispy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. This initial temperature is essential for starting the cooking process.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Coat the chicken on all sides with olive oil.
- Season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
Place the chicken skin side down on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes.
Step 4: Increase Temperature
Remove the chicken from the oven. Increase the oven temperature to 425 degrees F.
Tip: Close the oven door every time you remove the chicken to keep heat inside.
Step 5: Apply Barbecue Sauce
Using a basting brush, coat the top of each piece of chicken with barbecue sauce. Carefully flip each piece using a spatula without tearing the skin. Baste the other side as well before returning it to bake for another 7 minutes.
Step 6: Repeat Basting Process
Remove from oven again. Baste each piece with more barbecue sauce. Place back in oven for an additional 7 minutes.
Step 7: Final Basting
Repeat this basting process one last time for a total cooking time of approximately 46 minutes. Always check that your chicken has reached an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F; dark meat is best cooked between 180-190 degrees F.
Step 8: Broil if Needed
If desired crispiness isn’t achieved yet, move your oven rack closer to broil and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
Step 9: Rest Before Serving
Let your crispy BBQ chicken sit for about 5 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat for optimal flavor.
Enjoy your meal!
How to Serve Two Ingredient Crispy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken
Serving your Two Ingredient Crispy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken can elevate your meal experience. There are many creative ways to enjoy this delicious dish that will impress your family and friends.
Serve with a Fresh Salad
- Garden Salad: A mix of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots adds freshness.
- Coleslaw: Creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw offers a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken.
Pair with Classic Sides
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and is a classic BBQ side.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans complement the flavors of the chicken.
Use as a Filling
- Sandwiches: Shred the chicken and serve it on buns with extra barbecue sauce for tasty sandwiches.
- Tacos: Use shredded chicken in taco shells topped with slaw and avocado for a fun twist.
Enjoy with Dipping Sauces
- Ranch Dressing: A cool ranch dressing goes well with crispy chicken.
- Extra BBQ Sauce: Serve extra sauce on the side for those who love more flavor.

How to Perfect Two Ingredient Crispy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken
To achieve the perfect texture and flavor in your Two Ingredient Crispy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken, follow these helpful tips.
- Preheat Properly: Always preheat your oven to ensure even cooking from the start.
- Use Bone-In Pieces: Bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks yield juicier results compared to boneless cuts.
- Baste Frequently: Regularly basting with barbecue sauce helps create a flavorful, sticky glaze on the chicken.
- Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches at least 165 degrees F for safety.
- Broil for Extra Crispiness: If needed, broil for a few minutes at the end for an extra crispy finish.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps retain its juices for better flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Two Ingredient Crispy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken
Choosing the right side dishes can enhance your meal featuring Two Ingredient Crispy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken. Here are some delicious options:
- Garlic Bread: Toasted bread brushed with garlic butter makes for a great dipping option.
- Potato Wedges: Seasoned and baked wedges provide a hearty complement to the chicken.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese offers comfort and pairs beautifully with BBQ flavors.
- Grilled Vegetables: A medley of grilled veggies adds color, flavor, and nutrition to your plate.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs can balance out the richness of the chicken.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries add sweetness that contrasts well with barbecue flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can enhance your cooking experience and ensure the best results with this recipe. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
-
Overcrowding the Pan: Placing too many pieces of chicken on the baking sheet can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure there’s enough space between each piece for air circulation.
-
Neglecting to Preheat: Failing to preheat the oven properly can result in undercooked chicken. Always preheat your oven to 400 degrees F before starting.
-
Ignoring Basting: Skipping the basting step may yield less flavorful and less crispy chicken. Remember to baste your chicken three times during cooking for that perfect glaze.
-
Not Checking Temperature: Relying solely on cooking time without checking the internal temperature can lead to undercooked chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches at least 165 degrees F.
-
Using Low-Quality BBQ Sauce: Low-quality sauce may lack flavor and texture. Choose a barbecue sauce that you love for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Two Ingredient Crispy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken
- Place cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date for reference.
Reheating Two Ingredient Crispy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350 degrees F, place chicken on a baking sheet, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Use medium power and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Two Ingredient Crispy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken:
How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
To achieve extra crispiness, broil the chicken for an additional 3-5 minutes after baking.
Can I use skinless chicken?
While skinless chicken can be used, bone-in, skin-on pieces provide better flavor and crispiness in this recipe.
What BBQ sauce works best?
Any barbecue sauce you enjoy will work! Consider trying sweet, smoky, or spicy varieties depending on your taste preference.
How long should I bake the chicken?
The total baking time is about 46 minutes at varying temperatures. Always check that it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F.
Can I customize this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add spices or herbs to your olive oil coating for added flavor or experiment with different barbecue sauces.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This recipe is great for meal prep as it stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it easy to reheat throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
The Two Ingredient Crispy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken is an incredibly simple yet delightful dish. Its versatility allows for countless customization options, whether you prefer spicy flavors or a sweeter glaze. Give this recipe a try and enjoy tender, juicy chicken that’s bursting with flavor!
Two Ingredient Crispy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken
- Total Time: 56 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Two Ingredient Crispy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights and special gatherings. This effortless recipe combines just two main ingredients—barbecue sauce and chicken—to create a meal that is not only deliciously crispy but also sticky, tender, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this dish takes minimal effort while delivering maximum satisfaction. With its sweet and tangy glaze, this oven-baked chicken will impress everyone around the table.
Ingredients
- 8–10 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and/or drumsticks
- 2 cups of your favorite barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Coat each piece of chicken with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Arrange the chicken skin side down on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
- Increase the oven temperature to 425 degrees F.
- Flip the chicken over, baste both sides with barbecue sauce, then bake for an additional 14 minutes (basting twice during this time).
- If necessary, broil for 3-5 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 46 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh (approximately 100g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg








