Oven Baked BBQ Chicken

Warm weather brings out the want for some good tasting BBQ. The best (personal opinion) is grilled, but sometimes pulling out the grill and preparing it isn't always convenient for some. This recipe is perfect for the oven or the grill. The ingredients are simple, the taste is great, and it can be used for more than just the main dish on the plate (as will be shown in future posts).

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins (or chicken breast, cut in half)
2 (1 1/2 if want) tablespoons brown sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons sea salt or kosher salt
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 tablespoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon paprika
Pepper for sprinkling and taste
1 bottle of original BBQ sauce of choice (optional)

Directions:

1. Mix all the spices and the brown sugar together in a large bowl.
2. Rinse chicken under cold water, dry with paper towels, and toss into the bowl of spices. Rub each piece well with spices. Mix more spice if needed.
3. Place chicken and spices in a large ziplock bag and refrigerate 2-4 hours or over night.
4. After the chicken has set in the fridge, heat oven to 400.
5. Spread BBQ sauce on the bottom of a large rectangle baking dish. Pour about a cup into the bag of chicken, reseal the bag and shake to combine.
6. Using tongs, place the chicken in the dish. Pour more sauce over it if wish, or drizzle honey over it.
7. Cook for 30-40 minutes (if using breasts, 40-60, depending on how oven cooks), or until chicken is easy to pull apart and at least a temperature of 165-170.
8. Plate up beside slaw and beans or make a sandwich complete with pickles.

This is a great recipe for the family. It is easy, and if one has a special sauce recipe, use it instead of store bought. Not only will this feed the family, there will be leftovers for the next day.

To grill, simply follow steps 1-3. Place on grill, turning once. Brush some sauce on one side before it is done and plate.