Easy BBQ Chicken Bake
A quick and crowd-pleasing one-dish dinner featuring juicy chicken breasts smothered in sticky BBQ sauce and topped with crisp bacon.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1 to 1.5 lb total
- 1 cup BBQ sauce use your favorite — sweet, smoky, or spicy
- 4 slices bacon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated cheese optional for topping (cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Arrange the breasts in a single layer in a baking dish, leaving a little space between each piece.
- Pour the BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken, turning each breast gently to coat.
- Lay the slices of bacon across the tops of the breasts, tucking the ends under if they are long.
Cooking
- Bake for 30–40 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part.
- For crispier bacon or melted cheese, switch the oven to broil for 2–3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Chicken thighs can be used if preferred; increase bake time slightly. Low-sugar or sugar-free BBQ sauces work well. Substitute turkey bacon for a leaner option.