Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken

Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken delivers perfectly juicy chicken breasts nestled among a medley of sweet bell peppers and tangy onions all kissed with barbecue sauce. This recipe is my go-to when I am craving those backyard barbecue flavors but want minimal mess and effort. It is a family favorite that turns a simple weeknight into something special around the table.

The first time I made this was after a long workday when I wanted something hearty yet quick. The smiles it brought to my family convinced me to keep it in regular rotation for busy weeks.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose pieces that are uniform in size for even cooking
• BBQ sauce: Adds smoky sweet tang Your favorite store-bought or homemade is perfect
• Olive oil: Helps the chicken stay juicy and gives veggies a lovely roasted quality Choose extra virgin for best flavor
• Salt: Enhances every ingredient’s taste Use kosher or sea salt for a cleaner flavor
• Black pepper: Brightens the dish freshly ground gives the most punch
• Bell peppers: Bring sweetness color and crunch Pick a mix of red yellow or orange for a festive look
• Red onion: Lends mellow sweetness and beautiful color in the roast

• When shopping pick chicken breasts that are firm not slimy and check peppers for bright skins with no soft spots.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit Let it heat fully while you prep This ensures an even cook and crispy veggies

Season and Coat the Chicken:

Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels then rub both sides with salt and pepper Drizzle olive oil over and massage it in to coat all pieces

Glaze with BBQ Sauce:

Generously spoon barbecue sauce over each chicken breast Use the back of a spoon or a brush to spread it evenly Reserve a bit of sauce for basting later

Prepare Veggies:

Chop bell peppers into medium pieces Slice the red onion Spread these evenly around the chicken on your baking sheet This way everything roasts together soaking up flavors

Bake and Baste:

Place your sheet pan in the oven Roast for about half the time then open the oven and brush remaining bbq sauce on top of the chicken Finish baking until the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit at the thickest part and veggies turn golden at the edges

Serve:

Plate chicken and veggies hot Drizzle extra bbq sauce over the top for extra flavor Serve with your favorite sides or just as it is

Pin

This dish reminds me of birthdays spent grilling outdoors surrounded by laughter and sunshine The smoky flavor and juicy chicken bring back those lively memories every time I make it at home

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days To refresh the dish reheat gently in the oven or microwave with a splash of water to keep chicken moist

Ingredient Substitutions

Chicken thighs stay even juicier than breasts if you prefer Swap red onion for yellow or even shallots if you want a milder flavor Try zucchini or sweet potatoes to change up the veggies and use any barbecue sauce you love from smoky chipotle to sweet honey

Serving Suggestions

Pile everything onto fluffy rice or spoon over creamy mashed potatoes For fresh crunch serve with a green salad on the side My kids love dipping theirs in extra BBQ sauce or wrapping leftovers in tortillas for BBQ chicken wraps

Pin

Minute Backyard Barbecue

Roasting brings out the same caramelized edges and deep flavor as an outdoor grill making it perfect for those rainy days when grilling outside is not possible Sheet pan dinners like this have always rescued me when time is tight but we still want that comfort food

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you keep the chicken juicy in the oven?

Coating chicken breasts with olive oil and basting with barbecue sauce during baking helps retain moisture, preventing dryness.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and tend to be even juicier. Adjust bake time to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature.

→ What vegetables pair best with the chicken?

Bell peppers and red onion add sweetness and color, but you can also include zucchini, carrots, or broccoli for variety.

→ Is homemade barbecue sauce necessary?

Store-bought sauce is convenient and tasty, but homemade versions allow you to control flavor and ingredients to your liking.

→ How can I make cleanup even easier?

Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper or foil helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup much simpler.