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Sweet BBQ Chicken Bake

Category: Satisfying Main Courses for Every Occasion

Infused with a blend of ketchup, real maple syrup, Worcestershire, and crushed chili peppers, this savory chicken dish brings together smoky-sweet barbecue depth with aromatic garlic and onions. Chicken breasts are simmered gently in a richly spiced sauce then oven-baked for tender results, allowing flavors to meld beautifully. The glaze coats every bite for a succulent finish, balanced with a subtle kick from chili and BBQ spices. Serve as a hearty main course alongside your choice of sides for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal.

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Loura is a chef and she is standing in front of a table full of fruits and vegetables.
Updated on Thu, 22 May 2025 19:45:24 GMT
A bowl of chicken with rice. Save
A bowl of chicken with rice. | recipesfoodyummy.com

This Sweet BBQ Chicken recipe fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas and brings sticky glazed goodness to your dinner table. Through sticky maple syrup and tangy ketchup, this dish delivers that classic barbecue flavor with a gentle sweet and spicy kick—the kind of recipe I pull out for busy weekdays or lazy weekends when everyone is craving comfort food.

When I first made this recipe for a family cookout everyone went back for seconds and now it is a tradition at summer gatherings and birthday dinners.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts: Tender and easy to cook choose fresh plump pieces for best results
  • Ketchup: Essential for the BBQ base look for a brand with rich tomato flavor
  • Maple syrup: Gives sweetness and sticky glaze pure maple works best for deep taste
  • Crushed chili peppers: Brings subtle heat use more or less to adjust spiciness
  • Minced onions: Build the sauce foundation go for fresh onions for best aroma
  • Garlic: Layers in punchy flavor mince fresh for strongest taste
  • Oregano: Adds a herbal twist dried works fine but try fresh if you have it
  • Worcestershire sauce: Deepens savory notes quality brand brings out umami
  • BBQ spices: Lends smoky and bold barbecue flavor use your favorite blend
  • Oil: Helps bloom spices use neutral oil like canola or grapeseed
  • Tabasco or fresh chili: For extra heat adjust amount based on your preference
  • Salt and pepper: Essential to highlight all the other flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Aromatics:
Gently heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add chili peppers onions and garlic. Let everything sizzle for around two minutes stirring often to release fragrance and avoid burning
Start the Sauce:
Stir in ketchup maple syrup Worcestershire sauce and a splash of water. Leave out the oregano and BBQ spices for now. Mix well and bring to a gentle boil letting the flavors meld
Simmer Sauce:
Once the mixture is bubbling reduce the heat to low. Add oregano and BBQ spices stir again then let simmer covered for at least thirty minutes. This helps all the flavors combine and the sauce thicken
Prep Chicken:
While the sauce simmers preheat your oven to three fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Cut chicken breasts into thick strips. Lightly grease a glass baking dish to prevent sticking and arrange chicken in a single layer
Bake the Chicken:
Pour the warm BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken. Cover tightly and bake for thirty minutes. Chicken should be cooked through and very tender. Spoon sauce over the top before serving for maximum flavor
A bowl of chicken wings with barbecue sauce. Save
A bowl of chicken wings with barbecue sauce. | recipesfoodyummy.com

I love the maple syrup in this sauce because it gives a caramelized finish and a gentle sweetness that sets the dish apart. My children always ask for extra sauce at the table and it feels like home every time I make it.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors will actually deepen overnight. When reheating add a splash of water or extra ketchup to keep the chicken moist.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap out maple syrup with honey for a different sweetness. Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for extra juiciness. In place of BBQ spices try smoked paprika and a pinch of cumin for a more earthy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This BBQ chicken stands up to simple sides like roasted potatoes rice or a crisp green salad. For summer meals serve with corn on the cob or pile into soft sandwich rolls for BBQ chicken sliders.

Cultural Context

Barbecue sauce has roots in American Southern cooking but sweet and spicy versions like this one have become a global favorite. I am always amazed how a chilly night or a backyard meal feels special when BBQ flavors are on the menu.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I achieve tender chicken for this dish?

Baking the chicken after simmering in sauce ensures juicy, tender meat by letting it absorb flavors while cooking gently.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs offer a richer taste and stay moist, making them a great alternative for this preparation.

→ What can I substitute for maple syrup?

Honey or brown sugar can be used for a similar sweetness and caramelized flavor in the glaze.

→ Is this dish very spicy?

The use of crushed chili and Tabasco adds moderate heat, but you can adjust both to suit your preference.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container and gently reheat to maintain the dish's tenderness.

Sweet BBQ Chicken Bake

Juicy chicken simmered in sweet BBQ glaze with maple, garlic, and a touch of chili heat.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cooking Time
90 mins
Total Duration
105 mins
By: Loura

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Portions Yielded: 4 Serving Size (4 servings of chicken strips with sauce)

Dietary Preferences: Dairy-Free

What You'll Need

→ For the Sauce

01 125 ml ketchup
02 125 ml pure maple syrup
03 2 large pinches crushed chili pepper flakes
04 2 tablespoons minced onion
05 3 garlic cloves, minced
06 2 pinches dried oregano, to taste
07 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
08 1.5 tablespoons barbecue spice blend
09 6 tablespoons vegetable oil
10 Tabasco sauce or freshly chopped hot chili pepper, to taste
11 Salt, to taste
12 Ground black pepper, to taste

→ Main Protein

13 2 to 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts

→ Additional

14 60 ml water, or as needed

Steps To Follow

Step 01

Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add crushed chili flakes, minced onions, and garlic. Sauté for 1 to 3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 02

Stir in ketchup, maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco or fresh chili, and water (slightly less than 60 ml). Season with salt and pepper.

Step 03

Bring mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, add oregano and barbecue spices. Stir well, cover, and let simmer for 30 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 04

Preheat oven to 175°C.

Step 05

Slice chicken breasts into strips. If desired, lightly grease the base of a glass baking dish. Arrange chicken strips evenly in the dish.

Step 06

Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken. Cover the dish and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until chicken is thoroughly cooked.

Step 07

Remove baked chicken from the oven and serve hot.

Notes and Tips

  1. For extra heat, adjust the amount of chili flakes or Tabasco to your preference.
  2. Allowing the sauce to slowly simmer deepens flavor intensity.

Required Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Oven
  • Glass baking dish with cover
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Info

Double-check every ingredient for possible allergens and consult a health professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains Worcestershire sauce (fish, gluten, soy allergens); check specific brand ingredients if dietary restrictions apply.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 425
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Proteins: 34 g