Let’s be honest—between juggling work, school pickups, laundry piles (why is there always so much laundry?), and trying to remember if the dog has already been walked, dinner can feel like one more mountain to climb. But what if you could whip up something mouthwatering with just two ingredients and minimal brain power? Say hello to your new weeknight hero: Two Ingredient Crispy Oven BBQ Chicken.
This recipe is everything we busy gals dream of—crispy, juicy, sticky-sweet goodness, all without the mess of grilling or the hassle of a long ingredient list. It’s ideal for when you need a meal that looks like you tried (spoiler: you didn’t have to).
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Why You’ll Love This Two Ingredient Crispy Oven BBQ Chicken
First of all, crispy oven BBQ chicken is basically a comfort food hug in edible form. It’s savory, saucy, and finger-lickin’ satisfying—without the deep fryer or fancy culinary moves. Just grab some bone-in, skin-on chicken (thighs or drumsticks are perfect), and your favorite BBQ sauce. That’s it. Seriously.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or just trying to get dinner on the table before your next Zoom meeting, this recipe delivers on flavor and simplicity. Bonus? It makes your kitchen smell like a cozy Southern BBQ shack.
Ingredients You ‘ll Need
- 8–10 chicken thighs and/or drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on)
- 2 cups of your favorite BBQ sauce (go spicy, smoky, sweet—your call!)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (or canola oil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Two Ingredient Crispy Oven BBQ Chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat that oven
Set your oven to 400°F. While it’s heating up, give your chicken pieces a little love by coating them with olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper. - Start the crisping process
Place the chicken skin-side down on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes. This gives the skin a head start on getting that deliciously crispy finish. - Turn up the heat
Crank your oven up to 425°F. Now, don’t forget to close the oven door quickly every time you take the chicken out—we need all that heat to stay trapped inside for crispy success. - Time to baste
Using a basting brush, slather BBQ sauce on the chicken. Flip each piece carefully (we’re protecting that precious skin here), then baste the other side. - Bake in three rounds of saucy love
Return chicken to the oven for 7 minutes.
Remove and baste the top side again. Back in the oven—7 more minutes.
One more time: baste the top again, then bake a final 7 minutes.
Total bake time = 46 minutes. - Check your chicken
Use a meat thermometer to double-check doneness. You’re looking for at least 165°F, but for fall-off-the-bone dark meat, aim for 180–190°F. - Optional: Broil for the crispy edge
Want that extra char? Move your oven rack up and broil the chicken for 3–5 minutes. Keep a close eye on it—burnt BBQ sauce is not the vibe.
Chef’s Tip from My Kitchen to Yours
Don’t stress if your sauce looks a little gloppy or your skin isn’t 5-star restaurant perfect. This is rustic, real-life, let’s-feed-the-family-and-get-on-with-it kind of cooking. Also, keep a wet wipe handy—this one gets delightfully messy (in the best way).
Pro Tip: Make clean-up a breeze by lining your baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Your future self will thank you.
A Little Chicken Magic Backstory
This two-ingredient wonder became a regular on our dinner table after a particularly hectic Tuesday when I had zero time and even less energy. I threw it together in desperation—and my husband thought I’d spent hours marinating and slow-cooking. (Bless him, I let him believe it.) Now, it’s in our weekly rotation and my kids ask for the “sticky chicken” by name.
FAQs About Crispy Oven BBQ Chicken
Can I use boneless chicken?
Sure, but it won’t get quite as crispy or juicy. Bone-in, skin-on is where the magic happens.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Totally up to your taste! I love a smoky chipotle BBQ for a little kick, but sweet honey BBQ works great too.
How do I store leftovers?
Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep that crispy texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake and store without the final broil. Reheat and broil just before serving to crisp it up.
Let’s Wrap This Up—And Dig In
Whether you’re a weeknight warrior or hosting a casual backyard dinner, Two Ingredient Crispy Oven BBQ Chicken is your secret weapon. It’s easy, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor that makes everyone feel like they’re getting something special.
So next time you’re staring into the fridge wondering what in the world to cook, remember: two ingredients. One sheet pan. Zero stress. And a whole lot of yum.
Let’s keep the chicken magic going,
Keep the Chicken Magic Going – More Crispy, Saucy, and Flavor-Packed Recipes to Try!
If you enjoyed the flavor-packed ease of Two Ingredient Crispy Oven BBQ Chicken, here are a few more mouthwatering recipes from the Chicken Magic kitchen that pair perfectly with your love for crispy, saucy, and downright delicious chicken dinners:
- Crispy Bang Bang Chicken – Crave that signature crunch with a spicy-sweet kick? This one’s a total crowd-pleaser and perfect for dipping, snacking, or serving with rice.
- Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter – If you’re ready to fire up the grill, this zesty and buttery beauty will absolutely steal the show at your next cookout.
- Hot Honey Chicken Bowl – Sweet, spicy, and loaded with comforting layers, this bowl is a cozy, flavor-forward option for meal preppers and busy weeknights.
- Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets – Add a tropical twist to your BBQ night with this juicy, tangy foil-packet favorite that’s perfect for easy cleanup and big flavor.
Each of these dishes brings its own magic to the table—so dig in and keep the chicken adventure going!
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Two Ingredient Crispy Oven BBQ Chicken
- Total Time: 56 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Two Ingredient Crispy Oven BBQ Chicken is a game-changer for busy weeknights. With just BBQ sauce and chicken, it delivers sticky, crispy, and juicy perfection straight from your oven—minimal prep, maximum flavor
Ingredients
8–10 chicken thighs and/or drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or canola oil
2 cups of your favorite BBQ sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Coat chicken on all sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Place chicken skin-side down on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes.
Increase oven temperature to 425°F.
Baste chicken with BBQ sauce on the top, flip carefully, baste other side, and bake for 7 minutes.
Repeat basting and baking two more times (7 minutes each), for a total of 21 minutes additional baking.
Check internal temperature—it should be at least 165°F (ideal: 180–190°F for dark meat).
For crispier skin, broil for 3–5 minutes until nicely browned.
Notes
Always use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
For easy cleanup, line the baking sheet with foil.
Sweet, smoky, or spicy BBQ sauces all work—use your favorite!
Leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 46 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven-baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 410 Kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg