What Temperature to Cook BBQ Chicken in Oven (Easy Guide)

BBQ chicken is one of those meals that feels like summer, even if you’re cooking it indoors.

But if you’re using the oven instead of the grill, one of the biggest questions is: what temperature should you cook BBQ chicken in the oven?

Getting this right is the difference between juicy, tender chicken and something that’s dry or undercooked.

This guide will break it down simply so you can make perfect BBQ chicken every time.

Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel :)

The Best Oven Temperature for BBQ Chicken

The ideal oven temperature for BBQ chicken is 375°F (190°C).

At this temperature, the chicken cooks evenly while staying juicy.

The skin (or outer layer, if you’re using boneless pieces) gets just the right amount of caramelization when you add BBQ sauce.

• Bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks: 35–45 minutes at 375°F

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 20–30 minutes at 375°F

• Whole chicken legs: 40–50 minutes at 375°F

Always check doneness with a meat thermometer.

Chicken is safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Adding the BBQ Flavor in the Oven

Cooking in the oven doesn’t mean you miss out on that smoky BBQ taste.

Here’s how you can get close:

• Bake uncovered so the sauce can thicken and caramelize.

• Add BBQ sauce near the end of cooking. Brushing it on in the last 10–15 minutes prevents the sugars from burning.

• Use a wire rack on a baking sheet to let heat circulate around the chicken, similar to grill air flow.

For extra flavor, marinate your chicken for at least an hour before baking.

A mix of BBQ sauce, garlic, onion powder, and smoked paprika works great.

Common Oven Temperatures and When to Use Them

• 350°F (175°C): Best if you’re cooking larger cuts, like bone-in chicken quarters, and want them extra tender. It takes a little longer.

• 375°F (190°C): The sweet spot — juicy, golden, and cooked through without drying out.

• 400°F (200°C): Great for smaller cuts when you want crispier edges and faster cooking.

By the way, if you’ve cooked extra chicken and want to enjoy it later, reheating properly is just as important as cooking it.

Here’s a helpful guide on how long to reheat cooked chicken in the oven so it stays juicy instead of drying out.

Pro Tip for Perfect BBQ Chicken

The key to not overcooking is using a meat temperature guide.

Many home cooks guess, which often leads to dry chicken.

A simple grill and oven temperature magnet can take the guesswork out of cooking.

For example, the Easy Function Meat Temperature Magnet gives you instant reference for safe cooking temps.

Stick it on your fridge and you’ll always know exactly when your chicken (or steak, pork, or fish) is done.

Buy Easy Function Meat Temp Guide - Amazon Canada

Buy Easy Function Meat Temp Guide - Amazon USA

Serving Your Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken

Once your chicken reaches 165°F and the sauce is bubbling, take it out and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

This helps keep the juices inside.

Pair it with sides like baked beans, coleslaw, grilled corn, or a fresh salad for a complete BBQ-style meal — even without the grill.

Final Thoughts

So, what temperature to cook BBQ chicken in oven?

Stick with 375°F (190°C) for the best results, and always double-check with a meat thermometer to hit 165°F safely.

Indoor BBQ chicken can be just as delicious as grilled, and with the right techniques, you’ll never miss the smoke.

👉 Want to make cooking even easier? Click the image below to explore Easy Function’s full range of BBQ tools and guides.