It will save the day and everyone will swoon over this tender chicken especially if your day gets rained out.
You can't predict the weather so keep this recipe handy and always have a backup idea.
Don't let your party get ruined at the last minute and guess what? This chicken has directions for air frying at the last minute.
This homemade barbecue sauce makes this chicken extra special and it's so easy to make.
I also include some suggestions and links for side dishes to go along with this possible indoor picnic.
This chicken dish is perfect for entertaining big crowds, economical to make and sure is delicious.
Plus you can make some Patriotic Recipes Check out these Red White and Blue Recipes during a holiday and it's a great addition for making a festive table.
Scroll down to our easy printable recipe card for these easy instructions on baked or air-fried barbecued chicken.
Baked Grilled or Air Fried
What better way to serve your guests than with a great barbecued chicken at the party?
This is my go-to recipe that everyone raves about, it sure fools most folks!
This chicken is baked instead and can be air fried, grilled or pan-fried if you wish.
I took the easy way out to feed a crowd to have more time to enjoy the company!
Instead of standing over a hot grill or frying pan, I baked it all in one pan and it gave me time to spend with everyone instead of cooking while they were here.
Best Side Dishes
Ingredients for Seasoning the Chicken
- Chicken legs and thighs (bone-in around 8 pieces) or any parts of the chicken you prefer
- Dried parsley, oregano, basil
- granulated garlic
- olive oil ( I use light extra virgin olive oil)
- oil spray
- optional spices: smoked paprika or for heat add a pinch of cayenne over each piece
- Barbecue Sauce Recipe:
- ketchup
- dark brown sugar or honey
- granulated garlic powder
- Worcestershire sauce
- dash of cayenne pepper
- prepared yellow mustard
- a few twists of finely fresh cracked black pepper
Tools:
- oil spray
- deep roasting pan
- parchment paper
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- serving platter
- thongs
Baked Barbecued Chicken Pin for later
Cooking Methods and Outdoor Picnics
If your cookout gets rained out baked or air-fried barbecued chicken will be saving the day!
This chicken baked or air fried is delicious and easy to make plus it can be made to take to picnics and family outings so cook it ahead of time and it will be a huge hit.
If you're not a fan of barbecue sauce, try our 18 other styles of chicken wings sauces and dips!

Baked or Air Fried Barbecued Chicken
Yield: 8
Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 45 MinTotal time: 1 Hour
This is a basic recipe for homemade barbecue sauce baked chicken or any meat. The sauce is rich and thick and used for basting and perfect for cookouts!
Ingredients
- 8 Chicken legs and thighs (bone-in or boneless) or any parts of the chicken you prefer
- 1 teaspoon each Dried parsley, oregano, basil granulated garlic
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- parchment paper and large deep baking pan cooking oil spray
- Optional spices: smoked paprika or for heat add a pinch of cayenne over each piece
- see instructions below for Barbecue Sauce Recipe below
Instructions
- Place parchment paper in the baking pan to fit up the sides also. I use a 13 x 9 baking pan.
- Spray parchment lightly with cooking oil. Place chicken on the paper in the pan.
- Sprinkle generously with all herbs and spices. Then salt, pepper to taste.
- Drizzle olive oil on top of the pieces, rolling in the pan until evenly coated with oil and spices.
- Bake in a hot 400 degrees oven until the chicken is very crispy around 1 and 1/2 hours or more. In the meantime make the barbecue sauce recipe below.
- For the Sauce Recipe:
- Place all in a mason jar and shake.
- Pour over cooked chicken. Store sauce in the refrigerator. I use it up within 3 months if any is leftover.
- Pour barbecue sauce over the chicken while hot and serve.
- Barbecue Sauce Recipe: 1 1/2 cups ketchup
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- dash of cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup prepared yellow mustard a few twists of finely fresh cracked black pepper
- Other Cooking Methods:
- Air Fry: Oil spray the air fryer basket.
- Heat air fryer to 380 degrees.
- Place the chicken on the basket herbs, fry for 18 minutes.
- Brush with a little sauce, return and cook 5 more minutes or until the skin is to your liking and crispy.
- The internal temperature is 165 degrees in the thickest part. Place on a platter and baste with more sauce.
Baked Barbecued Chicken Pin for later
Would you like more Chicken recipes?
Curt's Lemon Reggiano
Curt's Catalina Chicken
Curt's Balsamic Grilled Herb Chicken
Easy Italian Baked Chicken
Mediterranean Chicken
Crockpot Pulled Buffalo Chicken
Chicken Parm
Grilled Beer Chicken
Grilling Roundup
Grilled Chili Chicken and Steak Kabobs
Grilled Balsamic Chicken
Grilled Chicken Whiskey Barbecue
What is the measurement for the mustard, it just says 1/4, but is it TBS, cup?
ReplyDeletethanks for catching that! its 1/4 cup thanks again!
DeleteThese look so tasty!!! I love that you baked them for a healthier option! Can't wait to try them!!
ReplyDeleteThat barbecue sauce sounds so good. I love the flavours you've used - perfect for this dish!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like it would be crowd pleaser. You can never go wrong with a great chicken dish to feed the family.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a delicious recipe! Everyone loves bbq chicken!
ReplyDeleteOutstanding! I love your homemade bbq sauce recipe. I just purchased a big package of chicken legs and had to freeze some. Now I know what I will do with them. Looking forward to this!
ReplyDeleteI have to admit I prefer barbecue chicken to be grilled, but this would be a great option for when the weather isn't good for grilling. thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI love making homemade bbq chicken. I need to try making this recipe for dinner soon.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to try this homemade BBQ sauce. I'm also going to have to try the higher, hotter cooking method for the chicken! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYour barbecue sauce sounds spot on! Can't wait to try this over the weekend.
ReplyDeleteThis chicken is making my mouth water! So perfect for a summer BBQ!
ReplyDeleteHomemade BBQ sauce is the best! Your chicken looks delicious. My family would really enjoy this.
ReplyDeleteGreat BBQ sauce recipe! All I need is the yellow mustard and I'm good to go!
ReplyDeleteloving the sauce component of this recipe, totally finger licking delicious!
ReplyDelete