4-5lbs.bone-in, skin-on split chicken breast(about 3 large breasts)
1tablespoonbrown sugar
1tablespoonchili powder
1tablespoonkosher salt
½teaspooncumin
½teaspoonsmoked paprika
½teaspoongarlic powder
½teaspoononion powder
½cupbbq sauce, plus extra for serving
Instructions
Let the chicken sit on the counter and come to room temperature for about 30 minutes while you preheat the oven and prepare the rest of the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet or a roasting pan with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup, if desired. Pat the chicken very dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, chili powder, kosher salt, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken. Place the chicken (skin-side up) on the prepared pan.
Bake the bone-in chicken breasts uncovered for a total of about 40-50 minutes, basting with the bbq sauce during the final 5-10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the oven when the skin is crispy, the juices run clear, and an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F when inserted into the thickest part of a breast.
Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve with additional bbq sauce, if desired.
Notes
Since the size and thickness of chicken breasts can vary greatly, I suggest using a meat thermometer to know when your chicken is done. The meat needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F.Scale this recipe to feed a crowd! For our family of 5, I typically bake 3-4 large bone-in chicken breasts (about 4 ½ - 6 lbs. total). If you'd like to feed a larger group, just double (or triple) the dry rub and bbq sauce so that you have enough to coat more chicken pieces.