Holiday Oven Barbecued Chicken
Juicy oven-roasted chicken glazed with a sweet and tangy cranberry barbecue sauce, perfect for festive gatherings or family dinners with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a medium saucepan, combine tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, cranberry sauce, vinegar, and chili powder.
- Heat to boiling; reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Place the cut-up chicken in a baking dish.
- Brush the chicken generously with the sauce.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, basting with sauce occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the sauce. If you're short on cranberry sauce, you can substitute with apple sauce or even a fruit chutney for a different twist. Make sure to baste the chicken every 10 minutes for maximum flavor absorption. For a quicker version, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and just heat it through with the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This holiday oven barbecued chicken pairs beautifully with Cheddar Hash Browns or a fresh Greenbrier Grilled Chicken Salad for a complete meal. Serve it alongside steamed vegetables or a light coleslaw to balance the sweetness of the barbecue sauce. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover oven barbecued chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes to maintain its moisture and crispiness. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel for about 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Oven Barbecued Chicken contains roughly 228 calories, with 5g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (19% of the Daily Value), iron (18% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 524mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey or even pork. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the meat. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for chicken or turkey, and 145°F for pork for safe consumption.
Is there a way to make this recipe less sweet?
Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of brown sugar and cranberry sauce to your taste. Adding a bit more vinegar can help balance the sweetness with acidity, or try incorporating some hot sauce for a spicy kick.
What sides go well with this dish?
This dish pairs well with classic American recipes like mashed potatoes or baked beans. A fresh garden salad or roasted seasonal vegetables can also complement the sweetness of the barbecue sauce perfectly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).