Kansas City Oven-Roasted Chicken (Easy Method)
This is a simple way to get that BBQ competition flavor without a smoker and without complicated steps.
Ingredients
1 whole chicken or your favorite chicken pieces (thighs, legs, breasts)
Melted butter (enough to coat the chicken)
Plowboys BBQ Yardbird Rub (use it generously)
Featured product:
👉 Plowboys BBQ Yardbird Rub (5 lbs)
https://anglersprotackle.com/products/plowboys-bbq-yardbird-rub-5-lbs
Step-by-Step Instructions
1) Preheat your oven
Set your oven to 400°F.
This higher heat helps create that crispy, bite-through skin while keeping the inside juicy.
2) Dry the chicken (don’t skip this)
Rinse the chicken, then pat it completely dry using paper towels.
This is one of the most important steps for crispy skin. Moisture is the enemy of browning—dry chicken equals better texture and better flavor.
3) Butter it up
Brush melted butter over all sides of the chicken.
Butter does two things here:
Helps the rub stick evenly
Creates a rich, roasted flavor that tastes like “BBQ chicken” even without smoke
4) Season like you mean it
Liberally sprinkle Plowboys Yardbird Rub over the buttered chicken.
You’re not dusting it—you’re building a flavor crust. Get the top, sides, and anywhere you want maximum taste.
5) Roast until done
Roast for about 40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Pro tip: Check the thickest part of the meat. If you’re cooking pieces, they may finish faster than a whole bird.
What You’ll Taste (and Why People Love This Recipe)
When you pull this chicken out of the oven, the first thing you’ll notice is the aroma—warm butter, roasted seasoning, and that unmistakable BBQ-style savory sweetness. The skin has that light crunch when you cut into it, and the meat underneath stays tender and juicy.
It’s the kind of chicken that doesn’t need sauce… but tastes amazing if you add it.
This recipe is perfect for:
Weeknight dinners that don’t feel “boring”
Meal prep that actually tastes good reheated
Family gatherings and game days
Outdoor weekends when you want big flavor without a ton of work
Serving Ideas (Fast Wins)
If you want to round out the meal, this chicken pairs perfectly with:
Roasted potatoes or fries
Corn on the cob
Mac & cheese
Baked beans
A simple salad for balance
And if you’re feeding a crowd? Make extra. This disappears fast.
Final Tip: Make It Your Signature Chicken
If you want a go-to chicken recipe you can repeat all year long, keep it simple:
Dry the chicken. Butter the skin. Season heavy with Yardbird. Roast hot.
That’s how you get “competition-style” results without complicated BBQ setups.
Get the Rub We Use in This Recipe
If you want to make this chicken exactly the way we do it, grab Plowboys BBQ Yardbird Rub here:
https://anglersprotackle.com/products/plowboys-bbq-yardbird-rub-5-lbs