Oven Barbecue Chicken

One of the things I hate about being in an apartment is that I cannot have an outdoor grill. Even in Ephraim I would grill pretty much year round a couple of times a week. Because of that I have had had to find ways to duplicate that inside. Here is my oven version of Barbecue Chicken. It doesn't quite compare to the smoke flavor of a grill but then I can't have everything.

Oven Barbecue Chicken
4 pounds chicken pieces (I have used bone in and boneless , skinless and skin on, all with good results. Use what you want to use)
Heat a small amount of oil in a pan and fry chicken until lightly browned. Drain when it is just barely golden. Drain on a paper towel and place in a 9x13 pan that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. While you are browning the chicken, prepare the Barbecue Sauce. Here is my recipe but I have used commercial bottled with good results.

Barbecue Sauce
1/3 cup grated onion
3 Tablespoons butter
1 cup ketchup
1/3 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar (in truth I usually use just 2 Tablespoons)
1/2 cup water
2 teaspoon prepared mustard (I used Dijon or a spicy mustard)
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 -1/2 teaspoon Cajun Seasoning
1/4 salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
A couple of dashes of liquid smoke
Simmer the barbecue sauce for 10-15 minutes. If it gets too thick, thin with a bit more water. You want it kind of soupy because it will evaporate in the oven. Pour over the prepared chicken. Bake at 350 for 1 hour. Turn the chicken pieces about 1/2 way through the baking process. Baste the chicken after you have turned them with the barbecue sauce in the pan bottom, making sure each piece is covered with sauce again. Bake until chicken is cooked through.

Note: I love this with rice because I love the barbecue sauce on the rice but it is also good with baked potatoes you have cooked along the side. I like my barbecue sauce spicy. If you don't want it as spicy then eliminated the chili powder and Cajun Seasoning.