Baked Chicken : Juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned, baked chicken is a classic dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether seasoned with a simple mix of herbs and spices or marinated for extra flavor, this recipe delivers a golden, crispy exterior and succulent meat inside.
Why Baked Chicken Deserves a Place in Your Kitchen
Baked chicken is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, meal prep, and even impressing guests. It’s a classic that never goes out of style. Baking chicken is also healthier compared to frying, preserving the natural flavors while reducing unnecessary fats. Plus, it’s easy to pair with a myriad of sides, making it a versatile option that suits many palates.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Baked Chicken
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on seasonings! Chicken is a blank canvas that can handle bold flavors.
- Brine for Juiciness: If you’re working with lean cuts like chicken breasts, a simple brine (water and salt solution) can work wonders in keeping them moist.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid overcooking, a meat thermometer is your best friend. It’s the only way to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked.
- Skin-On for Extra Flavor: Even if you plan to remove the skin later, baking with the skin on adds richness and keeps the meat tender.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Herb-Crusted Baked Chicken: Coat the chicken in a mix of fresh chopped herbs like parsley, basil, and thyme for a burst of garden-fresh flavor.
- Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken: Sprinkle grated Parmesan and minced garlic over the chicken before baking for a savory, cheesy crust.
- Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken: Mix honey and Dijon mustard, then brush it over the chicken in the last 10 minutes of baking for a sweet and tangy glaze.
- Spicy Cajun Baked Chicken: Use a Cajun spice blend for a fiery kick that’s perfect with a side of cooling coleslaw.
How to Serve Baked Chicken
Baked chicken pairs beautifully with a wide range of sides:
- Classic Pairings: Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
- Healthy Options: Quinoa, cauliflower rice, or a mixed grain salad.
- Sauce It Up: Serve with a creamy garlic sauce, tangy BBQ, or a bright chimichurri.
How to Store and Reheat Baked Chicken
Storage:
- Place leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. Ensure you wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating:
- Oven: Warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Use the microwave for a quicker option, but cover the chicken with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but you’ll need to thaw it completely before baking for even cooking. Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C) when measured at the thickest part. If you don’t have a thermometer, the juices should run clear when you cut into the meat.
Can I bake chicken without oil?
Yes, but using a bit of oil helps the seasonings adhere and promotes browning. If you’re avoiding oil, try using a flavorful broth instead.
Why is my chicken dry?
Overcooking is the most common culprit. Invest in a meat thermometer and check the chicken a few minutes before you think it might be done.
Baked Chicken
Baked Chicken : Juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned, baked chicken is a classic dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether seasoned with a simple mix of herbs and spices or marinated for extra flavor, this recipe delivers a golden, crispy exterior and succulent meat inside.
Ingredients
- 1 (3 to 4-pound) chicken, cut into 8 pieces (2 breasts, 2 thighs, 2 legs, 2 wings), back removed
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken stock or white wine (optional, for gravy)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt
Instructions
- Start by trimming off excess fat from your chicken pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel (this step is key for crispy skin!).
- Generously sprinkle salt over all sides and let the pieces sit for 15-20 minutes to bring them to room temperature.
- Heat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Pat the chicken pieces dry again and rub them with olive oil, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
- Sprinkle on some black pepper and a bit more salt. Arrange the pieces in a roasting pan, skin-side up, placing the larger breasts in the center. Give them some space to allow heat to circulate properly.
- Pop the pan into the oven and bake (uncovered) at 400°F for 30 minutes to get that initial browning. Afterward, reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 10-30 minutes.
- The chicken is done when the juices run clear, and a thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) for breasts and 170°F (77°C) for thighs.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest, tented with aluminum foil, for 5-10 minutes. This step ensures the juices stay locked in.
- To make a simple gravy, set the roasting pan on the stovetop over medium heat. Scrape up the flavorful drippings and add white wine or chicken stock.
- Let the mixture reduce until it thickens. For an extra-thick gravy, whisk in a cornstarch or flour slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup water).
- Pair your perfectly baked chicken with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or even Spanish rice for a complete meal. Enjoy the juicy, savory goodness!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 64Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 150mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 1g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Baked chicken is a dish that never fails to impress, whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef. With the right techniques, you can transform simple chicken pieces into a mouthwatering meal your family will request time and time again. Give this recipe a try, experiment with the variations, and make it your own!
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