Delicious Baked Chicken Recipe
A comforting and flavorful baked chicken recipe that’s juicy, easy to prepare, and packed with a perfect balance of herbs and spices. Ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers tender, tasty chicken every time with minimal effort and wholesome ingredients.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-35 minutes
- Total Time: 35-45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- Chicken pieces (thighs, breasts, or drumsticks), skin-on
Seasonings and Marinade
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
- Fresh herbs (optional): rosemary, thyme, or parsley
- Lemon juice
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature helps create crispy skin and seals in juices, giving the chicken a perfect baked texture.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel to help the seasoning stick and ensure a crispier finish. Place them in a large bowl for seasoning.
- Season Generously: Drizzle olive oil over the chicken, then sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until each piece is evenly coated with the flavorful mix.
- Arrange on a Baking Tray: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Space the chicken pieces evenly to allow hot air to circulate and promote even cooking.
- Bake and Monitor: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces. Flip halfway through to ensure even browning. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps redistribute juices so every bite is succulent and tender.
Notes
- Dry the chicken well: Moisture on the skin can prevent crispiness, so pat dry thoroughly.
- Use a wire rack: Elevate chicken on a rack over the baking sheet to promote air circulation and keep the skin crispy all around.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Leave space between pieces to allow heat to evenly penetrate and cook through.
- Check with a thermometer: Avoid guessing doneness by using a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Let it rest: Resting after baking prevents juices from escaping, keeping the meat juicy and flavorful.
- Customize seasoning: Feel free to adjust spices to suit your family’s preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: baked chicken, easy chicken recipe, crispy baked chicken, healthy chicken recipe, gluten free chicken