Baked Chicken is a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a perfect blend of seasonings. The chicken is seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, then baked to golden perfection. It can be served alongside your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Why Baked Chicken?
Baked chicken offers the perfect balance of convenience and flavor. With minimal preparation and hands-off cooking time, this dish allows you to focus on other aspects of your meal while the chicken bakes to perfection in the oven. It’s a great source of protein and can be tailored to suit various flavor profiles, making it suitable for nearly any palate. Whether you prefer your chicken seasoned simply with salt and pepper or with bold, aromatic spices, baked chicken is highly customizable.
In this recipe, we’ll go over the basics of preparing baked chicken, share tips and tricks to ensure it turns out moist and flavorful every time, and explore some fun variations you can try. Whether you opt for chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks, you’ll have a foolproof method for getting tender, perfectly cooked meat.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Baked Chicken
- Use a Meat Thermometer: A thermometer ensures your chicken is cooked perfectly, eliminating the guesswork and ensuring the meat is safe to eat without being overcooked.
- Pat the Chicken Dry: This helps the skin crisp up and gives you that desirable golden, crunchy exterior.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Give each piece enough space on the baking sheet to ensure even heat distribution.
- Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a moist, tender texture.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different seasonings, marinades, and herbs. A little lemon zest or fresh rosemary can elevate the flavor profile.
Baked Chicken Variations
While this basic baked chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser, there are plenty of variations you can try based on your preferences or dietary needs:
- Lemon Herb Baked Chicken: Add fresh lemon juice and zest along with chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley to create a fresh, citrusy flavor.
- Honey Garlic Baked Chicken: Create a sweet and savory marinade using honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. The honey caramelizes during baking, giving the chicken a rich, glossy finish.
- Spicy Baked Chicken: For a kick of heat, add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. You can also make a spicy glaze with hot sauce and brown sugar.
- Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Coat the chicken with breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese for a crunchy, cheesy crust.
- BBQ Baked Chicken: Brush the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes of baking for a smoky, tangy finish.
How to Serve Baked Chicken
Baked chicken is incredibly versatile and can be paired with various sides. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts are a perfect complement to the savory flavors of baked chicken.
- Rice or Quinoa: A simple rice pilaf or quinoa adds a healthy, filling side to your meal.
- Salads: A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette or a Mediterranean-style salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives can balance the richness of the chicken.
How to Store Baked Chicken
Baked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To store, simply place the chicken in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap or foil. To reheat, place it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze baked chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs will cook faster than bone-in cuts. Adjust the baking time to about 25-30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat.
Should I cover the chicken while baking?
No, covering the chicken can prevent it from crisping up. For the best results, leave it uncovered. If you notice the chicken browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Dried herbs work just as well! If you’re using dried herbs, remember that they’re more concentrated, so reduce the amount by half compared to the fresh herb measurements.
How do I prevent dry chicken?
The key to preventing dry chicken is not to overcook it. Keeping an eye on the internal temperature and allowing the chicken to rest after baking will help retain its juiciness.
Baked Chicken
Baked Chicken is a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a perfect blend of seasonings. The chicken is seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, then baked to golden perfection. It can be served alongside your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (evenly pounded)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- If your chicken isn’t pre-brined, dissolve 1/4 cup kosher salt in 2 cups lukewarm water. Add 2 cups cold water to cool it down, then soak the chicken for 15 minutes (up to 6 hours in the fridge). Rinse and pat dry.
- Set your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Place the chicken in a baking dish. Brush with melted butter or olive oil. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Sprinkle over the chicken on both sides.
- Cook for 15-18 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F at the thickest part. For an extra crispy top, turn the broiler on high for the last 3-5 minutes, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
- Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after baking.
- Enjoy your perfectly baked chicken, hot and juicy
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 256Total Fat 11gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 110mgSodium 427mgCarbohydrates 1gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 37g
Dinnerfocus.com, 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.
Conclusion
Baked chicken is a simple, delicious, and adaptable recipe that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful dish to impress guests, this recipe is sure to deliver. With the tips and variations provided, you can experiment and make baked chicken that suits your taste preferences perfectly. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready for a meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
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