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Bake Chicken In Oven Recipe
Baking chicken in the oven is an easy, versatile way to prepare a delicious meal with minimal fuss. The beauty of baked chicken lies in its simplicity and the endless variety of flavors you can infuse into the meat. Here’s a foolproof recipe for a classic oven-baked chicken that’s juicy on the inside and wonderfully golden on the outside.
Ingredients:
- Chicken Pieces: 4-6 pieces (breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or a mix), skin-on, bone-in recommended for more flavor
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for brushing
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, freshly ground
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon, for color and a mild smoky flavor
- Dried Herbs: 1 teaspoon (thyme, oregano, rosemary, or a mix), optional
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is a good middle ground for cooking the chicken thoroughly without drying it out.
Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the skin get crispier during baking.
- Brush the chicken on all sides with olive oil. This helps the seasonings stick and promotes an even golden color.
- Season generously. Combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried herbs (if using) in a small bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken pieces, rubbing it in to cover all sides.
- Arrange the chicken in a single layer in a large baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet. Make sure the pieces are not touching to allow heat to circulate around each piece for even cooking.
Bake the Chicken
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and the juices run clear. For an accurate test of doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken without touching the bone. Chicken is safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Broil for extra crispiness (optional). For a crispier skin, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Rest and Serve
- Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more moist and flavorful when sliced.
- Serve your beautifully baked chicken with your choice of sides. This dish pairs well with almost anything, from roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes to a simple green salad or grains like quinoa or rice.
Tips for Perfect Oven-Baked Chicken:
- Skin-on, Bone-in Chicken: Using chicken pieces with the skin on and bone in helps keep the meat moist and adds flavor. If you prefer boneless, skinless breasts or thighs, reduce the cooking time as they cook faster and can dry out more easily.
- Room Temperature: If time allows, let your chicken sit out for about 15-20 minutes before baking. Cooking meat straight from the fridge can result in uneven cooking.
- Marinating (Optional): For even more flavor, marinate the chicken pieces for a few hours or overnight in the fridge in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and your choice of herbs and spices.
- Even Cooking: If you’re using different types of chicken pieces, be aware they may cook at different rates. Chicken breasts usually take longer than thighs or drumsticks.
Baked chicken is a canvas waiting for your culinary creativity, whether you stick to the basics or experiment with various herbs, spices, and marinades. Enjoy the process and your delicious, home-cooked meal!