Baked chicken Recipe: How to Make Juicy, Tender Chicken

Introduction

Is there anything more universally comforting than the aroma of chicken roasting in the oven? That moment you cut into a piece of chicken that is perfectly juicy, incredibly tender, and seasoned to perfection is a simple pleasure that never gets old. This baked chicken recipe is your ultimate guide to achieving that dreamy result every single time, turning a humble ingredient into a spectacular meal. For centuries, roasting has been a preferred method for cooking chicken, but a simple scientific fact makes all the difference: cooking chicken to the right internal temperature (165°F) and allowing it to rest is the true secret to preserving its natural juices. What makes this recipe so special is its brilliant simplicity and reliability. It’s a foundational technique that empowers you to create a hundred different meals from one master method. Unlike our more specific Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs, this baked chicken recipe focuses on a foolproof, no-fuss approach for bone-in, skin-on pieces, guaranteeing succulent meat and crispy skin with just about 10 minutes of active prep and 40 minutes of baking. Get ready to banish dry chicken forever and become the hero of your weeknight dinners!

What is a Baked Chicken Recipe?

So, what’s the big deal about a “baked chicken recipe“? Is it just throwing chicken in an oven and hoping for the best? Oh, my friend, it’s so much more than that! Think of this recipe as your ultimate blueprint, your secret weapon for creating perfectly cooked, flavorful chicken that is consistently moist and delicious. But why call it “baked”? Well, the name is wonderfully straightforward, distinguishing it from other methods like frying, grilling, or boiling. It’s the simple, hands-off technique that uses dry, circulating heat to work its magic. There’s a classic saying that ‘the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach,’ and a plate of this juicy, golden-brown baked chicken is a direct route to success. It’s the dependable, go-to dish that never fails to please a crowd. Ready to win some hearts and fill some bellies?

Why You’ll Love This Baked Chicken Recipe

You’re going to be head over heels for this recipe, and here’s why. First, the absolute highlight is the foolproof path to juiciness. We’re talking about a method that relies on a hot oven and a simple seasoning technique to render the fat, crisp the skin, and lock in the chicken’s natural moisture. The result is a tender, flavorful piece of chicken that is a world away from the dry, stringy disappointment we’ve all experienced.

Second, let’s talk about the incredible cost-saving benefit. Making a delicious baked chicken dinner at home is significantly cheaper than ordering takeout or buying pre-cooked rotisserie chickens. A single batch using affordable chicken pieces yields a complete, satisfying meal, making it an incredibly economical choice for feeding a family or for weekly meal prep.

Finally, the endless versatility is what makes it truly special. This recipe is a perfect, blank canvas. While the base of olive oil, salt, and pepper is sublime on its own, you can easily transport your taste buds by adding different dried herbs, spices, or a simple glaze in the final minutes of cooking. If you enjoy the hands-off, reliable technique of our Perfect Roasted Pork Tenderloin, you’ll adore how this baked chicken recipe delivers a similarly flawless, crowd-pleasing result with an even shorter cook time. So, grab your sheet pan and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite Baked Chicken Recipe!

How to Make Baked Chicken Recipe

Quick Overview

This baked chicken recipe is the epitome of easy, delicious, and satisfying. The process is wonderfully simple: season the chicken, place it in a hot oven, and let the heat do all the work. The key is using high heat to create a crispy, golden-brown exterior while gently cooking the interior to juicy perfection. From start to finish, you can have this chicken on the table in about 10 minutes of active prep and 35-45 minutes of baking.

Key Ingredients for Baked Chicken Recipe

• 4 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (a mix of thighs, drumsticks, and breasts)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt (or 1 ½ teaspoons table salt)
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
• Optional fresh herbs: 4-5 sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high initial heat is crucial for rendering the fat under the skin and creating a crispy, golden-brown exterior. While the oven heats, pat the chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels. This is the most important step for achieving crispy skin, as moisture is its enemy.
2. Season Generously: Place the dried chicken pieces in a large bowl. Drizzle with the olive oil, making sure each piece is lightly coated. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken, rubbing it in gently to ensure it adheres. Don’t be shy—proper seasoning is key to a flavorful crust.
3. Arrange on Pan: Place the seasoned chicken pieces on a rimmed baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching. You can line the pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easier cleanup. For extra flavor, scatter a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary around the chicken.
4. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven on the center rack. Bake for 35-45 minutes. The cooking time will vary depending on the size and type of chicken pieces. Drumsticks and thighs will be done closer to 35-40 minutes, while larger breasts may need the full 45 minutes.
5. Check for Doneness: The chicken is safely cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the meat, without touching the bone. The skin should be deep golden brown and crispy, and the juices should run clear.
6. Rest is Best: Once out of the oven, transfer the chicken to a clean plate or cutting board. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the muscle fibers to relax and reabsorb the juices, ensuring every single bite is moist and tender. Skipping this step will cause the juices to run out onto the plate, leaving the chicken drier.

What to Serve With Baked Chicken Recipe

This versatile main dish pairs beautifully with almost any side you can imagine. For a classic comfort meal, serve it with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans or roasted broccoli. The chicken’s savory juices are perfect for spooning over the potatoes. For a healthier option, a quinoa salad or a fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a lovely contrast. For a truly effortless dinner, toss some baby potatoes and carrot chunks onto the same baking sheet with the chicken during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a complete, one-pan meal. The rendered chicken fat will roast the vegetables to perfection.

Top Tips for Perfecting Baked Chicken

• Dry the Skin Thoroughly: This cannot be overstated. Patting the chicken skin completely dry with paper towels before adding oil and seasoning is the single most important step for achieving crispy, not steamed, skin.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Guessing leads to dry chicken. An instant-read thermometer is a small investment that guarantees perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every time. Pull the chicken out at 165°F.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: Arrange the chicken pieces with some space between them. If the pan is too crowded, the chicken will steam instead of roast, resulting in soft, rubbery skin.
• Brining for Extra Insurance: For the juiciest chicken imaginable, consider a quick brine. Soak the chicken in a mixture of ¼ cup salt and 4 cups cold water for 30 minutes to 2 hours before patting dry and seasoning. This helps the meat retain moisture during cooking.
• Boost Flavor Under the Skin: For an extra layer of flavor, gently loosen the skin from the meat with your fingers and rub a little of the seasoning mixture directly onto the meat itself before baking.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Storing Leftovers: Allow any leftover chicken to cool to room temperature within two hours of cooking. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: Baked chicken freezes well. Place cooled pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. Properly stored, it will maintain quality for 2-3 months.

Reheating for Best Results:

• Oven Method (Recommended): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm for 10-15 minutes (longer if frozen) until heated through. This method best preserves the texture of the skin.
• Air Fryer Method: Reheating in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes is an excellent way to recrisp the skin quickly.
• Avoid the Microwave: The microwave will make the skin soft and rubbery and can easily overcook the meat, making it tough. It’s best used only as an absolute last resort.