baked chicken

This baked chicken recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a quick, tasty, and healthy meal. With just a few ingredients like garlic, fresh herbs, and seasoning, you can create juicy chicken thighs or chicken breasts with crispy skin and tender meat. It’s an easy, flavor-packed dish that’s great for family dinners or meal prep.

Why We Love This Baked Chicken Recipe

This baked chicken recipe is the ultimate go-to for a hassle-free, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping for the week ahead, this dish checks all the boxes: healthy, easy to make, and delicious. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients. Just a few pantry staples like garlic, olive oil, and your favorite herbs (like rosemary or thyme) will transform the chicken into a mouthwatering dish.
• Crispy Skin, Tender Meat: Achieving crispy skin and juicy meat is easier than you think! The key is to bake the chicken at the right temperature and for the right amount of time, ensuring it’s cooked through while staying tender and flavorful. No more dry chicken!
• Versatility: This recipe works for chicken thighs and chicken breasts, so you can easily switch between cuts depending on your preference. Plus, it pairs perfectly with a wide range of sides, from roasted vegetables to a light salad.
• Great for Meal Prep: Whether you’re planning a busy week or hosting a family dinner, this oven-baked chicken is a great choice. It stores well in the fridge and can be reheated without losing flavor, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prepping.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this baked chicken recipe:

Chicken Thighs or Breasts – Bone-in, skin-on thighs are best for juicy chicken, but breasts work too.

Olive Oil – Helps crisp the skin and keep the chicken moist.

Garlic – Fresh minced garlic adds great flavor.

Paprika – Adds smokiness and color to the chicken.

Salt – Enhances the chicken’s natural flavor.

Black Pepper – Balances the taste with a mild heat.

Rosemary – Adds an earthy, fragrant touch.

Thyme – Complements rosemary with a subtle earthiness.

Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this baked chicken recipe! Follow these simple steps to create a juicy, flavor-packed dish that’s sure to impress.

Preheat the oven – Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Prepare the chicken – Pat the chicken dry and rub with olive oil.

Season the chicken – Sprinkle paprika, salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme on both sides.

Arrange on a baking sheet – Place the chicken on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between pieces.

Bake the chicken – Bake for 35-40 minutes until the internal temperature is 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy.

Rest before serving – Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy.

Pro Tips

Here are some pro tips to elevate your baked chicken and make sure it turns out perfectly every time. These little tweaks will help you achieve that restaurant-quality result right at home.

Dry the chicken skin: The key to getting that golden, crispy skin is to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning. Moisture can prevent the skin from crisping up, so drying it ensures it gets beautifully crunchy while baking.

Use a wire rack: For even crispier skin, place the chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the chicken, helping it cook evenly and get that extra crispiness all over.

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Space the chicken pieces apart on the baking sheet to give them room to cook properly. If the pieces are too close, they’ll steam instead of bake, which means no crispy skin.

Add a finishing touch: For a burst of freshness, sprinkle some fresh parsley over the chicken just before serving. It adds color, flavor, and a nice contrast to the crispy skin.

Rest the chicken: After removing the chicken from the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy.

Check the internal temperature: To ensure your chicken is fully cooked, always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for both chicken breasts and chicken thighs.

Variations

One of the best things about this baked chicken recipe is how easily it can be customized to suit your tastes or whatever you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to keep things fresh and exciting:

Spicy Baked Chicken: Want to turn up the heat? Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick. You can also drizzle some hot sauce on top before baking for extra flavor.

Lemon Herb Chicken: For a light, refreshing twist, add the zest and juice of a lemon to the seasoning mix. The citrus pairs beautifully with rosemary and thyme, giving the chicken a bright, fresh flavor.

Honey Mustard Chicken: If you’re craving something a little sweet, try mixing honey and mustard together and brushing it on the chicken before baking. This will give you a sticky, caramelized coating that’s sure to please.

Serving Suggestions

Now that your baked chicken is ready, it’s time to think about how to serve it! This dish is versatile and pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or a special meal, here are some serving suggestions that will complement your chicken perfectly:

Crispy Roasted Vegetables: Serve your chicken alongside a medley of roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and brussel sprouts. The crispy skin of the chicken pairs wonderfully with the savory, caramelized flavors of the roasted veggies.

Fresh Salad: For a lighter option, serve your chicken with a fresh green salad. A simple mix of spinach, arugula, and cherry tomatoes, topped with a zesty vinaigrette, balances the richness of the chicken.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: If you’re in the mood for comfort food, garlic mashed potatoes are a classic pairing. The creamy texture of the potatoes complements the crispy chicken perfectly, making each bite a little indulgent.

Steamed Rice: A side of steamed rice is a great way to soak up the juices from the chicken. You can also add some herbs or a bit of lemon zest to the rice for extra flavor.

More Chicken recipes you will love!

baked chicken thighs

Chicken enchilada casserole

chicken wraps

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you perfect your baked chicken recipe and troubleshoot any issues you may encounter. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, these answers will guide you through the process:

How long do you bake chicken at 400°F (200°C)?

For baked chicken, cook it at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes for boneless, skinless chicken breasts and 35-45 minutes for bone-in chicken pieces. Always check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.

How can I make baked chicken more juicy?

To keep your baked chicken juicy, make sure not to overcook it. Using a meat thermometer will help you achieve the perfect internal temperature. Also, letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking helps retain the juices, keeping the meat tender and moist.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option for a juicier, more flavorful bake. They’re slightly fattier, so they stay moist during cooking. Simply adjust the cooking time based on the size of the thighs.

How do I know when my chicken is done baking?

The best way to check if your baked chicken is done is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, making sure it reads 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can also cut into the thickest part and check that the juices run clear.

Can I marinate the chicken before baking?

Yes, marinating your chicken before baking is a great way to infuse it with extra flavor. You can marinate it for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge. Try using ingredients like lemon, garlic, and olive oil for a simple marinade, or experiment with different seasonings.