baked chicken
This baked chicken recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish with crispy skin and tender meat. It’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. With just a few ingredients, you can create a juicy and delicious chicken that's packed with flavor.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 35 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (or chicken breasts, if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or fresh, if you prefer
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh, if available
Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures that the chicken cooks through while getting crispy on the outside.
Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs (or breasts) dry with paper towels. This step helps the skin crisp up nicely when baked. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and rub it in evenly.
Season the chicken: Sprinkle the paprika, salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme evenly over both sides of the chicken. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the seasoning—it really helps bring out the flavor.
Arrange on a baking sheet: Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Make sure the pieces are not crowded so the heat can circulate evenly around them for that perfect, crispy skin.
Bake the chicken: Put the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes (depending on the size of the chicken pieces). You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
Rest before serving: Once done, take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.