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Welcome to Sweet Emily, where we make delicious meals simple for everyone! This easy baked chicken recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. You will discover how to create perfectly juicy, tender chicken every single time, making it a fantastic addition to your dinner rotation. Prepare yourself for incredibly flavorful results that are versatile enough for any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Chicken Recipe
You’ll quickly fall in love with these easy oven baked chicken recipes because they make mealtime stress-free.
- Minimal prep means you get maximum flavor with very little effort.
- This dish offers quick, hands-off cooking, freeing up your time.
- It’s a healthy and satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.
- You can customize the seasoning options to suit any taste preference.
- It’s a family-friendly crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will approve of.
- You only need simple pantry staples to make this fantastic dish.
Ingredients
These simple ingredients are all you need for amazing baked chicken recipes:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- (Optional) ½ teaspoon dried herbs (like thyme or oregano)
Notes & Substitutions
Feel free to use other chicken cuts, like boneless thighs or drumsticks, adjusting baking time as needed. For the oil, melted butter or vegetable oil also work beautifully. Get creative with seasonings; try Italian seasoning, Cajun spice, or a lemon-pepper blend. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a lovely finish after baking.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools for these easy baked chicken recipes.
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Instant-read meat thermometer
- Small mixing bowl
- Tongs for easy handling
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make the best baked chicken. Soon you will have perfectly cooked, flavorful chicken that your family will adore. This is one of those easy baked chicken recipes you will make again and again.
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature ensures the chicken cooks quickly and stays juicy.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This makes cleanup incredibly easy.
- Pat Chicken Dry: Thoroughly pat the boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the seasonings adhere and promotes better browning.
- Drizzle with Oil: Place the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle them lightly with olive oil, ensuring both sides are coated.
- Combine Seasonings: In a small mixing bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and any optional dried herbs. Mix them well.
- Season Chicken: Generously sprinkle the seasoning mixture over both sides of the chicken breasts. Gently rub it in to ensure even coverage and maximum flavor.
- Arrange and Bake: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching. Bake for 18-25 minutes.
- Flip (Optional): For more even browning, you can carefully flip the chicken halfway through the baking time, around the 10-12 minute mark.
- Check Temperature: Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C). The USDA recommends cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety.
- Rest Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in incredibly tender and moist chicken. Resting meat is essential for ensuring each bite is moist and tender.
- Serve: Slice the chicken or serve it whole. Enjoy your perfectly cooked oven baked chicken recipes!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
These tips ensure your oven baked chicken recipes are perfect every time.
- Prevent Dry Chicken: Do not overcook your chicken. Use a meat thermometer and pull the chicken once it reaches 165°F.
- High Temperature: Baking at 400°F ensures a quick cook time, sealing in juices for tender results.
- Bake Uncovered: Always bake chicken uncovered. This promotes golden, appealing browning and a slight crispness on the exterior.
- Resting Time: Resting the chicken is essential. It allows the muscle fibers to relax and reabsorb juices, preventing dry meat.
- Even Thickness: For uniform cooking, pound thicker parts of the chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning.
- Marinade: Enhance flavor and moisture even further by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, before baking.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
These versatile baked chicken recipes offer endless possibilities for meals and meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve your delicious oven-baked chicken with roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.
- Pair it with classic mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or fluffy rice for a comforting meal.
- Slice the cooked chicken and add it to fresh salads, wraps, or hearty sandwiches for lunch.
- Incorporate it into pasta dishes or stir-fries for a protein boost.
Storage
- Refrigerate any leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze cooked chicken breasts for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
- Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
- Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water, to prevent drying out.
Variations
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Add fresh lemon zest, a squeeze of lemon juice, and finely chopped rosemary or thyme to the seasoning blend.
- Spicy Baked Chicken: Kick up the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili powder, or smoked paprika to your seasoning.
- Parmesan Crusted: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the dry seasoning for a flavorful crust.
- Stuffed Chicken: Create a pocket in the chicken breast and fill it with ingredients like spinach and feta, or mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes before baking.
- Glazed Chicken: Brush the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or a sweet chili glaze during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
Nutrition Information
Making informed choices about your meals is simple. Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving (one medium boneless, skinless chicken breast, about 6 oz) of our basic baked chicken.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280-320 |
| Protein | 45-50g |
| Fat | 8-12g |
| Carbohydrates | 0-1g |
Please note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to common questions about delicious oven baked chicken recipes.
- Q: Is it better to cook chicken slow or fast?
- A: Fast, high temperatures are often best for chicken breasts. This approach seals in juices, resulting in a more tender and moist outcome.
- Q: Should you bake chicken covered or uncovered?
- A: Bake chicken uncovered. This allows for optimal browning and caramelization on the surface, which adds to the flavor and texture.
- Q: What temperature is chicken done at?
- A: Chicken is safe to eat when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for boneless breasts and 170-175°F (77-79°C) for bone-in thighs.
- Q: How long does it take to bake chicken breasts?
- A: Typically, boneless, skinless chicken breasts bake in approximately 18-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C), depending on their thickness.
- Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
- A: For the best and most consistent results with these simple baked chicken recipes, always thaw frozen chicken completely before baking.
Conclusion
Embrace the simplicity and incredible flavor of this go-to baked chicken recipe. You will consistently achieve perfectly juicy, tender results that will impress everyone at your table. This beginner-friendly method is perfect for any skill level, making weeknight dinners easy and enjoyable. Make this delicious oven-baked chicken a staple in your kitchen and say goodbye to dry, bland chicken forever!
The Best Baked Chicken Recipe: Juicy & Flavorful Every Time
This recipe guides you through making a rich, homemade chicken broth from scratch, which forms the base of a hearty and flavorful chicken soup with tender, savory dumplings.
Print Pin Rate Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 500kcal
Equipment
- large pot
- Cutting board
- knife
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- whisk
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
For the Chicken Broth
- 3 1/2 to 4 pound chicken (1.6 to 1.8kg)
- 3 medium ribs celery (7 1/2 ounces; 212g), cut into 1-inch chunks
- 3 medium carrots (12 ounces; 339g), cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns (10g)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (9g); for table salt, use half as much by volume or the same weight
- 5 quarts water (4.7L)
For the Soup
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 ounce; 28g)
- 1 small yellow onion (3 ounces; 83g), diced
- 1 medium carrot (4 ounces; 113g), diced
- 1 medium rib celery (2 1/2 ounces; 70g), diced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme finely chopped
- 2 medium cloves garlic (10g), minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (16g)
- 6 cups chicken broth (1.6L), see above
- 1 cup evaporated milk (240ml)
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce (15ml)
- 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt for table salt, use half as much by volume
For the Dumplings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (4 1/2 ounces; 128g)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt for table salt, use half as much by volume
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 1/2 cup sour cream (4 ounces; 113g), at room temperature
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (2 ounces; 56g), melted
- 1/4 cup whole milk (60ml), at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
Make the Chicken Broth
- Combine chicken, celery, carrots, peppercorns, bay leaves, salt, and water in a large pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 2-3 hours until a rich broth forms. Remove chicken and strain the broth.
Prepare the Soup
- Melt butter in a large pot and sauté diced onion, carrot, and celery until softened.
- Add thyme and minced garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in flour to create a roux, then gradually whisk in the prepared chicken broth and evaporated milk until smooth.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and salt, then shred the cooked chicken from the broth and add it to the soup.
Make and Cook the Dumplings
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, pepper, and thyme for the dumplings.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, melted butter, and whole milk, then gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough into the simmering soup, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until puffed and cooked through.
- Stir in fresh parsley just before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider roasting the chicken bones after removing the meat before adding them to the broth ingredients. Skim any foam or impurities from the broth as it simmers for a clearer result.
Nutrition
Calories: 500kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 25g | Sodium: 900mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g
