ADVERTISEMENT
### Instructions: How to Make Baked Chicken
**Step 1: Preheat the Oven**
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat ensures the chicken cooks evenly and develops a nice, golden-brown crust.
**Step 2: Prepare the Chicken**
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin and better flavor absorption from the seasonings.
**Step 3: Season the Chicken**
Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil or melted butter. Then, sprinkle the chicken evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. Massage the seasoning into the chicken to ensure it’s well-coated on both sides.
**Step 4: Bake the Chicken**
Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the chicken so there’s a little space between each piece, which allows for even cooking.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts or thighs, so always check the temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked.
**Step 5: Rest and Serve**
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps retain the juices inside the chicken, making it more tender and flavorful.
For an extra touch of flavor, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
### Tips for Perfect Baked Chicken Every Time
– **Don’t Overcook**: Overcooking chicken can lead to dry, tough meat. To ensure juiciness, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). It’s the best way to know when your chicken is perfectly cooked.
– **Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor**: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are convenient, using bone-in chicken can add more flavor and juiciness. Just be sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly—bone-in pieces will take a bit longer.
– **Marinate the Chicken**: For added flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to a few hours before baking. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs can elevate the taste and make the chicken even more tender.
– **Experiment with Seasonings**: This basic recipe is a great starting point, but don’t hesitate to experiment! Add some chili powder for a little heat, or mix in some Italian seasoning or curry powder for a unique twist.
– **Add Veggies**: You can easily turn this into a one-pan meal by adding vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers to the baking sheet alongside the chicken. Toss the veggies in a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them with the chicken for a complete meal.
### Why You Shouldn’t Lose This Recipe
This **Baked Chicken** recipe is one of those dishes that never gets old. Its simplicity, versatility, and deliciousness make it a must-have in your recipe collection. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or hosting friends for dinner, this meal will never disappoint.
The beauty of baked chicken is that you can change up the flavor profile to suit whatever you’re in the mood for. Whether you like it with a Mediterranean twist, a smoky barbecue glaze, or a touch of citrus, this recipe adapts beautifully to whatever seasonings you add.
Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also healthy, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of meal that will have everyone asking for seconds—and probably the recipe, too!
### Conclusion: The Ultimate Go-To Meal
**Baked Chicken** is one of those timeless dishes that everyone should have in their culinary arsenal. It’s a meal that never fails to satisfy, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or part of a bigger feast. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful, juicy chicken that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Don’t let this recipe slip through the cracks—save it, share it, and keep it in rotation. It’s a dish that’s guaranteed to make your meal planning easier and your taste buds happy. Happy baking!
ADVERTISEMENT
