The Ultimate Baked Chicken Recipe: Juicy, Flavorful, and Easy!
Are you looking for a simple yet incredibly delicious baked chicken recipe? Look no further! This recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken every single time, and it's incredibly easy to customize to your taste. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for you.
Why This Baked Chicken Recipe is the Best
This recipe stands out because it focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal effort. We'll use simple ingredients and techniques to achieve perfectly cooked chicken with crispy skin and incredibly tender meat. Plus, it's incredibly versatile – easily adapt it to your preferred seasonings and sides!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), or individual chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, drumsticks) – you can adjust the quantity based on your needs.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for that beautiful golden-brown skin.
- 1 teaspoon salt – a fundamental seasoning for enhancing the chicken's natural flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – adds a touch of spice and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – for a smoky, sweet flavor and a vibrant color.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – a classic flavor enhancer that complements chicken beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder – adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
- 1 lemon, halved – for extra juicy and aromatic chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and achieves that perfect crispy skin.
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Prepare the chicken: Rinse the chicken thoroughly and pat it completely dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps the skin crisp up nicely.
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Season generously: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub this mixture all over the chicken, ensuring every part is well coated. Don't be shy with the seasoning!
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Stuff the cavity (optional): Place the lemon halves inside the chicken cavity for extra flavor and moisture.
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Bake: Place the chicken in a roasting pan and bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C). Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your chicken.
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Rest: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
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Carve and serve: Carve the chicken and serve immediately.
Tips for Extra Flavor and Crispy Skin:
- High heat: Baking at a higher temperature helps crisp up the skin.
- Dry Brine: For extra juicy chicken, try dry brining the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) before cooking. This involves simply rubbing the chicken with salt.
- Basting: For extra moist and flavorful chicken, baste the chicken with pan juices halfway through cooking.
- Add vegetables: Roast your favorite vegetables (potatoes, carrots, broccoli) alongside the chicken for a complete and easy meal.
Serving Suggestions:
This baked chicken is incredibly versatile! Serve it with:
- Roasted vegetables: Potatoes, carrots, broccoli, asparagus
- Rice: Perfect for soaking up those delicious pan juices.
- Salad: A fresh green salad balances the richness of the chicken.
- Gravy: Make a simple gravy from the pan drippings for extra flavor.
This baked chicken recipe is your go-to for a delicious and satisfying meal. Enjoy! Remember to share your culinary creations using #bakedchickenrecipe on social media!
