Easy Baked Chicken Recipes: Delicious & Simple Meals for Everyone
Are you looking for easy baked chicken recipes that are both delicious and simple to make? Look no further! This guide provides a variety of options, perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal. We'll cover everything from classic roasts to flavorful sheet pan dinners, ensuring there's something to satisfy every palate.
Why Choose Baked Chicken?
Baked chicken is a fantastic choice for several reasons:
- Healthy: It's a lean protein source, packed with nutrients and relatively low in fat, especially compared to fried chicken.
- Versatile: You can adapt baked chicken recipes to incorporate countless flavors and ingredients, making it endlessly exciting.
- Easy: Baking is generally a hands-off cooking method, allowing you to multitask while your dinner cooks.
- Budget-friendly: Chicken is a relatively inexpensive protein, making it a great choice for budget-conscious cooks.
Simple Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
This recipe is perfect for beginners and provides a great base for experimentation:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish.
- Season generously: Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Tip: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before baking.
Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Veggies
This one-pan wonder minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor:
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 1 lb broccoli florets
- 2 lemons, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp dried herbs (Italian mix, Herbes de Provence, or your favorite blend)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the ingredients: Toss potatoes and broccoli with olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange on a sheet pan: Spread the vegetables on a large baking sheet. Place the chicken thighs on top, tucking lemon slices underneath and around the chicken.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Baked Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Elevate your baked chicken with a rich and flavorful sauce:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the chicken: Bake chicken breasts as in the first recipe.
- Make the sauce: While the chicken bakes, melt butter in a saucepan. Add flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream. Add mushrooms and garlic; simmer until sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Serve the baked chicken breasts topped with the creamy mushroom sauce.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and vegetables to create your own unique and delicious baked chicken recipes! Remember to always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it's cooked thoroughly. Enjoy!
