Introduction
Baking chicken in the oven might seem like a simple task, but achieving juicy meat with crispy skin can be a challenge. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, this article will guide you through the steps to making perfectly baked chicken every time.
Step-by-step guide to perfectly bake chicken in the oven
Preheating the oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking and crispy skin. Use a baking dish or sheet pan that is large enough to hold your chicken without crowding.
Preparing the chicken
Start by patting your chicken dry with paper towels. If you’re using bone-in, skin-on chicken, take the extra step of removing any excess fat from under the skin to prevent it from becoming greasy. If you’re using boneless, skinless chicken, consider brining it first for added flavor and moisture (more on that later).
Seasoning the chicken
There are endless seasoning combinations you can use for your baked chicken, but some simple options include lemon rosemary, garlic herb, BBQ, paprika and cumin, or honey mustard. Rub your seasoning all over the chicken, including under the skin if using bone-in, skin-on chicken.
Placing the chicken in the oven
Place your seasoned chicken in the preheated oven and bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Different types of chicken cuts and oven temperatures will have different cooking times (more on that below), so use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and avoid overcooking.
Checking for doneness
One way to check for doneness, aside from a meat thermometer, is to wiggle the chicken leg or drumstick. If it moves easily and the juices run clear, the chicken is cooked through. If it feels loose or floppy, it needs more time to cook.
Resting the chicken
After taking the chicken out of the oven, let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more moist and tender. Cover the chicken with foil to keep it warm while resting.
Simple seasoning combinations to make your baked chicken more flavorful
Here are some easy seasoning combinations to try:
Lemon rosemary:
Mix together lemon zest, fresh rosemary, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Rub over the chicken.
Garlic herb:
Mix together minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, parsley, salt, and pepper. Rub over the chicken.
BBQ:
Brush the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce before baking.
Paprika and cumin:
Mix together smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub over the chicken.
Honey mustard:
Mix together Dijon mustard, honey, paprika, salt, and pepper. Brush over the chicken before baking.
Oven-baked chicken: The best temperature and time for juicy meat
Oven temperature
The best temperature for baking chicken is 400°F (200°C) for a golden-brown and crispy skin. Lower temperatures may result in rubbery and undercooked chicken, while higher temperatures can dry out the meat and burn the skin.
Cooking time
The cooking time for oven-baked chicken depends on the type of cut and the size of the chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs will take about 20-25 minutes, while bone-in, skin-on chicken can take up to 45-50 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness: the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Importance of meat thermometer
Using a meat thermometer is crucial to making perfectly baked chicken, as it ensures that the chicken is cooked through without overcooking. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, making sure it doesn’t touch the bone.
Easy baked chicken recipes that even beginners can master
Baked chicken breasts
Season boneless, skinless chicken breasts with your favorite seasoning (or use one of the seasoning combinations above). Place in a baking dish and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Baked chicken thighs
Season boneless, skinless chicken thighs with your favorite seasoning (or use one of the seasoning combinations above). Place in a baking dish and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Baked whole chicken
Season a whole chicken with your favorite seasoning (or use one of the seasoning combinations above). Place in a roasting pan and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
One-pan baked chicken and vegetables
Place seasoned chicken (bone-in, skin-on or boneless, skinless) and your favorite vegetables (such as potatoes, carrots, and onions) in a large baking dish or sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Different types of chicken cuts to use for oven baking and how to prepare them
Bone-in, skin-on chicken
Bone-in, skin-on chicken is great for oven baking as the bone keeps the meat moist and the skin becomes crispy. Before seasoning, remove any excess fat from under the skin to prevent it from becoming greasy. Consider also loosening the skin from the meat and seasoning under the skin for added flavor.
Boneless, skinless chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken is easy to prepare and great for quick weeknight dinners. To prevent dry meat, consider brining the chicken in salt water for at least 30 minutes before seasoning and baking.
Split chicken breast
A split chicken breast is a bone-in, skin-on chicken breast that has been cut in half lengthwise. It’s a great option when you want a larger portion of white meat. Season and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Chicken drumsticks and wings
Chicken drumsticks and wings are smaller cuts of chicken that are great for snacking, appetizers, or a casual meal. Season and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Tips for tender and crispy baked chicken every time
Brining the chicken
Brining is a process of soaking meat in a salt-water solution to add flavor and moisture. To brine boneless, skinless chicken, mix 4 cups of water with ¼ cup of salt and ¼ cup of sugar until dissolved. Submerge the chicken and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, up to a few hours. Rinse the chicken before seasoning and baking.
Using a meat thermometer
A meat thermometer is important for ensuring that the chicken is cooked through without overcooking, which can result in dry meat. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, making sure it doesn’t touch the bone.
Basting the chicken
Basting the chicken with its own juices or butter helps to keep it moist and flavorful. Use a baster or spoon to drizzle the pan juices over the chicken every 15-20 minutes while it’s baking.
Broiling the chicken for crispy skin
To achieve even crispier skin, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Healthier chicken baking options: Using skinless chicken or alternative coatings
Benefits of using skinless chicken
Using skinless chicken reduces the amount of fat and calories, making it a healthier option. However, the skinless meat can easily become dry, so consider brining the chicken first or using a different coating.
Alternative coatings
Instead of traditional breading, consider using bread crumbs, cornflakes, or almond flour for a gluten-free option. Season the coating with your favorite spices and herbs for added flavor.
Conclusion
Baking chicken in the oven can be a simple and delicious way to enjoy juicy and flavorful meat. With the tips and recipes in this article, you can achieve tender and crispy chicken every time. Remember to preheat your oven, season your chicken, use a meat thermometer, and let the meat rest before slicing.
