BEST BAKED CHICKEN EVER

Tired of dry, bland chicken? Imagine biting into a piece of perfectly seasoned, incredibly juicy Baked Chicken, cooked to golden-brown perfection in your very own oven. This recipe banishes boring chicken forever, delivering restaurant-quality results with minimal effort – I promise you’ll be amazed!

Ingredients

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Dry Rub

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Optional: Marinade (for extra juicy chicken)

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

The Magic Behind the Best Baked Chicken

Okay, friend, let’s talk strategy! Baking chicken is deceptively simple, but nailing that perfect balance of juicy and flavorful can be a little tricky. That’s why I’m sharing all my secrets for foolproof baked chicken every single time. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right chicken to the optimal baking temperature. Trust me, this is going to be your new go-to recipe!

Choosing Your Chicken: The Foundation of Flavor

First things first: the chicken itself. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the most popular choice for baked chicken because they’re lean and cook quickly. But they can also dry out easily, so here’s what you need to know:

• Thickness Matters: Try to find chicken breasts that are roughly the same thickness. This ensures they cook evenly. If you have some thick ones, you can gently pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap before pounding to prevent splattering.
• Fresh is Best: Whenever possible, use fresh chicken breasts. They’ll have better flavor and texture than frozen. If you do use frozen, make sure they’re completely thawed before cooking.
• Organic vs. Conventional: This is totally up to you! Organic chicken is generally more expensive, but some people prefer it. Conventional chicken is perfectly fine, too.

The Secret Weapon: The Dry Rub

Now for the fun part: the flavor! A good dry rub is essential for creating delicious baked chicken. It adds a ton of flavor and helps create a beautiful, golden-brown crust. This recipe uses a simple but incredibly flavorful combination of spices:

• Paprika: Adds a smoky sweetness and beautiful color.
• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These are staples for a reason! They add a savory depth of flavor.
• Dried Thyme and Oregano: These herbs add a touch of earthiness and complexity.
• Cayenne Pepper (Optional): If you like a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Salt and Pepper: Don’t skimp on the salt! It’s essential for bringing out the flavor of the chicken.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices! You can add chili powder, cumin, or even a little brown sugar for a sweeter flavor.

Optional: The Juicy Secret – Marinade Magic

Want to take your baked chicken to the next level? Consider marinating it! A marinade will help to tenderize the chicken and keep it extra juicy during baking. This recipe includes a simple marinade made with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Italian herbs. The acidity of the lemon juice helps to break down the proteins in the chicken, making it more tender. This also works well with Chicken Breast.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear and preventing the chicken from steaming in the oven.
3. Mix the dry rub: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
4. (Optional) Marinate the chicken: If using the marinade, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Italian herbs in a shallow dish. Add the chicken breasts and turn to coat. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.

Baking

1. Season the chicken: If you marinated the chicken, remove it from the marinade and discard the marinade. Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil. Sprinkle the dry rub evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing it gently to adhere.
2. Bake the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Make sure they aren’t overcrowded. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast.
3. Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier chicken.

Tips for Perfectly Baked Chicken

• Don’t overcook! Overcooked chicken is dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the correct temperature.
• Let it rest: Resting the chicken after baking is crucial for keeping it juicy.
• Baking Dish Matters: I prefer to use a glass baking dish, but a metal one will work too. If using a metal dish, be sure to grease it well to prevent sticking.

Serving Suggestions

This baked chicken is incredibly versatile! Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it:

• With Roasted Vegetables: Toss some broccoli, carrots, and potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them alongside the chicken.
• In Salads: Slice the baked chicken and add it to your favorite salad.
• In Sandwiches: Use the baked chicken to make delicious chicken sandwiches.
• With Pasta: Serve the baked chicken with your favorite pasta dish. Why not try it diced up in some Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps?
• As a Main Course: Serve the baked chicken with a side of rice or quinoa. It also works great in a Street Corn Chicken Bowl!

Variations to Spice Things Up

Lemon Herb Chicken

Add lemon slices and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme to the baking dish for a bright and fragrant flavor. This is similar to the flavour profile in Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Mix grated Parmesan cheese with the dry rub for a cheesy and savory twist. Alternatively, try Sticky Honey Bbq Chicken if you’re looking for a sweet and tangy option.

Balsamic Glazed Chicken

Drizzle the chicken with balsamic glaze during the last few minutes of baking for a sweet and tangy flavor. A nice addition to this is melting some cheese on top like in Balsamic Baked Chicken With Melted Mozzarella.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover baked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave it, bake it in the oven, or pan-fry it. To prevent it from drying out, add a little water or broth to the container before reheating.

Enjoy Your Perfect Baked Chicken!

There you have it, friend! A foolproof recipe for perfectly baked chicken that’s juicy, flavorful, and easy to make. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Don’t forget to share your creations with me! Happy baking!