Baked chicken is a classic for a reason: it’s simple, versatile, and delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, there’s a baked chicken recipe out there for you. This article will explore some of the most popular and flavorful ways to bake chicken, from simple roasts to more adventurous dishes.
1. The Classic Roast Chicken
This is the foundation of baked chicken. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon, cut in half
4-6 sprigs fresh rosemary
4-6 sprigs fresh thyme
2 cloves garlic, smashed
Salt and pepper to taste
One pan Baked Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Rub the chicken inside and out with olive oil.
Stuff the cavity with lemon halves, rosemary, thyme, and garlic.
Season the outside of the chicken generously with salt and pepper.
Place the chicken in a roasting pan.
Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Tips for Roasting Perfection:
Basting: For extra crispy skin, baste the chicken with pan juices every 20-30 minutes.
High Heat: Starting with a high temperature helps crisp the skin. You can reduce the heat slightly after 30 minutes.
Resting: This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
2. Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken
This recipe adds a bright, zesty flavor to the classic roast chicken.
Ingredients:
1 whole chicken
2 lemons, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, rosemary)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the chicken dry.
Stuff the cavity with lemon slices and herbs.
Rub the outside of the chicken with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Place the chicken in a roasting pan.
Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.
3. Garlic Roasted Chicken
This recipe is simple yet incredibly flavorful.
Ingredients:
1 whole chicken
4-6 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the chicken dry.
Stuff the cavity with garlic cloves.
Rub the outside of the chicken with olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Place the chicken in a roasting pan.
Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.
4. Spatchcocked Roast Chicken
Spatchcocking (also known as butterflying) involves removing the backbone of the chicken, which allows it to cook more evenly and quickly.
Ingredients:
1 whole chicken
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Herbs and spices (such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder)
Instructions:
Remove the backbone from the chicken.
Butterfly the chicken open.
Rub the chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Season with additional herbs and spices, if desired.
Place the chicken on a baking sheet.
Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Baked Chicken Breasts
Chicken breasts are a lean and versatile option. Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned.
Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking sheet.
Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Baked Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs are more flavorful and forgiving than breasts.
Ingredients:
8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken thighs and toss to coat.
Arrange chicken thighs in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Baked Chicken Wings
Baked chicken wings are a popular game-day snack.
Ingredients:
2 pounds chicken wings
1/4 cup hot sauce
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, combine hot sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken wings and toss to coat.
Arrange chicken wings in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until crispy and cooked through.
8. Baked Chicken with Vegetables
This is a complete meal in one pan.
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 pound potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 pound carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, combine chicken, potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Spread the mixture in a single layer in a roasting pan.
Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
9. Baked Chicken Parmesan
This classic Italian dish is easy to make at home.
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 egg, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Dredge chicken breasts in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat in breadcrumb mixture.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Transfer chicken breasts to a baking dish.
Top each chicken breast with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
10. Baked Chicken Fajitas
This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
