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Classic Oven-Baked Chicken Recipe

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4.1 from 78 reviews

This classic oven-baked chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken pieces with a smoky seasoning blend. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it features a simple preparation and baking process that results in crispy skin and well-seasoned meat.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 3 to 4 pounds whole chicken, cut into 6 to 8 pieces, bone-in and skin-on (4 drumsticks, 2 bone-in chicken thighs, 2 bone-in chicken breasts)

Seasoning & Oil

  • Olive oil or cooking spray, for greasing
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano

Garnish

  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400˚F to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Take the chicken out of the refrigerator 20 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. This helps in even cooking.
  3. Grease the baking dish: Lightly coat a baking sheet or baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking and promote browning.
  4. Dry and oil the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp up. Then, lightly grease each piece with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.
  5. Make the seasoning mix: In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Mix well to create an even seasoning blend.
  6. Season the chicken: Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken pieces and rub it in thoroughly to coat all sides.
  7. Arrange the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken pieces skin-side up in the prepared baking dish, leaving some space between each piece for proper air circulation.
  8. Bake at 400˚F: Put the chicken in the oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes at 400˚F.
  9. Lower temperature and continue baking: Reduce the oven temperature to 350˚F and bake for an additional 10 to 20 minutes until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165˚F, using an instant-read meat thermometer for accuracy.
  10. Crisp the skin (optional): For extra crispy skin, place the chicken under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  11. Rest the chicken: Remove from the oven and transfer the pieces to a serving plate. Tent loosely with foil and let rest for 8 to 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  12. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken pieces and serve warm.

Notes

  • Letting the chicken come to room temperature before cooking promotes even baking.
  • Patting chicken dry is key for crispy skin, especially when using bone-in, skin-on pieces.
  • Use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165˚F.
  • Broiling at the end enhances skin crispiness but watch closely to prevent burning.
  • Resting the chicken after baking helps retain juiciness and makes for better texture.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/classic-oven-baked-chicken-recipe/