Thereβs something magical about the aroma of oven-baked chicken wafting through the kitchen, isnβt there? As it roasts, it transforms from mere poultry into a golden, crispy masterpiece that beckons everyone to gather around the table. Imagine biting into succulent meat, perfectly seasoned and enveloped in a crunchy exteriorβitβs pure culinary bliss.
I remember the first time I tried making oven-baked chicken. My family sat eagerly at the table, eyes wide with anticipation as the timer ticked down. When I finally pulled that bird out, golden and gleaming, they cheered as if I had just won an Olympic medal. Little did they know, it was really just a well-timed dinner!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This oven-baked chicken is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight meals a cinch
- Its savory flavors are sure to impress even picky eaters
- The vibrant colors of the dish create an inviting centerpiece for any dining occasion
- Plus, itβs versatile enough to pair with almost any side dish you can think of!
Itβs always a delight when friends or family try this recipe and rave about how juicy and delicious the chicken turns out.
Essential Ingredients
Hereβs what youβll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust based on how many people youβre feeding.
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Olive Oil: Choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil for richer flavor and moisture.
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Garlic Powder: This adds a punch of flavor without overpowering the dish; fresh minced garlic works too!
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Paprika: Opt for smoked paprika to enhance the depth of flavor beautifully.
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Dried Oregano: A classic herb that complements chicken perfectly; fresh oregano is great if you have it!
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance all flavors; donβt skip these!
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Lemon Juice: A splash of citrus brightens up the dish and adds freshness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Letβs Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C). This ensures even cooking and crispy skin.
Prepare Your Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving that coveted crispiness when baked.
Add Flavorful Seasoning: In a bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Coat each chicken breast generously in this flavorful mixture.
Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer in a greased baking dish. Spacing them out allows for better heat circulation.
Bake Until Perfectly Cooked: Slide your baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165Β°F (74Β°C). Youβll know theyβre done when theyβre golden brown and smell irresistible.
Rest Before Serving: Once removed from the oven, let your chicken rest for about five minutes before slicing into it. This helps keep all those juicy flavors locked inside!
And there you have itβdelicious oven-baked chicken that will make your taste buds dance with joy! Enjoy every bite alongside your favorite sides or on its own; trust me, leftovers make fantastic sandwiches too!
You Must Know
- Oven baked chicken is not only delicious but also an easy weeknight dinner option
- The tender meat combined with flavorful seasoning fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, making it a family favorite
- Plus, itβs a great way to sneak in those veggies youβve been meaning to use!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating or seasoning your chicken while preheating the oven to 400Β°F. This ensures maximum flavor infusion and allows for even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out spices or add herbs like rosemary or thyme to elevate the flavor. You can even toss in some vegetables for a one-pan meal.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover oven baked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350Β°F to maintain crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165Β°F for safety
- For extra juiciness, let the chicken rest before cutting into it
- Donβt skip marinating; it significantly enhances flavor and tenderness!
Cooking oven baked chicken has become a family tradition for me, often leading to laughter-filled evenings as we share stories over perfectly crispy skin and juicy meat.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for oven baked chicken?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it fully before marinating and baking for even cooking.
What sides go well with oven baked chicken?
Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad complement this dish wonderfully.
How do I know when my oven baked chicken is done?
Check that the internal temperature reaches 165Β°F using a meat thermometer for safety.
Oven-Baked Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Oven-baked chicken is a deliciously simple weeknight meal that transforms ordinary poultry into a golden, crispy delight. Juicy and perfectly seasoned, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, youβll have everyone gathered around the table in no time!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- Β½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C).
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels for crispiness.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Coat each chicken breast evenly with the seasoning mixture.
- Arrange the coated chicken in a greased baking dish in a single layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165Β°F (74Β°C) and they are golden brown.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (170g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: Feel free to add herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor. Toss in vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers to make it a one-pan meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days; reheat at 350Β°F.