Baked Chicken: Unlock the Secret to Juicy Perfection!

Curious about how to achieve that perfectly juicy, flavorful baked chicken with delightfully crispy skin every single time? You’ve come to the right spot! This guide will walk you through an easy baked chicken recipe, ensuring your baked chicken becomes the star of your meal.

Baked Chicken Recipe Details

What You’ll Need for This Baked Chicken

Thinking about what goes into a truly memorable baked chicken? It’s all about quality ingredients coming together.

Ingredients for Your Baked Chicken

Crafting Your Delicious Baked Chicken: Step-by-Step

Ready to create an amazing baked chicken? Let’s break down the process into simple, manageable steps.

1. Prepare the Oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Getting the temperature right is a key part of learning what temp to bake chicken breast or a whole chicken effectively.
2. Mix the Herb Butter: In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, finely minced garlic, lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon of fresh thyme, and a generous pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir this mixture well until everything is beautifully blended.
3. Prepare the Roasting Pan and Chicken: Arrange the celery and carrot pieces in a cast iron skillet or a suitable roasting pan. Take your chicken (remember to pat it very dry with paper towels, both inside and out – this is crucial for crispy skin!) and place it on top of the vegetables, breast side up.
4. Apply the Herb Butter: Gently rub the melted herb butter mixture under the skin of the chicken. Don’t forget to apply some inside the cavity too. Be thorough and use all of that delicious butter.
5. Stuff the Cavity: Now, stuff the chicken cavity with the head of garlic (top sliced off), the pieces of yellow onion, the halved lemon, and the sprigs of fresh thyme. If you wish, you can tie the drumsticks together with kitchen twine to keep everything neatly inside.
6. Oil and Season the Skin: Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken’s skin. Use a basting brush or your hands to ensure the entire skin surface is well-coated. Then, liberally season the outside of the chicken with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. This process is similar if you were to bake boneless chicken breast, though cooking times would vary.
7. Roast the Chicken: Place the skillet with the chicken into the preheated oven, ideally on the middle rack. Let it roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes. It’s a good idea to baste the chicken with the pan drippings every 30 minutes. The baked chicken is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (not touching the bone) registers 165°F (74°C). This is a reliable method for any Oven Baked Chicken Breast too.
8. Rest Before Carving: Once cooked, remove the baked chicken from the oven. This is important: let it rest in the skillet for 10-15 minutes before you carve it. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and moist result.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Carve your magnificent baked chicken and serve it warm. You can serve it with the pan drippings as they are, or use them to make a delicious homemade gravy.

Cook’s Notes for Your Best Baked Chicken

Want to make your baked chicken even better? Here are a few extra pointers.

• Room Temperature Bird: For more even cooking, try to take your chicken out of the refrigerator about 20-30 minutes before you plan to prep it.
• Dry Skin is Key: We can’t stress this enough – patting the chicken thoroughly dry is essential for achieving that desirable crispy skin on your baked chicken.
• Don’t Skimp on Seasoning: Salt is crucial for flavor. Season generously, both inside and out.
• Variations: While this recipe focuses on a whole baked chicken, the principles of seasoning and temperature can be adapted if you’re making Baked Chicken Breasts or even a roasted chicken breast in oven style. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Storage: Leftover baked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s fantastic for salads, sandwiches, or quick meals.

Baked Chicken Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate)

Nutrition information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

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This recipe guides you through creating a delicious baked chicken that’s sure to impress. We believe making a fantastic baked chicken doesn’t have to be complicated, and with these steps, you’re well on your way!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Baked Chicken

Got questions about making the perfect baked chicken? We’ve got answers!