Easy Baked Chicken Recipe: Perfect Every Time

Growing up, the smell of baked chicken was always comforting. It brought back memories of family dinners and laughter. As an adult, I’ve looked for the perfect baked chicken recipe.

Today, I’m excited to share a game-changing baked chicken recipe. This easy, 5-step method makes the most delicious chicken breasts every time. It’s perfect for any family dinner or meal prep.

Key Takeaways

• Foolproof 5-step method for perfectly baked chicken breasts
• Juicy, tender, and flavorful results that your whole family will love
• Versatile recipe that can be customized with your favorite seasonings
• Hands-off cooking with minimal attention required once in the oven
• Convenient make-ahead option for easy meal planning

Why This Baked Chicken Recipe Is a Game-Changer

If you’re looking for a versatile chicken dish for meal prep, this recipe is a game-changer. It has over 3,000 glowing comments and a 4.9 rating. Home cooks love it so much, giving it a full five-star rating.

Benefits of Mastering This Recipe

This baked chicken recipe is reliable and easy to make. The high-temperature roasting makes the outside crispy and the inside juicy. It’s a standout compared to other baking methods.

This method is also hands-off, making it great for families. You can prepare it ahead of time, which is a big plus.

What Makes It Different from Other Methods

This recipe uses a high temperature of 450°F for roasting. This heat creates a golden-brown crust and keeps the chicken juicy. The 15-minute brining process also helps keep the meat tender.

The instructions are easy to follow, even for beginners. You only need 17 minutes in the oven and 10 minutes to rest. This way, you get perfectly cooked chicken breasts ready for your favorite meal prep recipes.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Baked Chicken Recipe

To make deliciously moist and flavorful baked chicken recipe, you need the right ingredients. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, a tasty seasoning blend, and a bit of healthy fat.

For the best results, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are 7-8 ounces each. Stay away from chicken that’s too big or too thin. It won’t cook evenly. Fresh or fully thawed frozen chicken works great.

Seasoning the chicken is easy with a mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. You can also add spices like dried oregano, onion powder, or a bit of cayenne for some heat.

For cooking, a small amount of melted butter or olive oil is key. It helps the seasoning stick and ensures even browning. Some people like to use Italian dressing marinade for extra flavor and moisture.

To check if your chicken is cooked right, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) inside.

“This baked chicken recipe is one of the most popular on the site. Readers love the juicy, flavorful results and how easy it is to customize with different spices and herbs.”

The Secret to Juicy Chicken: Brining Method

Brining is the secret to making baked chicken moist and tender. It involves soaking the chicken in a salt water solution. This helps keep the meat juicy during cooking.

How to Make the Perfect Brine

To make the perfect brine, mix 4 cups of cold water with 6 tablespoons of Diamond Crystal kosher salt. You can also use 4 1/2 tablespoons of Morton’s kosher salt or 3 tablespoons of fine table salt. Add a tablespoon of garlic powder and a teaspoon of paprika for extra flavor.

Brining Time Guidelines

1. 15 minutes: Lightly salted flavor, no noticeable change in texture.
2. 30 minutes: Lightly salted flavor, slightly more tender than the 15-minute brine.
3. 1 hour: Perfectly seasoned, juicy, and tender, with a noticeable difference in texture.
4. 2 hours: Juicy and tender, but on the edge of being overly salty.
5. 4 hours: Too salty, with a deli meat-like texture.
6. 8 hours: Extremely salty, with a spongy texture.

Brining the chicken for 15 minutes to 1 hour is ideal. It offers the best flavor and texture. Brining for more than 2 hours can make the chicken too salty.

Common Brining Mistakes to Avoid

• Using warm water instead of cold water: Cold water is more effective for achieving tender, juicy results.
• Brining for too long: Overly salty and spongy chicken is the result of brining for more than 2 hours.
• Forgetting to rinse the chicken: Rinsing is not necessary, as it won’t remove the salt and may increase bacterial growth.

Mastering brining can turn your baked chicken into a flavorful, moist, and tender dish. Try different brining times and flavors to find what you like best.

Seasoning Blend for Maximum Flavor

Seasoning is crucial for baking the perfect chicken. A simple seasoning mix can turn ordinary chicken into a delicious meal. The secret is finding the right balance of savory, smoky, and aromatic spices.

Begin with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. These ingredients form a solid flavor base. Add onion powder, thyme, oregano, basil, or rosemary for a richer taste. A bit of brown sugar can also enhance the flavor, making the chicken’s skin crispy and brown.

Feel free to mix and match different dry seasoning mix ingredients to find your favorite. Season the chicken well on both sides. This ensures every bite is full of flavor. The more you season, the more intense the taste will be.

This chicken rub works great on various chicken cuts, like thighs or breasts. Try different spice combinations to find your favorite. With the right seasoning, your baked chicken will always impress.

“The secret to the best baked chicken recipe lies in the seasoning. This blend will take your chicken to new flavor heights!”

Preparation and Temperature Tips

To cook chicken perfectly, start with the right prep and temperature control. Make sure your chicken is at room temperature before baking. This ensures it cooks evenly, so the outside doesn’t get too crispy before the inside is fully cooked.

Room Temperature Guidelines

Let your chicken sit at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes before baking. This step makes the chicken cook more evenly. It results in moist, tender, and flavorful meat.

Oven Temperature Settings

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) for the best results. This high temperature helps the skin get crispy while cooking the inside fully. Don’t lower the temperature, as it can cause uneven cooking.

Chicken Size Considerations

When baking chicken, the size of the breasts matters. Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly. For bigger breasts (10 oz or more), cutting them in half helps with even baking. Using chicken pieces of similar sizes prevents the smaller ones from overcooking before the larger ones are done.

By following these tips, you’ll cook chicken every time to perfection.

Step-by-Step Baked Chicken Recipe

Learning to bake chicken can change your kitchen game. This easy recipe will show you how to make juicy and tasty oven-roasted how to bake chicken. Follow these steps to serve up delicious chicken baking instructions quickly.

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix your favorite seasonings and spices for a tasty oven-roasted chicken method blend.
3. Lightly coat your chicken with olive oil for even coverage.
4. Rub the seasoning mix on both sides of the chicken, pressing it in.
5. Put the seasoned chicken in a baking dish or on a baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch.
6. Put the dish or sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
7. When the chicken is done, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), take it out and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

For a quick prep, season the chicken in a zip-top bag and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This lets the flavors mix well, making meal prep easy on busy nights.

“This baked chicken recipe is a game-changer. The flavorful seasoning and juicy results make it a favorite in my home.”

The secret to perfect how to bake chicken is in the details. By following these steps and adjusting cooking time for your chicken size, you’ll get great results every time.

Cooking Times and Internal Temperature Guide

To get perfect baked chicken recipe, you need the right seasoning and cooking times. It’s also key to know the size-based cooking charts and the use of a meat thermometer. This ensures your chicken is juicy, tender, and safe to eat.

Size-Based Cooking Charts

The cooking time for chicken breasts changes with their size. Here’s a general guide:

• 5-ounce chicken breasts: 18-20 minutes
• 7-ounce chicken breasts: 20-22 minutes
• 9-ounce chicken breasts: 22-25 minutes

These times are for an oven at 450°F. The chicken’s internal temperature should hit 160°F. Then, let it rest to reach a safe 165°F.

Using a Meat Thermometer

Using a meat thermometer is crucial for perfect chicken. Stick the thermometer into the thickest part, avoiding bones. The chicken is fully cooked at 165°F.

Don’t overcook by taking it out at 160°F. It will rise to 165°F as it rests. Cooking to 165°F directly can make the chicken dry.

Keep in mind, cooking times and temperatures can vary. This depends on oven type, chicken size, and personal taste. Always check with a meat thermometer for the best results.

Resting and Serving Recommendations

After baking your chicken breasts, let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This step helps the juices spread evenly, making the chicken moist and tasty. Just cover the chicken with foil to keep it warm.

Once rested, your chicken is perfect for serving with your favorite sides. Or, slice it and add it to salads, sandwiches, or other chicken serving ideas. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat at 165°F.

Resting your chicken is key to a moist and flavorful dish. By following these tips, you’ll impress everyone with your delicious baked chicken.