Description
This easy oven baked chicken recipe delivers perfectly juicy, tender chicken with a flavorful golden-brown exterior every single time. With just a handful of simple seasonings and a straightforward baking method, you’ll have a delicious, healthy dinner ready in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!
Ingredients
- 3–4 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or mixed)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Optional: ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat
- Optional: 1 lemon, sliced for garnish and extra flavor
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking dish or rimmed sheet pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. If using a wire rack, place it inside the pan now.
Step 2: Pat Chicken Dry
Remove chicken from packaging and pat each piece completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin! Any moisture on the surface will steam rather than brown. Arrange chicken pieces in your prepared pan, leaving space between each piece so they’re not touching.
Step 3: Mix the Seasoning Blend
In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, thyme, and oregano. Mix thoroughly to create an even spice blend. This ensures every piece of chicken gets uniform seasoning.
Step 4: Season the Chicken
Drizzle the olive oil over all the chicken pieces, then use your hands or a pastry brush to coat each piece evenly on all sides. Sprinkle the seasoning blend generously over the chicken, making sure to season both sides. Use your hands to rub the seasonings into the meat, ensuring complete coverage.
Step 5: Arrange for Baking
Position the chicken pieces skin-side up in the pan. If desired, tuck lemon slices around and between the chicken pieces for added flavor and a beautiful presentation.
Step 6: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven on the center rack. Bake for 40-50 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken pieces. Drumsticks and thighs typically take 40-45 minutes, while larger bone-in breasts may need the full 50 minutes or slightly longer.
Step 7: Check for Doneness
The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part without touching bone. The skin should be golden brown and crispy, and juices should run clear when pierced.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Remove the pan from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum juiciness. Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy!
Notes
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally. This guarantees food safety and perfect doneness.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Leaving space between chicken pieces allows hot air to circulate, promoting even cooking and crispier skin.
- Adjust Time for Boneless: If using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, reduce cooking time to 20-30 minutes and check temperature early to prevent overcooking.
- For Extra Crispy Skin: Place chicken under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Seasoning Flexibility: Feel free to adjust spices to your taste. This recipe is very forgiving and adapts well to different flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-5 oz cooked
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 495mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 105mg