Tired of dry, bland, and disappointing chicken dinners? You’ve come to the right place. This is the ultimate baked chicken recipe, designed to be completely foolproof. It delivers incredibly juicy, tender, and flavorful chicken every single time, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete beginner in the kitchen.
Forget complicated marinades and techniques. The secret to perfect oven-baked chicken lies in a simple, flavorful spice rub and the correct cooking method. We’re breaking down everything you need to know to make this your go-to weeknight dinner hero.
Why This Is The Best Baked Chicken Recipe
There are thousands of chicken recipes out there, but this one stands out for a few key reasons. It’s the recipe you’ll memorize and turn to again and again.
Unbelievably Juicy: We share the essential tips (hello, meat thermometer!) that guarantee moist chicken every time. No more guesswork.
Packed with Flavor: Our simple, all-purpose spice blend uses pantry staples to create a savory, smoky, and slightly sweet crust that complements the chicken perfectly.
Incredibly Versatile: This method works beautifully for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, bone-in thighs, drumsticks, and more. We’ll show you how to adapt it.
Quick & Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this is the ideal recipe for busy weeknights. The oven does all the hard work!
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients for amazing chicken. Our focus is on a high-impact spice rub made from pantry staples.
Simple pantry staples are all you need for this flavorful chicken.
For the Chicken
The beauty of this baked chicken recipe is its adaptability. You can use 2 lbs of your favorite cut. We recommend patting the chicken completely dry with paper towels before seasoning; this is crucial for getting a great sear and delicious crust.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: A lean and popular choice.
Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Thighs: Extra juicy and flavorful with crispy skin. If you love thighs, check out our other amazing chicken thigh recipes.
Drumsticks or Wings: Perfect for a more casual meal or appetizer.
The Perfect Spice Rub
This is our go-to blend. It’s balanced, savory, and delicious. Simply mix all the spices together in a small bowl with the olive oil to create a paste.
Olive Oil: Helps the spices adhere and promotes browning.
Smoked Paprika: Adds beautiful color and a subtle smoky flavor.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: The savory backbone of any good spice rub.
Dried Thyme or Oregano: Provides a lovely, aromatic herbal note.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors.
How to Make The Perfect Baked Chicken Recipe
Ready to make the best chicken of your life? The process is incredibly simple. Just follow these steps for a perfect result.
Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or a rimmed baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Dry the Chicken: This is a non-negotiable step! Use paper towels to pat your chicken pieces completely dry on all sides. Moisture is the enemy of a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
Make the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until it forms a thick, paste-like consistency.
Season Generously: Rub the spice mixture evenly over all surfaces of the chicken. Don’t be shy! Make sure every nook and cranny is coated.
Arrange and Bake: Place the seasoned chicken in your prepared baking dish, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Leave a little space between each piece for air to circulate. Bake until the chicken is cooked through.
Check for Doneness: The most reliable way to check for doneness is with an instant-read meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the meat.
Rest Before Serving: This is another crucial step! Transfer the chicken to a clean cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and tender.
The Ultimate Baked Chicken Recipe
FL Recipes
The Ultimate Juicy Baked Chicken Recipe (Simple & Foolproof!)
This is the ultimate baked chicken recipe, designed to be completely foolproof. It delivers incredibly juicy, tender, and flavorful chicken every single time with a simple spice rub and perfect cooking method.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
Use paper towels to pat the chicken pieces completely dry on all sides.
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil with all the spices (smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper). Stir to form a thick paste.
Rub the spice mixture evenly over all surfaces of the chicken.
Place the seasoned chicken in the prepared baking dish, ensuring there is space between each piece. Bake according to the time chart in the post, or until cooked through.
Using a meat thermometer, check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the chicken.
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This is crucial for juicy results.
Nutrition
Calories: 310kcalProtein: 36gFat: 18gFiber: 1g
Notes
Don't Overcrowd: Give the chicken space in the pan to ensure it roasts instead of steams. Use a Thermometer: This is the #1 tip for perfectly cooked, juicy chicken that is never dry. Let it Rest: Do not skip this step! Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
Follow these simple rules, and you’ll be rewarded with perfectly cooked chicken every single time.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the chicken pieces space. If they are too close together, they will steam instead of roast, and you won’t get that delicious golden-brown color. Use a second baking dish if needed.
Use a Meat Thermometer: This is the single most important tool for cooking any meat perfectly. It completely removes the guesswork and is the only way to guarantee your chicken is cooked to a safe temperature without being overcooked and dry.
Always Let It Rest: Slicing into chicken right out of the oven will cause all the delicious juices to run out onto the cutting board. Resting for 5-10 minutes is essential for a moist result.
Start with Dry Chicken: We can’t say it enough! Patting the chicken dry with paper towels before adding the oil and spices helps create a better crust and texture.
Perfectly golden and juicy, right out of the oven.
Baking Times and Temperatures
We recommend baking at a relatively high heat of 400°F (200°C) as it helps to lock in the juices and create a beautiful golden exterior. Cook times are always approximate; the only true test is a meat thermometer reading 165°F (74°C). This guide is a starting point.
Chicken Cut
Approximate Baking Time at 400°F (200°C)
Boneless, Skinless Breasts (6-8 oz)
20-25 minutes
Bone-In, Skin-On Thighs
35-45 minutes
Boneless, Skinless Thighs
18-22 minutes
Drumsticks
35-40 minutes
Flavor Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with this base recipe! Here are a few ideas to change things up:
Lemony Herb: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the spice rub along with a teaspoon of dried rosemary.
Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice mixture.
Different Herbs: Swap the thyme for dried rosemary, Italian seasoning, or a poultry blend.
Different Oil: Avocado oil is another great high-heat option.
What to Serve with Baked Chicken
This versatile main course pairs well with almost anything! For a classic comfort meal, serve it with mashed potatoes and green beans. For a lighter option, it’s perfect on top of a fresh salad. It’s also fantastic with roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or quinoa. You can even use the leftovers to make a delicious and easy chicken salad for lunch the next day!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftover baked chicken is fantastic to have on hand for quick meals.
To Store: Allow the chicken to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To Reheat: The best way to reheat is in the oven. Place the chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
To Freeze: You can freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Store it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
We find that 400°F (200°C) is the perfect temperature for baking chicken. The high heat helps to sear the outside, locking in the juices and creating a delicious golden-brown crust without taking too long to cook through.
The only 100% reliable way to know if chicken is done is by using an instant-read meat thermometer. The chicken is cooked and safe to eat when the internal temperature in the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).
There are three keys to preventing dry chicken: 1) Don’t overcook it—use a meat thermometer. 2) Rub it with a fat like olive oil, which helps keep it moist. 3) Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute.
For this recipe, we recommend baking the chicken uncovered. This allows the heat to circulate evenly and helps the skin or surface to become golden brown and delicious. Covering it would cause the chicken to steam.
Absolutely! This recipe is fantastic for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, drumsticks, or breasts. Bone-in cuts are naturally juicier but will require a longer cooking time. Refer to our cooking time chart and always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
More Delicious Chicken Dinners To Try
We hope you love this simple and juicy baked chicken recipe! It proves that a few quality ingredients and the right technique can create an absolutely stunning meal. If you’re a fan of crispy chicken, you must try our classic southern fried chicken recipe, or for another easy oven meal, our chicken parmesan recipe is always a crowd-pleaser.
If you make this recipe, please let us know what you think in the comments below! And don’t forget to save it to your favorite board on Pinterest!
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
