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–+ servings
Juicy sliced baked chicken breast on a white plate, ready to serve.
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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 lbs chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Spice Rub
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or oregano
  • 1.5 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Equipment

  • 1 Baking dish or rimmed baking sheet
  • 1 Small mixing bowl
  • 1 Instant-read meat thermometer Highly recommended for best results.
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Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. Use paper towels to pat the chicken pieces completely dry on all sides.
  3. 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.
  4. Rub the spice mixture evenly over all surfaces of the chicken.
  5. 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.
  6. Using a meat thermometer, check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the chicken.
  7. 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.
Keyword baked chicken,juicy chicken,oven baked chicken

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