This juicy baked chicken recipe has become a staple in our house for so many reasons. First off, it’s incredibly easy – even on those hectic weeknights when I’m juggling work, school pickups, and everything else life throws my way, I can still whip this up without breaking a sweat. And, of course, there’s the taste.

The chicken is so tender and flavorful that it practically melts in your mouth. My kids, who can be notoriously picky eaters, actually ask for seconds (and sometimes even thirds!). Plus, this juicy baked chicken recipe is surprisingly versatile.

You can serve it with just about anything – roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, salad – the possibilities are endless. We even shred leftovers for tacos, salads, or chicken salad sandwiches. I’ve even impressed unexpected guests with this juicy baked chicken recipe, and that always feels good, right?

One of the biggest challenges I faced when learning to bake chicken was getting it cooked through without drying it out. I’ve tried brining, marinades, different oven temperatures, and so many other variations! Nothing seemed to do the trick! It took me far too long to figure out the importance of a good meat thermometer. Now I can confidently say, this juicy baked chicken recipe is the answer. It’s foolproof, family-friendly, and guaranteed to deliver perfectly cooked chicken every single time.

The best part? It’s so simple, even the most novice cook can master it. Seriously, if I can do it after my initial shoe leather attempt, anyone can!

So, are you ready to ditch dry, flavorless chicken forever? Trust me, your family is going to love this juicy baked chicken recipe as much as mine does! Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this incredible juicy baked chicken recipe. I always try to use the freshest ingredients possible, because that really does make a difference in the final flavor.

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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each): I prefer boneless, skinless breasts for their ease of cooking and health benefits, but you could also use bone-in, skin-on thighs or drumsticks if you prefer. You’ll just need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Try to get them all about the same size for even cooking!
2 tablespoons olive oil: I use extra virgin olive oil for its flavor and health benefits, but any cooking oil will work. Sometimes I’ll use avocado oil too.
1 teaspoon salt: I use kosher salt. It’s important for bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken and helping it retain moisture.

1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best, in my opinion!
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a wonderful savory flavor. I know, I know, fresh garlic is usually better, but the powder mixes more evenly in this juicy baked chicken recipe.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic powder and adds another layer of flavor.

1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds a touch of color and smokiness.
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a subtle herbaceous note.
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano: Another classic Italian herb that pairs perfectly with chicken.

1 tablespoon lemon juice: This adds a brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.
1/4 cup chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist while baking, resulting in a truly juicy baked chicken recipe.

One thing my mom always taught me was to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps the spices adhere better and promotes browning. It really does make a big difference in the final result. I’ve also found that using a meat thermometer is essential for ensuring the chicken is cooked through but not overcooked. I can’t stress this enough, especially when trying to make the perfect juicy baked chicken recipe. It takes all the guesswork out of it.

For a richer flavor, you can also marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the chicken absorb even more flavor and stay extra moist. Sometimes I’ll even throw in a little Dijon mustard to help tenderize it too! If you’re like me, you’re always looking for shortcuts and ways to improve the flavor, so hopefully that helps!

If you’re watching your sodium intake, you can reduce the amount of salt or use a salt substitute. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor combinations. I encourage you to find the perfect juicy baked chicken recipe that fits your dietary needs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business and make some juicy baked chicken recipe magic happen! Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying perfectly cooked chicken in no time.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare your baking dish. I usually use a 9×13 inch glass baking dish, but any oven-safe dish will work. Lightly grease the dish with cooking spray or a little bit of olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
Prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is a really important step! Removing excess moisture helps the chicken brown better. Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, making sure they are not overlapping.
Season the chicken. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, oregano, and lemon juice. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined. Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure to coat them evenly on all sides. I like to use my hands to rub the seasoning into the chicken, but you can also use a spoon or brush.

Add chicken broth. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the baking dish. This will help keep the chicken moist while it bakes. Don’t skip this step if you want to make a truly juicy baked chicken recipe!
Bake the chicken. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This is where that meat thermometer comes in handy! The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts, so it’s best to check the temperature with a thermometer to be sure. I’ve definitely learned the hard way to not trust the cook time, and instead to use a meat thermometer. Nothing beats perfection with this juicy baked chicken recipe.
Let it rest. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender and flavorful chicken. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, this step is worth it! Letting it rest is the key to this juicy baked chicken recipe!

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And that’s it! Your juicy baked chicken recipe is ready to enjoy. I’m sure you’ll agree that the steps were simple, right? Don’t worry if it doesn’t look perfect the first time – mine certainly didn’t! The most important thing is to get the internal temperature right.

One tip I learned from my grandmother is to baste the chicken with the pan juices halfway through baking. This helps keep it extra moist and adds even more flavor. Just be careful not to over-baste, as this can lower the oven temperature and prolong the cooking time. Also, be sure to check out my recipe for Baked Ranch Chicken, for another fun, and family-friendly way to bake chicken!

Serving Ideas

Now that you’ve got this amazing juicy baked chicken recipe down, let’s talk about some ways to serve it! This chicken is so versatile, it goes with just about anything.

In our house, we often serve this juicy baked chicken recipe with a simple side salad and some crusty bread. It’s a quick, easy, and healthy meal that everyone enjoys. Sometimes, I’ll whip up a batch of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables to go alongside it. The possibilities are endless!

If you’re looking for something a little more substantial, you can serve this juicy baked chicken recipe over rice or quinoa. I love topping it with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. So delicious! We also enjoy this juicy baked chicken recipe with my Crack Chicken Stuffed Baked Potatoes. They’re definitely a crowd-pleaser!

For a quick and easy lunch, shred the leftover chicken and use it in sandwiches or salads. It’s also great in tacos, quesadillas, or wraps. The options are limitless when you have a delicious juicy baked chicken recipe on hand!

When I’m serving this to company, I like to slice the chicken breasts and arrange them on a platter with some roasted vegetables and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It looks so fancy, but it’s actually super easy to put together. I like to sprinkle some fresh parsley on top, it makes it look even fancier!

My kids are pretty simple, they just like to eat the juicy baked chicken recipe as is, with a side of mac and cheese. They aren’t huge vegetable eaters. I’m still working on it!

We usually make this juicy baked chicken recipe at least once a week. It’s such a lifesaver on busy weeknights. And the leftovers are always a welcome addition to our lunchboxes. I can’t express to you how amazing it is to have found a juicy baked chicken recipe that is so easy to make and so satisfying to eat!

FAQs

Got questions about this juicy baked chicken recipe? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked about this recipe.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can, but you’ll need to thaw them completely before baking. I usually thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can thaw them in a bowl of cold water, but be sure to change the water every 30 minutes.

Can I use bone-in, skin-on chicken?

Absolutely! You’ll just need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Bone-in chicken will take longer to cook than boneless chicken. I recommend baking it for about 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C).

Can I marinate the chicken?

Yes, you can! Marinating the chicken will add even more flavor and help keep it extra moist. I recommend marinating it for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.

Can I add vegetables to the baking dish?

Yes, you can! I often add vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or potatoes to the baking dish. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly with the chicken.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The best way to know when the chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast, making sure not to touch any bone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). According to the USDA Food Safety Guidelines for Chicken this temperature is safe to consume, and prevent Salmonella Food Poisoning.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can! You can prepare the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, simply remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.

What if my chicken is dry?

If your chicken is dry, it could be because you overcooked it. Be sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and avoid overcooking. You can also try basting the chicken with the pan juices halfway through baking to help keep it moist. Make sure you follow the Internal Temperature Guide for Cooking Chicken.

Can I add other spices?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor combinations. Some other spices that would be delicious in this juicy baked chicken recipe include smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes! This juicy baked chicken recipe freezes perfectly. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it – my foolproof recipe for juicy baked chicken recipe! I truly hope you give it a try and that it becomes a staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine.

Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. I can’t stress this enough! Overcooked chicken is dry chicken, and nobody wants that!
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices. This recipe is a great base, but feel free to customize it to your liking.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender and flavorful chicken.

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This juicy baked chicken recipe isn’t just about the food; it’s about the memories we create around the table. For me, it’s the laughter, the stories, and the simple joy of sharing a delicious meal with my loved ones.

My family absolutely loves this juicy baked chicken recipe, and I know yours will too. Whether you serve it with a simple salad or a heaping pile of mashed potatoes, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. My daughter loves it with a side of steamed broccoli, while my son prefers it with mac and cheese. It’s a meal that brings everyone together.

Don’t be intimidated by the thought of baking chicken. I promise, this recipe is so easy, even a beginner can master it. And the results are so worth it. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be whipping up this juicy baked chicken recipe like a pro in no time.

I’d love to hear how this juicy baked chicken recipe turns out for you! Please feel free to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. Happy cooking, and I hope this juicy baked chicken recipe becomes as beloved in your kitchen as it is in mine!

Juicy Baked Chicken Recipe You’ll Ever Need

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Unlock the secrets to perfectly juicy baked chicken every time with these three essential tips. Say goodbye to dry, bland chicken and hello to flavorful, succulent perfection!

Author: Kiera
Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 75
Total Time: 90
Yield: 4-6

Category: Poultry
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Optional: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This is crucial for crispy skin.
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Rub the mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.

Place the chicken in a roasting pan.
Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.

Notes

For extra flavor, stuff the cavity with lemon wedges, garlic cloves, and fresh herbs.