Baked Chicken

📝 About Baked Chicken

Baked Chicken is a healthy and delicious way to enjoy chicken without the extra oil from frying. It’s flavorful, juicy inside, and slightly crisp on the outside, making it perfect for a hearty meal.

Baked chicken is extremely versatile—you can use chicken thighs, drumsticks, or breasts, and season them with your favorite herbs and spices. It’s ideal for meal prep, quick dinners, or even family get-togethers.

Whether served with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, salad, or rice, this dish is wholesome, protein-rich, and incredibly satisfying.

🍗 Baked Chicken Recipe | Juicy & Flavorful Oven Roasted Chicken

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marination Time: 30 minutes to 8 hours
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Serves: 4
Cuisine: American / Global
Course: Lunch / Dinner / Main
Difficulty: Easy

Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 15 mins (+ marination time) | Cook Time: 35–45 mins

🧾 Ingredients

🔸 For the Chicken:

Ingredient Quantity
Chicken (bone-in legs/thighs or whole cut pieces) 700–800 grams
Olive oil or melted butter 3 tbsp
Lemon juice 1 tbsp
Garlic (minced) 1 tbsp
Ginger (grated, optional) 1 tsp
Black pepper (crushed) 1 tsp
Paprika or Kashmiri red chili powder 1 tsp
Dried herbs (oregano, thyme, rosemary – any or mixed) 1½ tsp
Salt 1 to 1½ tsp
Optional: Red chili flakes ½ tsp (if you want heat)
Optional: Honey or brown sugar 1 tsp (for caramelized glaze)

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔹 Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken

  1. Clean the chicken pieces and pat dry completely using kitchen tissue.

    • (Dry skin = crispier baking result)

  2. In a large bowl, mix together:

    • 3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

    • 1 tbsp lemon juice

    • 1 tbsp minced garlic

    • 1 tsp black pepper

    • 1½ tsp dried herbs

    • 1 tsp paprika (or Kashmiri chili)

    • Salt to taste

    • Optional: a dash of honey or sugar

  3. Rub this marinade thoroughly over and under the skin of chicken.

  4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 4 hours (overnight is best for flavor).

🔹 Step 2: Preheat Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) for 10–15 minutes.

  • Line a baking tray with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.

🔹 Step 3: Bake the Chicken

  1. Arrange marinated chicken pieces skin side up on the tray.

  2. Optional: place vegetables (potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, onions) around the chicken with a drizzle of olive oil and salt.

  3. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until:

    • The chicken is golden brown and crisp.

    • The internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) when checked with a meat thermometer.

  4. Halfway through, baste the chicken with its own juices or brush with a little extra butter or marinade.

🔹 Step 4: Broil for Crispy Finish (Optional)

  • After baking, set your oven to broil or grill mode at high for 2–3 minutes to crisp the skin.

🔹 Step 5: Rest & Serve

  1. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

    • This keeps the juices inside.

  2. Garnish with chopped parsley, coriander, or a squeeze of lemon.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

  • Garlic mashed potatoes

  • Steamed or roasted vegetables

  • Green salad or couscous

  • Herbed rice or quinoa

  • Or just naan/roti for an Indo-Western twist

💡 Tips for Juicy Baked Chicken

Tip Benefit
Pat chicken dry Helps achieve crisp skin
Marinate long Deeper flavor
Use bone-in cuts Juicier meat
Rest after baking Locks in juices
High-heat baking Crisps the skin and seals flavor

🔄 Variations

➡ Indian Masala Baked Chicken:

  • Replace herbs with:

    • 1½ tsp garam masala

    • 1 tsp coriander powder

    • ½ tsp cumin

    • 1 tsp chili powder

    • Add 2 tbsp yogurt to the marinade

    • Follow same steps – delicious with naan or rice!

➡ Buttermilk Baked Chicken:

  • Soak chicken in salted buttermilk for 4–8 hours, then coat with spiced breadcrumbs and bake — tender & crispy!