Juicy Baked Chicken – Easy, Tender & Flavorful
Make perfectly juicy baked chicken with simple seasonings and a golden, crispy finish. A quick and delicious dinner option for any night of the week!
Ingredients
- - 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- - 2 tablespoons olive oil
- - 1 teaspoon salt
- - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- - 1 teaspoon onion powder
- - 1 teaspoon paprika
- - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
- - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for spice
- - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven is essential for achieving a nice crust while keeping the chicken juicy.
Prepare the Marinade
- In a mixing bowl, combine:
- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves of minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme, chopped
- Juice of one lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of paprika adds a touch of smokiness.
- Whisk everything together until well blended.
Marinate the Chicken
- Place 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a resealable bag. Drizzle the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or optimal flavor, refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
Arrange on a Baking Sheet
- Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Arrange the marinated chicken breasts in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. This promotes even cooking and browning.
Bake
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through to 165°F. For an extra golden crust, flip the broiler on for the last 2-3 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
Let it Rest
- First, remove the chicken from the oven, and let it rest for 5-10 minu