How to Bake Chicken

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Learning how to bake chicken opens up millions of dinner possibilities. In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get great results from your oven no matter what cut of chicken you’re preparing.

a collage of five different chicken dishes with title text reading How To Bake Chicken

No meat is as versatile as chicken. Whether you bake it, BBQ, roast or fry it, this little birdie never fails to fulfill your desires.

But have you ever tried baking and ended up eating a dried, overcooked chicken and got through by dipping each forkful in the sauce?

If you love tender, juicy chicken as much as I do then this is certainly your worst nightmare.

A scrumptious oven-baked chicken is an ideal choice for an elegant weeknight dinner. But browsing and stumbling upon millions of recipes on the internet only makes it harder to bake one without feeling like you’re missing out on something.

Well, worry not fellas. I’ve got your back!

Bringing you tips and tricks that you might be doing wrong for EACH cut of the chicken to make this birdie your ultimate favorite supper this year.

Stay tuned to get your hands on pro tips that experts swear by when it comes to baking the perfect chicken.

a person taking a whole chicken out of an oven

1. Chicken Breasts

Chicken breast is an excellent source of protein and low in fat which makes them a regular in your shopping trolley – week after week. However, regular chicken breasts are too large and uneven, making them dry out every time you cook.

To ensure that your chicken is even, place the chicken between two parchment papers and try pounding the chicken out using a rolling pin until it’s flat enough to be cooked evenly.

The time and temperature of cooking and chicken cut will depend on the size of your chicken and the power of your oven. However, here are the ideal temperatures and timing used by chefs all around the world.

a fork on chicken and vegetables in a red dish next to bowls of spices on a wood table

How to Bake Chicken Breasts

Time:

● Chicken Breasts (large): 20-22 minutes

● Chicken Breasts (Medium): 18-20 minutes

Pro tip: Boil the chicken for 5 minutes before baking to get crisper edges.

What Temperature is suitable for Chicken Breasts?

Skin and Bone-in chicken: preheat the oven to 400°F for 5 to 8 minutes, then lower the heat to 350°F for about 10 to 20 minutes in order to get the desired crisp.

Bone and skinless Chicken Breasts: Preheat the oven to 350°F for 10 minutes each side. Later, allow the breast to rest until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for about 10 minutes.

Recipes You Might Like:

If white meat is your best bet, then there is no way you aren’t trying any of these. Check out these best chicken breast recipes so your taste buds finally have something to thank you for:

● Good ol’ Honey & Garlic Chicken Breasts

● The scrumptious Garlic-Ginger Chicken for an Italian touch

● Citrusy Lemongrass Chicken

2. Chicken Wings

One of the most beloved parts of the chicken is its wings. The crispy skin on the outside crunches down your mouth as the juicy meat keeps it appetizing. So, regardless of how you cook it, it’s bound to taste good!

chicken wings on a wooden cutting board next to sauce in a white bowl

How to Bake Wings?

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the wings on top of a cooking rack inside a roasting pan and cook for 25-28 minutes without turning them over. And voila, chicken wings are ready to devour!

Pro tip: Wings are irresistibly delicious. If you are too hungry, cook them up with aluminum foil for about 20 minutes to speed up the process.

Suggested Chicken Wings Recipes:

● Simple Good ol’ baked Buffalo Chicken Wings

● Spicy Thai Chicken Wings for all those spice suckers out there.

● The crispiest, low-fat Chicken Wings as the healthier option

3. Chicken Thighs

Chicken Thighs without a doubt have to be the tastiest of them all. And why wouldn’t it be? It has the highest fat content which ensures they bake up succulent and delish.

chicken thighs in a white baking dish next to a wooden spoon on a wood table

How to Bake Thighs?

Skin-on Chicken Thighs: Bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 50-55 minutes

Skinless Chicken Thighs: This works the same way as with skin-on, but with 10 minutes less in time.

For juicer and crispy thighs, it’s important to use thighs with skin and bone. The skin crisps up nicely while bone infuses more flavour – keeping the meat moist.

Pro tip: It is recommended to bake thighs at high temperatures as it helps to crisp the skin. Not to mention, pat dry the chicken before seasoning to crisped thighs.

Suggested Recipes of Chicken Thighs:

● The traditional Oven-Baked Chicken Thigh recipe that infuses its rich favor with every bite you take.

● Honey Soy Baked Chicken Thighs to add a touch of sweetness to your supper.

● The ever-famous Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs

4. Chicken Drumsticks

Just like your favourite chicken wings, drumsticks make the best finger food. This irresistibly succulent dark meat is known for its versatile and easy use.

Keeping all of that aside, these drumsticks always happen to be your children’s favourite piece, so not knowing how to bake them is definitely not a question.

So, keep reading to find out everything you have been missing all along.

chicken drumsticks on a white plate next to greens and tomatoes on a brown table

How to Bake Chicken Drumsticks?

Preheat the oven to 350°F and place the drumsticks (skin-side up) on a cooking rack. Remember, if your oven isn’t hot enough, the chicken’s skin won’t get crispy and who likes rubbery chicken anyway. Later, bake them at 425 degrees for 35- 45 minutes and you are all good to go.

Pro tip: All chicken must reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be considered safe to eat.

Suggested Chicken Drumstick Recipes:

● Easy Lemon Garlic Baked Drumsticks to ditch the traditional, boring taste.

● BBQ Oven Chicken Drumsticks – I mean, who doesn’t like that, right?

● Honey-Lemon Drumsticks to give a tangy glaze to your regular chicken.

5. Whole Chicken

Well, this has to be the ultimate fancy meal for your dinner. You can either bake them as it is or cut them into pieces and enjoy every part of it.

But the secret here lies in its quality. Buy the highest quality bird that weighs no more than 3 to 3 1/2 pounds.

a whole chicken and vegetables on a serving tray on a brown table

How to Roast a Whole Chicken?

Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake uncovered for 1 ¼ hour to a minimum of 180°F of internal temperature. The key here is to let it cool for 30 minutes after baking to let the seasoning to soak deep into the chicken.

Suggested Roast Chicken Recipes

● Flavorsome Garlic Herb Butter Roast chicken that makes it to the list of best rotisserie chicken you could ever eat.

● If you keep failing your rotisserie chicken then this Easy Lemon and Garlic Roast Chicken is for you.

● The perfect dairy and gluten-free Roast Chicken with Lemon, Fresh herbs and Veg Trivet.

In conclusion, if you keep failing to make the perfect juicy baked chicken then the problem certainly lies in the small details that you overlooked. In order to avoid that, thoroughly follow the instructions mentioned above and start right away to get the chicken you always wanted!

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