Easy Baked Chicken
This Easy Baked Chicken is a simple, flavorful weeknight dinner featuring bone-in chicken with a perfectly seasoned, crispy skin.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 pounds bone-in chicken pieces thighs, drumsticks, or a mix
- 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons paprika sweet or smoked
- 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1.5 teaspoons onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper subtle kick
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, adds a hint of heat
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt essential for flavor
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to help the chicken skin crisp up beautifully.
- Rinse the bone-in chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and sea salt. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the spice mixture using your hands or tongs.
- Place the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer in your baking dish or sheet pan, making sure they’re not overcrowded.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy. Optionally broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Equipment
- Large baking dish or sheet pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Tongs
- Meat Thermometer (optional)
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked to 165°F (75°C).
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Customize the spice blend by adding herbs like thyme, oregano, or lemon zest for extra flavor.