The Ultimate Guide to Baked Chicken: 5 Flavorful Recipes for Every Occasion

Baked chicken is a versatile, healthy, and delicious dish that can be prepared in countless ways. Whether you prefer classic herb-roasted chicken, a spicy twist, or a sweet and tangy glaze, baking ensures juicy, tender meat with minimal effort. Below, you’ll find five foolproof baked chicken recipes, complete with precise cooking times and temperatures for perfect results every time.

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1. Classic Herb-Roasted Baked Chicken

A timeless recipe with fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon for a bright, savory flavor.

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts/drumsticks)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)

• 1 tsp dried rosemary (or 1 tbsp fresh)

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 lemon, sliced

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Pat chicken dry with paper towels to ensure crisp skin.

3. Mix olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and garlic in a bowl. Rub mixture all over chicken.

4. Place chicken in a baking dish and arrange lemon slices on top.

5. Bake for 35-40 minutes (or until internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C).

6. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestion: Pair with roasted potatoes and steamed vegetables.

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2. Crispy Parmesan Garlic Baked Chicken

A crunchy, cheesy crust with minimal oil—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 2 tbsp melted butter (or olive oil)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Brush chicken breasts with melted butter, then press into the breadcrumb mixture to coat.

4. Place on baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes (until internal temp reaches 165°F / 74°C).

5. Broil 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness (optional).

Serving Suggestion: Serve with a fresh Caesar salad or garlic mashed potatoes.

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3. Honey Mustard Baked Chicken

Sweet, tangy, and irresistibly sticky—this dish is a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken drumsticks & 4 thighs (or 4 breasts)

• ¼ cup Dijon mustard

• ¼ cup honey

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Whisk together mustard, honey, olive oil, vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and paprika.

3. Coat chicken evenly with the sauce and place in a baking dish.

4. Bake for 35-40 minutes, basting halfway through, until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Serving Suggestion: Great with roasted sweet potatoes and green beans.

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4. Spicy Buffalo Baked Chicken

All the flavor of buffalo wings without the frying—healthier but just as delicious.

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken wings or drumsticks

• ½ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)

• 2 tbsp melted butter

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet.

2. Toss chicken with salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.

3. Bake for 25 minutes, then flip and bake another 15 minutes.

4. Mix hot sauce and butter, coat chicken, and bake 5 more minutes to set the glaze.

Serving Suggestion: Serve with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and blue cheese dressing.

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5. Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Thighs

Juicy, buttery, and bursting with citrusy garlic flavor.

Ingredients:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

• 3 tbsp butter, melted

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 lemon (juiced + slices for garnish)

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.

3. Arrange chicken in a baking dish, pour sauce over, and top with lemon slices.

4. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).

Serving Suggestion: Perfect with quinoa or roasted asparagus.

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Baking Tips for Perfect Chicken Every Time

• Use a meat thermometer – Chicken is done at 165°F (74°C).

• Pat chicken dry before seasoning for crispier skin.

• Let it rest 5-10 minutes after baking for juicier meat.

• Bone-in, skin-on cuts stay more moist than boneless breasts.

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Conclusion

Baked chicken is a simple, healthy, and endlessly customizable dish. Whether you prefer classic herbs, spicy buffalo, or sweet honey mustard, these recipes guarantee tender, flavorful results. Try one tonight—your family will love it!

Which recipe will you try first? Let us know in the comments