Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 to 4 pounds whole chicken, cut into 6 to 8 pieces, bone-in and skin-on (e.g., 4 drumsticks, 2 bone-in chicken thighs, 2 bone-in chicken breasts)
Seasoning and Garnish
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing)
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400˚F to ensure it’s hot enough for roasting the chicken to a juicy perfection.
- Prepare the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the refrigerator 20 minutes prior to cooking to bring it closer to room temperature for even cooking. Lightly grease a baking sheet or baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and then coat them lightly with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil.
- Mix Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Mix these spices thoroughly to create a balanced seasoning.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the seasoning blend over all sides of the chicken pieces. Rub the spices into the skin and flesh evenly to impart maximum flavor.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the seasoned chicken pieces skin-side up on the prepared baking dish or sheet. Make sure to leave some space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Initial Bake: Bake the chicken uncovered at 400˚F for 30 minutes to start the roasting process and develop a golden crust.
- Finish Baking at Lower Temperature: Reduce the oven temperature to 350˚F and continue baking for an additional 10 to 20 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165˚F using an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Optional Broil for Crispy Skin: For an extra crispy, browned skin, place the chicken under the broiler for the last 3 to 5 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and transfer the pieces to a serving plate. Tent loosely with foil and let rest for 8 to 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve warm and enjoy your classic oven-baked chicken.
Notes
- Bringing chicken to room temperature before cooking helps it cook evenly.
- Using an instant-read thermometer ensures perfectly cooked chicken without guesswork.
- Broiling is optional but recommended for crispier skin.
- Letting chicken rest after cooking retains its juiciness.
- The seasoning blend can be adjusted based on preferred herbs and spices.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American