Baked chicken is a versatile and healthy option for any meal. Here’s a curated list of 20 delicious baked chicken recipes, each with detailed ingredients and step-by-step instructions to guarantee juicy and tender results.
1. Classic Herb-Roasted Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 lemon, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the chicken by patting it dry with paper towels.
- Rub the chicken with olive oil to coat evenly.
- Season with rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the chicken cavity with the halved lemon.
- Place the chicken in a roasting pan, breast side up.
- Roast for 1 hour and 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Tip: For extra juiciness, brine the chicken in a saltwater solution (1/4 cup salt dissolved in 4 cups water) for 2–4 hours before roasting. This helps the meat retain moisture during cooking.
2. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, mix Parmesan, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the chicken thighs with melted butter.
- Coat each thigh evenly with the Parmesan mixture.
- Arrange on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Tip: For a crispier crust, broil the chicken thighs for the last 2–3 minutes of baking. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
3. Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and coat them with the honey mustard mixture.
- Cover the dish with foil.
- Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tip: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before baking. This ensures they cook evenly and stay tender.
4. Lemon Garlic Baked Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the drumsticks with the marinade and let sit for 20 minutes.
- Place drumsticks on a baking tray lined with foil.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, turning halfway, until fully cooked.
Tip: Add lemon zest to the marinade for an extra burst of citrus flavor. Zest contains essential oils that enhance the lemon aroma.
5. BBQ Baked Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season chicken wings with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange wings on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25 minutes, then brush with BBQ sauce.
- Bake for another 10–15 minutes until the sauce caramelizes.
Tip: For stickier, more caramelized wings, toss them in additional BBQ sauce immediately after baking.
6. Teriyaki Baked Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture over chicken thighs and let marinate for 30 minutes.
- Place chicken thighs in a baking dish and bake for 40–45 minutes.
- Baste with sauce halfway through cooking.
Tip: Add a teaspoon of cornstarch to the teriyaki marinade to thicken it and create a glossy, restaurant-style glaze.
7. Italian Baked Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Place chicken in a baking dish and top with marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
Tip: Use fresh basil or parsley as a garnish after baking to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
8. Spicy Sriracha Baked Chicken
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup Sriracha sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix Sriracha, honey, soy sauce, and lime juice in a bowl.
- Coat chicken thighs with the mixture and let marinate for 20 minutes.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, basting with sauce halfway.
Tip: Balance the heat by serving with a cooling side, like cucumber salad or ranch dressing.
9. Maple Dijon Baked Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder.
- Coat chicken with the mixture and place in a baking dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes until fully cooked.
Tip: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the maple Dijon mixture for a sweet and spicy kick.
10. Greek-Style Lemon Chicken
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and garlic.
- Coat chicken with the mixture and marinate for 30 minutes.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes.
Tip: Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce and warm pita bread for a complete Greek-inspired meal.
11. Baked Buffalo Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix hot sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Coat the chicken breasts with the buffalo sauce mixture.
- Place the chicken in a baking dish and bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tip: For extra crispy chicken, coat the breasts in a light layer of flour or cornstarch before applying the buffalo sauce.
12. Mediterranean Baked Chicken
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced olives
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, parsley, lemon juice, and oregano.
- Coat the chicken thighs with the mixture.
- Place in a baking dish and sprinkle with feta cheese and olives.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes.
Tip: Add a handful of sun-dried tomatoes to the baking dish for a tangy, Mediterranean twist.
13. Baked Chicken Alfredo
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken in a baking dish and top with Alfredo sauce.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake for 30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted.
Tip: Use homemade Alfredo sauce for a richer flavor. Combine butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese for a simple version.
14. Cajun Baked Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Rub the chicken with olive oil.
- Sprinkle Cajun seasoning and garlic powder evenly over the chicken.
- Place the chicken on a baking tray and bake for 25–30 minutes.
Tip: For a smokier flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the Cajun seasoning mix.
15. Pesto Baked Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Coat the chicken with basil pesto.
- Place in a baking dish and sprinkle with mozzarella.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes.
Tip: Toast pine nuts and sprinkle them over the baked chicken for added crunch and nuttiness.
16. Orange Glazed Baked Chicken
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp grated ginger
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and ginger in a bowl.
- Coat the chicken with the glaze and marinate for 20 minutes.
- Bake for 40 minutes, basting halfway.
Tip: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the glaze for a more intense citrus flavor.
17. Baked Caprese Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange chicken in a baking dish and top with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, then garnish with basil leaves.
Tip: Use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded for a creamier, more authentic Caprese experience.
18. Baked Chicken with Vegetables
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss vegetables with olive oil and Italian seasoning.
- Arrange chicken and vegetables on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, stirring vegetables halfway.
Tip: Cut the vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure they cook evenly alongside the chicken.
19. Sweet Chili Baked Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and garlic powder in a bowl.
- Coat chicken breasts with the mixture.
- Bake for 30 minutes, basting halfway.
Tip: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added texture and presentation.
20. Cranberry Balsamic Baked Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp rosemary, chopped
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix balsamic vinegar, cranberry sauce, honey, and rosemary in a bowl.
- Coat the chicken with the mixture and let marinate for 20 minutes.
- Bake for 40 minutes, basting halfway.
Tip: Use whole cranberry sauce instead of jellied for a more rustic texture and tart flavor.
Conclusion
With these 20 baked chicken recipes, you have a wide range of options to suit every palate. Each recipe is designed to ensure juicy and tender chicken that bursts with flavor. Whether you prefer spicy, sweet, or herbaceous, there is something here for every occasion. Start experimenting with these ideas and enjoy the versatility of baked chicken!