How to Make Perfect Baked Chicken
Some people consider baked chicken comfort food, with its crispy skin, juicy meat and simple flavor. Using butter, spices and herbs, you can make tender baked chicken to feed your family. Since the preparation required is minimal, it is the perfect meal to put together for last-minute dinner guests. Baked chicken pairs well with vegetables like potatoes, onions and carrots that can be roasted in the oven at the same time you are cooking the chicken. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Chicken (breasts, thighs or drumsticks)
- 4 tbsp. butter
- Saute pan
- Roasting pan
- Non-stick spray
- 1 tsp. minced garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
- Rosemary
Instructions
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1
Melt 1 tbsp. butter in a saute pan at a medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in the butter in the saute pan until the skin is golden brown. Do not cook the chicken completely through.
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2
Spray the bottom and sides of a roasting pan with non-stick spray, and place chicken in the pan.
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3
Melt 3 tbsp. butter in the used saute pan. Mix 1 tsp. minced garlic to the melted butter.
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4
Brush the garlic butter over the top of the chicken using the back of a spoon or a pastry brush.
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5
Dust the chicken with salt, pepper and dried rosemary.
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6
Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 to 50 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, the safe internal temperature for chicken, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.
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Tips & Warnings
Store leftover chicken in the refrigerator and use within three to four days.
If you are using a whole chicken, skip the searing step and tie the chicken's legs together with butcher's twine. Cooking times will need to be extended for a whole chicken, depending on the size and weight of the bird.
Cover the chicken with aluminum foil if it is browning too quickly while in the oven.
Use caution when sauteing the chicken and removing the roasting pan from the oven.
References
- Photo Credit Eising/Photodisc/Getty Images
