Baking chicken in the oven is a fantastic way to achieve tender, juicy meat with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, oven-baked chicken recipes are convenient, flavorful, and versatile. The oven’s heat ensures even cooking, and you can easily customize the flavors to suit your taste.
In this article, we’ll share some of the best chicken recipes to make in the oven that will have your family or guests coming back for more!
1. Simple Oven-Baked Chicken Breasts
A classic oven-baked chicken breast recipe that is juicy and full of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts and rub it in evenly.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper on both sides of the chicken.
- Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
👉 Tip: Serve with roasted vegetables or a light salad for a healthy meal.
2. Baked Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Rosemary
This rosemary and lemon chicken thigh recipe brings out the bold flavors and tenderness of chicken thighs.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs and rub it in evenly.
- Place lemon slices and rosemary on top of the chicken thighs.
- Season with salt and pepper, then arrange the chicken on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
- Serve with mashed potatoes or a side of green beans.
👉 Tip: For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking!
3. Oven-Baked Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce
These oven-baked chicken wings are crispy and coated in a tangy buffalo sauce, perfect for a snack or party appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 10-12 chicken wings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels, then toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are crispy.
- Toss the baked wings in buffalo sauce, and serve with celery sticks and ranch dressing.
👉 Tip: For extra crispy wings, bake on a wire rack placed over the baking sheet.
4. Oven-Roasted Whole Chicken with Herbs and Vegetables
A roasted whole chicken recipe that’s perfect for a family meal or a special dinner party.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 4 medium carrots, cut into chunks
- 1 onion, quartered
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and drizzle with olive oil.
- Stuff the chicken cavity with lemon quarters, garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Place the chicken on a roasting pan and surround with carrots and onion.
- Roast for 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.
👉 Tip: Use the pan drippings to make a flavorful gravy!
5. Baked Chicken Parmesan
A classic Italian favorite, this chicken Parmesan is breaded, baked to perfection, and topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil spray
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and oregano.
- Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
- Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, then return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve with spaghetti or a side salad.
👉 Tip: For an extra crispy crust, broil for 1-2 minutes before serving!
6. Baked Chicken Fajitas
These baked chicken fajitas are easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors, making them perfect for a taco night or casual dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Tortillas, for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken, bell peppers, and onion with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the mixture on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.
👉 Tip: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese before baking for a cheesy fajita bake!
Tips for Baking Chicken in the Oven
✔ Preheat the Oven – Always preheat your oven to the required temperature to ensure even cooking.
✔ Use a Meat Thermometer – For best results, cook chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
✔ Use Parchment Paper or Foil – Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil makes cleanup easier and helps prevent sticking.
✔ Rest the Chicken – Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking to retain its juices.
These chicken recipes in the oven are not only delicious but also simple to prepare. From crispy chicken breasts to tender roasted whole chicken, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress your guests, oven-baked chicken is the perfect choice.