Name: Cook Perfectly Juicy Chicken in the Oven Every Time
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp dried oregano

If you find yourself consistently struggling with dry and overcooked chicken, fear not. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can easily cook perfectly juicy and tender chicken in the oven every time. In this article, we will guide you through the entire process, from choosing the best type of chicken to achieving the perfect level of seasoning. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, you’re sure to learn something new that will take your chicken game to the next level.

Cook Perfectly Juicy Chicken in the Oven Every Time | Eat Urban Garden — Cook Perfectly Juicy Chicken in the Oven Every Time

How to Choose the Best Chicken

Cooking the perfect chicken starts with choosing the best chicken. Here are some factors to consider:

Freshness

When buying chicken, the fresher, the better. Look for chicken with a pink, healthy glow on the skin. Avoid buying chicken that has a grey or yellow tint, as this indicates that it is not fresh. The sell-by date on the packaging is also a good way to determine freshness. If the chicken has been sitting on the shelf for a while, it may not cook as well and may not be as juicy.

Color

The color of the chicken can also indicate its quality. When buying chicken, look for a consistent, pink color. If the color is uneven or has any spots of discoloration, it may be an indication that it has been frozen and thawed multiple times. Frozen chicken may not cook as evenly, resulting in a dry texture.

Texture

When selecting chicken, also consider its texture. The meat should be firm, not slimy or sticky. If the chicken feels slimy to the touch, it may be an indication that it is not fresh. Look for chicken with a slightly springy texture.

Preparing the Chicken for Baking

Before popping your chicken in the oven, it is crucial to prepare it properly to ensure maximum flavor and juiciness. Follow these essential steps to get your chicken ready for baking:

Cleaning the Chicken

The first step in preparing your chicken is to clean it thoroughly. Rinse the chicken inside and out under cold water, making sure to remove any innards. Using paper towels, pat the chicken dry to remove any excess moisture.

Seasoning the Chicken

Once the chicken is clean and dry, it is time to season it. Rub your favorite seasonings all over the chicken, both inside and out. Be sure to lift the skin to season the meat underneath. Some popular spices for chicken include garlic powder, paprika, and cumin.

Preparing the Oven

While you are seasoning the chicken, preheat the oven to the correct temperature. The typical temperature for baking chicken is 350Â°F, but this can vary depending on the recipe. Once the oven is heated, place the chicken in a baking dish and put it in the oven.

Best Techniques for Baking Chicken

When it comes to cooking chicken in the oven, there are a few techniques you can use to ensure that it comes out juicy and delicious every time. Here are some of the best techniques for baking chicken:

Use a Meat Thermometer

One of the most important things you can do when baking chicken is to use a meat thermometer. This will ensure that the chicken is cooked to the correct temperature and that it is safe to eat. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, making sure it doesn’t touch any bone, and wait until it reaches 165Â°F. This is the temperature at which chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Baste the Chicken

Basting is the process of brushing or spooning liquid over the chicken as it cooks. This not only adds flavor but also helps to keep the chicken moist. You can use a variety of liquids for basting, such as melted butter, olive oil, or chicken broth. Be sure to baste the chicken every 15-20 minutes to ensure that it stays juicy.

Cover with Foil

Covering the chicken with foil while it bakes is another great way to keep it moist. This technique works by trapping steam inside the foil, which helps to keep the chicken from drying out. Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it tightly with foil. Bake it for the recommended time, or until it reaches the correct temperature, and then remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to allow the skin to crisp up.

How to Know When Chicken is Done

Cooking chicken in the oven can be an easy and delicious way to prepare a flavorful meal for you and your family. However, it is important to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat before serving. Here we discuss the different ways you can tell when your chicken is done, including checking the internal temperature, color, and texture of the meat.

Checking the Internal Temperature of the Meat

One of the most important steps in ensuring your chicken is cooked perfectly is to check the internal temperature of the meat. Chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165Â°F (75Â°C) to ensure that it is safe to eat and has reached the appropriate level of doneness. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken (without touching the bone) and wait until the temperature reading is stable.

Checking the Color of the Meat

While checking the internal temperature of the chicken is the most reliable way to tell if it is fully cooked, you can also use the color of the meat to help determine if it is done. The juices of the chicken should run clear, not pink, when it is fully cooked. Additionally, the meat should no longer appear pink or translucent, and should have a nice golden brown color.

Checking the Texture of the Meat

The texture of the chicken is another important factor in determining if it is fully cooked. The chicken should be firm and the meat should not be translucent. If the meat is still mushy or gelatinous, it may not be fully cooked and should be returned to the oven for further cooking. Additionally, you can check the tenderness of the meat by inserting a fork or knife into the thickest part of the chicken. If the juices run clear and the meat is easily pierced, it is likely fully cooked.

Resting and Serving Your Chicken

After taking your juicy chicken out of the oven, it’s crucial to give it time to rest before diving in. This allows the juices to redistribute and settle back into the meat, ensuring maximum flavor and juiciness.

Why Resting is Important

When chicken is cooked, the heat causes the juices to move away from the center of the meat and towards the outer edges. If you cut into the chicken right away, all those precious juices will spill out onto the cutting board, leaving you with dry, flavorless chicken. By letting it rest, you are allowing the juices to be reabsorbed into the meat, ensuring a flavorful, juicy result.

How to Properly Rest Your Chicken

Once your chicken is cooked to perfection, transfer it to a cutting board and loosely tent it with foil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes, depending on the size of the bird. Larger chickens may need up to 15-20 minutes to rest. Avoid cutting into the bird during this time, as it will release the precious juices you’re working so hard to preserve.

Serving Your Chicken

When it’s time to serve your juicy chicken, there are a few things to keep in mind. First off, make sure your cutting board has a well to catch any juices that may escape. Secondly, use a sharp knife to carve your bird. This will help you get clean, even slices without tearing the meat. Finally, consider drizzling some of the reserved pan juices over the top of your chicken for added flavor and moisture.

Pro Tip: If you’re struggling to get clean, even slices, try removing the breast meat in one piece rather than carving it directly on the bird. This will give you a nice, even slice every time.

Troubleshooting Dry Chicken

No one likes to bite into a dry, tough piece of chicken. Here are some common reasons why chicken may turn out dry and how to prevent these issues:

1. Overcooking

One of the most common reasons for dry chicken is overcooking. When chicken is exposed to high heat for too long, it can become dry and tough. To prevent this, be sure to follow the recommended cooking times for your oven and type of chicken.

2. Underseasoning

Another reason chicken can turn out dry is if it’s underseasoned. Chicken needs adequate seasoning to be flavorful and moist. Be sure to generously season your chicken with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices before cooking. You can also marinate your chicken for a few hours to infuse it with flavor.

3. Choosing the Wrong Cut of Chicken

Not all cuts of chicken are created equal when it comes to staying moist. Lean cuts like chicken breasts are more likely to dry out than fattier cuts like thighs. If you’re prone to dry chicken, try cooking with fattier cuts or even a whole chicken.

4. Not Basting or Adding Liquid

Basting your chicken with its own juices or other liquids can help keep it moist while cooking. You can also try adding a splash of chicken broth or white wine to the pan to create a steamy environment for the chicken to cook in.

5. Not Resting Before Cutting

Letting your chicken rest before cutting into it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat instead of draining out and leaving it dry. For best results, let your chicken rest for at least 5-10 minutes before cutting into it.

6. Using Dry Cooking Methods

Certain cooking methods like baking and roasting can dry out chicken if not done correctly. To improve your chances of juicy chicken, try cooking with techniques that involve liquids like braising or stewing. These methods allow the chicken to cook in a moist environment and absorb more flavor from the surrounding ingredients.

Thanks for Reading!

We hope this article helped you achieve the perfect juicy chicken every time you cook it in the oven. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family! And don’t hesitate to visit our blog again for more helpful and tasty tips.