Perfectly Crispy Baked Chicken with Herbs

Looking for a simple yet delicious baked chicken recipe that you can whip up in your oven? This perfectly crispy baked chicken with herbs is sure to become a favorite! The cooking time is approximately 45 minutes, and it serves 4 people. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this tasty dish at home.

Ingredients:

• 4 skin-on, bone-in chicken legs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons fresh herbs (you can choose between thyme, rosemary, and parsley)
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Lemon juice for serving (optional)

To start with this recipe, preheat your oven to 400°F. Take a large baking dish and line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup later.

Once the chicken is ready, you need to season it properly so that each bite will be full of flavor. Start by patting the chicken dry using paper towels. This helps in achieving perfect crispiness during baking.

In a small bowl, combine two tablespoons of olive oil with three tablespoons of fresh herbs and a generous amount of salt and pepper according to your preference. Using tongs or your hands, thoroughly coat the chicken pieces in this mixture, making sure every part gets coated evenly. This ensures that not only the outside but also the inside is filled with savory flavors.

Place the seasoned chicken on the prepared baking dish. If you have a roasting rack, it would be beneficial to place your chicken over it to allow for even cooking and better airflow around the pieces. Roast in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with an instant-read thermometer. You can check if they are ready by giving them a gentle shake – if they wobble, they're done!

While your chicken is baking, you might want to prepare some sides. A simple side of roasted vegetables like carrots and potatoes or a fresh salad would complement this dish perfectly.

For the roasted vegetables, peel and slice 4 medium-sized potatoes into wedges. Toss them in half a tablespoon of olive oil along with two teaspoons of salt and pepper. Place them on another baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast alongside the chicken for about 30 minutes or until they are golden brown and tender.

Alternatively, you could also slice some carrots into rounds, toss them in olive oil, sprinkle some salt and pepper over it, then place them on a separate baking sheet. Roast at the same temperature as the chicken for approximately 25-30 minutes or until they reach a golden hue.

How to Achieve Crispy Skin

The key to achieving perfectly crispy skin is ensuring that your oven is preheated properly before placing the chicken inside. As the chicken bakes, moisture escapes from its surface causing the skin to crisp up beautifully. Additionally, roasting on a rack allows for even heat distribution and better air circulation around each piece of meat.

Another tip is to brown the chicken briefly in a skillet with a little bit of oil before placing it into the oven. This extra step caramelizes the sugars present in the skin, leading to an even deeper golden color and crisp texture once fully cooked through.

To check if your chicken has reached the optimal temperature, use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone or skin. It should read 165°F for safety purposes.

Serving Suggestions

When the chicken is done and rested for about five minutes off heat, it’s time to enjoy this delicious meal! Serve alongside roasted vegetables if you made them earlier or with a simple salad of your choice. Drizzle some extra lemon juice over top if desired; this adds an additional layer of freshness.

This dish pairs wonderfully well with various sides such as mashed potatoes, green beans alfredo, or even just steamed broccoli. It’s also great for those who are watching their calories since it doesn’t require heavy sauces or buttery accompaniments like some other chicken dishes might demand.

To conclude, this baked chicken recipe is a straightforward yet tasty way to enjoy a home-cooked meal that everyone will love. Its simplicity makes it perfect for weeknight dinners when you’re short on time but still want something satisfying and healthy. Enjoy your meal!