Making juicy, flavorful oven-baked chicken can seem tricky. Too often, chicken comes out disappointingly dry and tough after baking. However, with the right techniques, keeping chicken tender and moist in the oven is totally achievable. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through proven methods to help you bake chicken that’s perfectly moist every time.
Why Moisture Matters
Moisture content is absolutely key for delicious oven-baked chicken. Dry, overcooked chicken is unappetizing and difficult to chew. On the flip side, properly cooked chicken that retains its moisture boasts a mouthwatering tenderness. With each juicy bite bursting with flavor, it’s easy to see why moisture is so important.
Choosing the Right Chicken Cuts
Not all chicken cuts are created equal when it comes to moisture retention. Leaner breasts are more prone to drying out, while fattier thighs and legs have a higher moisture content. For the juiciest results, opt for bone-in chicken pieces and leave the skin on during cooking. The bones help regulate temperature, while the skin locks in natural juices.
Brining is a Game Changer
Soaking chicken in a saltwater brine before baking infuses it with extra moisture and enhances juiciness. The salt in the brine allows chicken to retain more water. To brine chicken dissolve 1/4 cup salt and 1/4 cup sugar per quart of water. Submerge the chicken for 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on thickness.
Marinate for Maximum Flavor and Moisture
Marinades impart bold flavor and further boost moisture retention. The acid in the marinade tenderizes chicken while oil creates a protective coating. Try marinades with lemon juice vinegar, olive oil, herbs, garlic, and spices. For best results, marinate in the fridge overnight.
Optimize Baking Temperature
Preheating your oven fully and baking chicken at the right temperature prevents overcooking. Whole chickens and thick cuts like bone-in breasts do best around 350°F. For bone-in thighs or drumsticks, bake at 375°F. Avoid cranking the oven temperature too high, as chicken can dry out quickly.
Maintain Moisture During Baking
A few simple baking techniques will keep chicken irresistibly moist:
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Tent foil loosely over the baking dish to trap in steam
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Add a bit of liquid like chicken broth or wine to the pan
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Brush chicken with oil or melted butter before and during baking
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Resist the urge to constantly peek in the oven, which lets heat escape
Mind the Internal Temperature
The number one key to perfect doneness is paying attention to internal temperature, not just baking time. Chicken should reach 165°F at the thickest part. For bone-in cuts, insert the meat thermometer near but not touching the bone.
Let It Rest
After baking, let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes tented with foil before cutting. This crucial step allows juices to redistribute so they don’t run out when cutting. Skipping this step is one of the biggest mistakes people make when baking chicken.
Handy Tips to Keep Chicken Moist
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook evenly
- Bake bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces rather than boneless skinless breasts
- Resist overcrowding the baking pan, which prevents even cooking
- Brush chicken with pan juices to keep the surface moist
- If reheating baked chicken, add a bit of liquid to prevent dryness
Moisture-Boosting Recipes
Ready to bake up some irresistibly juicy chicken? Give these recipes a try:
Juicy Oven-Baked Chicken Breasts
- Brine chicken for 1 hour before baking
- Coat with a mixture of olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper
- Bake at 375°F until 165°F internal temperature
- Rest for 5 minutes before serving over fresh greens
Wine and Herb Braised Chicken Thighs
- Marinate bone-in, skin-on thighs in white wine, lemon, thyme, rosemary, and garlic
- Bake in a Dutch oven with chicken broth at 350°F for 40-50 minutes
- Spoon pan sauce over thighs and roasted veggies
Whole Lemon Chicken
- Place lemon wedges under skin and inside chicken cavity
- Brush skin with melted butter and bake uncovered at 375°F
- Roast until breast is 165°F and thighs are 175°F
- Squeeze roasted lemons over chicken before serving
Moist Baked Chicken is Simple
While baking juicy chicken does require some technique, it’s easy once you know the secrets. With the right prep, temperature control, and cooking methods, you’ll be rewarded with tender, flavorful oven-baked chicken every time. What are you waiting for? Go create some delicious moisture-packed chicken tonight!
BAKED CHICKEN BREAST | juicy, tender, easy, and oh, so flavorful!
FAQ
How do you keep baked chicken from drying out in the oven?
To keep chicken moist and juicy, cook it at a lower temperature in the oven, at 350°F after searing each side. Be careful not to overcook which will make it dry. Bake until the internal temperature just reaches 165°F. Don’t forget to rest your meat for 10-15 minutes before cutting into it.
What keeps chicken moist when baking?
A simple brine of salt, sugar, vinegar and water will keep even boneless skinless breast moist.
Is it better to bake chicken at 350 or 400?
How to keep a chicken moist in the oven?
Seasonings: This roasted chicken is simply seasoned with salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Butter: Butter locks in moisture and gives the seasonings something to adhere to. Celery: Stuff the chicken cavity with celery for subtle vegetal flavor. Plus, the celery will release even more moisture as the chicken cooks.
How do you keep cooked chicken moist in the oven?
Another way to prevent overcooking is to use a lower oven temperature. Baking the chicken breast at a lower temperature, such as 375°F (190°C), can help it cook more slowly and evenly. This reduces the risk of overcooking and ensures that the chicken remains moist and juicy. What role does brining play in keeping baked chicken breast moist?
How do you keep chicken breast moist during cooking?
Basting the breast with melted fat or oil during cooking can help to add moisture and flavor. Simply brush the fat or oil over the breast every 20-30 minutes to keep it moist and juicy. A meat thermometer is an essential tool for ensuring that your chicken breast is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
How do I make baked chicken breast moist and Juicy?
To ensure a moist and juicy baked chicken breast, it’s essential to start with a solid foundation. Here are a few tips to get you started: Brining, or soaking the chicken breast in a saltwater solution, can help to retain moisture and add flavor.
How do you keep chicken from drying out after cooking?
Foiling Using foils to cover the chicken pieces near the end of cooking may actually prevent the meat from drying out. The foil helps retaining the moisture in the chicken and will make it tender and soft. 10. Basting
Should you cover chicken breast before baking?
This helps the chicken retain moisture during the baking process. Additionally, you can coat the chicken breast with a thin layer of olive oil or butter before baking to lock in moisture. Covering the chicken breast with foil while baking can also help trap steam and keep it juicy.
How long do you cook chicken breast & keep it moist?
Cook over low heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. An often-overlooked step in how to cook chicken breasts and keep them moist is resting. After cooking, let your chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making every bite tender and flavorful.