Crispy on the Outside... Juicy on the Inside!

Whether you're preparing a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, this Easy Succulent Oven-Baked Chicken recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken with perfectly seasoned crispy skin. A simple blend of pantry spices and a hot oven create a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 4 hours or overnight (recommended)
Cook Time: 40–50 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour (plus marinating time)
Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

• 3–4 lbs cut-up whole chicken
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
2. Wash the chicken thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Place the chicken pieces in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Season

1. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken.
2. Add the salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, oregano, and cumin powder.
3. Massage the seasoning mixture thoroughly into each piece of chicken until evenly coated.

Step 3: Marinate (Optional but Recommended)

For the juiciest, most flavorful chicken:

• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
• Remove from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking.

Step 4: Bake

1. Line a baking sheet or roasting pan with parchment paper or foil.
2. Arrange the chicken pieces skin-side up in a single layer.
3. Bake for 40–50 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through cooking.
4. Cook until the thickest piece reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Crisp the Skin

During the final 2–3 minutes, switch the oven to broil to create beautifully browned, crispy skin.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Remove the chicken from the oven.
2. Allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes.
3. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Chef's Tips

✔ Marinate overnight for maximum flavor.
✔ Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help the skin crisp.
✔ Leave space between chicken pieces for even roasting.
✔ Cover chicken with foil and allow it to rest for 10 mins to keep it juicy.