Juicy Baked Chicken Breast Bone In Recipe
As the sun set, my kitchen was bathed in a warm light. I was ready to make a delicious baked chicken dish. The smell of garlic and herbs filled the air, making me excited for the meal ahead.
Baked bone-in chicken breast is a game-changer for dinner. It’s juicy and tender, making everyone love it. This recipe uses chicken breasts with bones and skin for extra flavor. It cooks in just 35-45 minutes at 350°F.
Key Takeaways
- Baked bone-in chicken breasts offer juicy and tender results
- Cooking time is 35-45 minutes at 350°F
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts provide better moisture and texture
- Versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or in various recipes
- Affordable and nutritious option with added benefits from the bones
Understanding Split Chicken Breasts: What Makes Them Special
Baking chicken breasts can be a challenge, but bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, also known as “split chicken breasts,” make it easier. These cuts are not only delicious but also offer several benefits for your cooking.
Why Choose Bone-in Over Boneless
The bone in split chicken breasts helps with even cooking and adds flavor. As it cooks, the bone spreads heat evenly, making the meat juicy and tender. This is better than boneless chicken breasts.
Benefits of Cooking with Skin On
Keeping the skin on while baking is a smart move. The skin keeps the meat moist and prevents it from drying out. Plus, it gets crispy and golden, adding a tasty texture and flavor.
Cost-Effectiveness and Nutritional Value
Split chicken breasts are cheaper per pound than boneless ones, making them a budget-friendly choice. They are also a lean protein source, with the bone adding extra nutrients. While you can remove the skin to cut calories, leaving it on makes the dish more flavorful.
| Characteristic | Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Breasts | Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Enhanced by the bone and skin | Mild, less flavorful |
| Moisture Retention | Excellent, thanks to the skin | Can easily dry out |
| Cost | More cost-effective per pound | Generally more expensive |
| Nutrition | Lean protein with added nutrients from the bone | Lean protein |
In conclusion, bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, or “split chicken breasts,” are a great choice for baked chicken recipes. They offer enhanced flavor, moisture, cost-effectiveness, and nutritional value. These versatile cuts will surely improve your cooking experience.
Essential Ingredients and Kitchen Equipment for Baked Chicken Breast Bone In
Making a tasty chicken recipe is simple with the right stuff. For a delicious easy chicken dinner, you’ll need a few key items. This will help you make a great one-pan chicken dish.
The main ingredient is split chicken breasts. Choose bone-in, skin-on for more flavor and moisture. You’ll also need basic pantry items like olive oil, lemon, and spices like garlic, oregano, and rosemary.
You’ll need a strong baking dish and parchment paper for easy cleaning. An instant-read thermometer is crucial for perfect chicken. A citrus juicer is handy for fresh lemon juice.
With these simple ingredients and tools, you’re ready to make a delicious chicken recipe. It will be an easy chicken dinner your family will love.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Split Chicken Breasts | 4 pieces |
| Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Unsalted Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Lemon | 1 whole |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Oregano | 1 tablespoon |
| Rosemary | 1 tablespoon |
| Kosher Salt | To Taste |
| Freshly Ground Pepper | To Taste |
You can customize the recipe with your favorite seasonings. This makes it a versatile one-pan chicken dish for any easy chicken dinner.
Perfect Seasoning and Preparation Techniques
To get juicy, flavorful baked chicken breasts, you need the right seasoning and prep. Start by making a basic butter and herb mix. This mix goes under the skin and on top of the chicken. It’s made from softened butter, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Basic Butter and Herb Mixture
For the mix, mix 2 tablespoons of softened butter with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Gently loosen the crispy chicken skin and spread the mix under it. Then, rub any leftover seasoning on the roasted chicken meat.
Optional Brining Process
Brining can make your baked chicken breasts even juicier and tender. Brine them in a saltwater solution for 2-4 hours before cooking. This lets the meat soak up moisture and seasonings.
Even a short brine of 15 minutes can add flavor. But brining for 30-60 minutes can make the chicken even juicier and more tender.
Pre-Cooking Temperature Tips
For the best results, let the chicken warm up to room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. This ensures it cooks evenly. Also, pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps the skin get crispy and golden-brown.
| Preparation Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Brining Time (optional) | 2-4 hours |
| Oven Preheating Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 35 minutes |
| Resting Time | 5 minutes |
| Total Time | Approximately 45 minutes |
“The key to juicy, flavorful baked chicken breasts is all in the preparation. Take the time to season it properly, and you’ll be rewarded with a delicious, crispy-skinned meal.”
Step-by-Step Cooking Method and Temperature Guide
Getting juicy baked chicken with crispy skin is simpler than you think. Just follow this easy guide to make oven-roasted chicken perfectly.
- First, preheat your oven to 375°F. This temperature is perfect for cooking the chicken through while keeping it moist and tasty.
- Put your seasoned bone-in chicken breasts in a shallow baking pan or roasting dish. Make sure they’re skin-side up.
- Then, pour some chicken broth or stock around the chicken. This helps keep the meat juicy and prevents it from drying out.
- Bake the chicken for 45-50 minutes. Or until the internal temperature hits 165°F, as checked with a meat thermometer. This is the safe temperature for fully cooked chicken, as recommended by the USDA.
- To get extra crispy, golden-brown skin, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
- Finally, let the oven-roasted chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting time is key. It lets the juices spread evenly, making the meat moist and flavorful.
By following these steps and using a meat thermometer, you can always get perfectly juicy baked chicken with crispy skin. Enjoy your tasty oven-roasted chicken!
Conclusion
Baked bone-in chicken breast is a tasty, moist, and flexible meal. It brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen. This easy recipe makes sure the meat is juicy and the skin is crispy.
It’s great for many dishes or as a main course. Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts are also affordable and healthy. They’re a smart choice for your meals.
Looking for a simple dinner or a dish to wow your guests? Baked baked chicken breast bone in is perfect. The easy steps and method ensure juicy baked chicken every time.
Plus, you can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze them for 2-6 months. This easy chicken dinner is great for planning meals ahead.
Try baked bone-in chicken breasts for a richer and easier cooking experience. Get ready to enjoy the delicious flavors of this easy recipe.
