Are you craving a delicious, comforting meal that's both easy to make and incredibly flavorful? Look no further! This Southern Baked Chicken 375 Degrees recipe is your answer. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times; this recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken with a crispy, golden-brown skin every single time. It's a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special family gathering. This is one of those best recipes you'll want to keep coming back to.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This ensures your chicken cooks evenly and achieves that perfect golden-brown crust.
Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This simple step helps the skin crisp up beautifully. Season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub the spices into the chicken, ensuring even coverage.
Sear (optional but recommended): For extra flavor and a crispier skin, heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step isn't strictly necessary, but it makes a noticeable difference.
Bake the chicken: Transfer the skillet (or place the chicken directly on a baking sheet) into the preheated oven. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the skillet (if using). Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). Use a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked through.
Rest and serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in incredibly moist and tender chicken.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure there's enough space between the chicken breasts for even cooking and browning. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the most reliable way to ensure your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Adjust cooking time: Depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Always check the internal temperature to be sure.
Variations:
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Add the zest and juice of one lemon, along with 1 tablespoon of dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano).
- Spicy Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the spice rub.
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken: Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the spice rub.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
This Southern Baked Chicken 375 Degrees recipe is a simple, healthy, and delicious addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. It's a fantastic example of how satisfying a homemade meal can be, even on busy weeknights. Enjoy!