Simple Oven Baked Chicken Recipe

This simple oven baked chicken is a staple at many wedding dinners. I should know, I made this for many years at a local restaurant for weddings as large as 600 people. This is the original recipe that the restaurant owners made when they first opened back in 1946.

While this chicken recipe may not result in a marriage proposal, it is certainly a wedding chicken. Many people have enjoyed this popular recipe for decades.

Perfect for home cooks. This recipe has been a go-to recipe in my kitchen for decades, and it’s one of my family’s favorite meals. It’s the kind of recipe you can count on for an easy, flavorful Sunday chicken dinner that brings everyone together. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep, it’s perfect for busy weekends when you still want to serve something delicious and comforting.

Baked Chicken for Wedding Dinners

For over twelve years I baked the chicken for wedding dinners at the local restaurant. This is the recipe that was taught to me by the original owners of the business. The restaurant has been handed down to the next generation for decades now. They are on their third generation now. I had to pleasure of working with the first two generations.

Two Ingredients with Two Seasonings

Really. This baked chicken uses only two ingredients and one of them is the chicken. The other is water. Yup, just plain water. It keeps the chicken moist while baking. The left over juices are packed full of nutrients, so save this. Label it and freeze it for later use in chicken soup, sauces, pasta, or anything else you can dream up. The seasonings are probably something that you already have in your pantry; pepper, and Lawry’s Seasoned Salt. If you do not have this seasoned salt in your cupboard, you can find it here.

Delicious Easy Dinner Recipe

There’s something so comforting about oven-baked chicken. It’s a classic dish that never goes out of style, and for good reason. Tonight at home I made this chicken dish and served it with wild rice and green beans. What a wonderful combination of flavors and textures.

Cooking Tips

Simplify your dinner with this oven fried chicken that comes out tender, crispy, & delicious. This is easier to achieve than you may think and it just might become your best baked chicken recipe yet.

• Types of chicken: You can use any cut you like—chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks. If you’re cooking with bone-in chicken, the cooking time may be a little longer, but it will be worth it for the extra flavor and tenderness.
• Internal temperature: Always check the internal temperature of your chicken with an instant-read thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked. Aim for 165°F for the juiciest results.
• Crispy skin: For crispy chicken skin, make sure the chicken is dry before seasoning. You can also broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes at the end of cooking if you want an extra-crispy finish.

Best Ways to Serve Oven-Baked Chicken

Pair your chicken with simple side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. You can even slice the chicken and serve it over pasta or rice for a heartier meal.

Complete the Wedding Dinner.

Along with this delicious chicken, we served coleslaw, mashed potatoes, gravy, and dressing. The coleslaw recipe that I have previously shared with you is the recipe that we made. If you missed it, you can find that recipe here. Looking for a good mashed potatoes recipe? Here is mine.

Leftovers and Storage

If you have leftover chicken, don’t worry! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the oven or air fryer to keep the skin crispy, or shred the chicken for easy sandwiches, wraps, or salads during the week. It’s the perfect way to make the most of a delicious healthy dinner.

Recipe Variations

Here are some great recipe variations to elevate your oven-baked chicken with different flavors and textures:

1. Cream Sauce from Pan Drippings Gravy

After baking the chicken, don’t let those flavorful pan drippings go to waste! You can turn them into a delicious creamy gravy:

• Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pan and set it aside to rest.
• Pour the pan drippings into a medium saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of flour to the pan drippings and whisk for about 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
• Slowly whisk in 1 cup of chicken broth or heavy cream, allowing the sauce to thicken. Season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer until you reach the desired consistency.
• Pour the creamy gravy over the baked chicken for a rich and flavorful meal!

2. Paprika and Garlic-Infused Chicken

For a boost of flavor and color, add paprika to the seasoning mix:

• In your small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and 1-2 teaspoons of paprika (smoked or sweet, depending on your preference).
• Rub this seasoning over the chicken before baking. The paprika adds a warm, slightly smoky flavor and gives the chicken a beautiful golden color as it cooks.

3. Lemon and Herb Chicken

Give your baked chicken a fresh, zesty twist by incorporating lemon juice and herbs:

• Add the juice of one lemon to your olive oil and seasoning mix, along with some chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley.
• Place a few lemon slices directly on top of the chicken while it bakes for an extra burst of citrus flavor. This variation pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a light salad.

4. Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken

For a sweet and tangy flavor profile, try a honey mustard glaze:

• Mix 2 tablespoons of honey with 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard and a little olive oil. Brush this mixture over the chicken halfway through baking.
• The glaze will caramelize slightly, giving the chicken a golden, sticky finish with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

5. Spicy Cajun Chicken

For those who like a bit of heat, turn your baked chicken into a Cajun-inspired dish:

• Mix Cajun seasoning (or a combination of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme) into your olive oil.
• Rub the seasoning mix over the chicken before baking for a bold, spicy flavor that’s perfect with rice or cornbread.

6. Italian Baked Chicken

Give your chicken an Italian twist with the addition of tomatoes and cheese:

• Add Italian seasoning (a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme) to the olive oil. Bake the chicken as usual, and in the last 10 minutes, top each piece with a slice of fresh tomato and mozzarella cheese.
• Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a chicken dish reminiscent of chicken Parmesan.

7. Parmesan Crusted Chicken

For a crispy, cheesy finish:

• Mix 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese with breadcrumbs, and after coating the chicken in olive oil, press the cheese mixture onto the skin.
• Bake until the cheese crust is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. The result is a flavorful, crispy coating that adds an extra layer of texture.

8. Maple-Dijon Chicken

For a sweet and savory option, create a glaze with maple syrup and Dijon mustard:

• Mix 2 tablespoons of maple syrup with 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. About 10 minutes before the chicken is finished baking, brush this glaze over the top.
• The maple syrup will caramelize, giving the chicken a sticky sweetness that balances out the tang of the mustard.

Each of these variations adds a unique flavor profile to your classic oven-baked chicken, allowing you to switch things up depending on your mood or occasion

Why This Oven-Baked Chicken Recipe is a Favorite

I’ve made this recipe countless times over the years, and it always turns out perfectly. It’s not just easy; it’s also packed with flavor. With minimal ingredients and effort, you get a wholesome dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Plus, it’s versatile enough to suit any meal plan, making it a go-to in my kitchen.

Just look at that golden brown color. It means the outside is crispy. Yet, the inside is just as tender and juicy as you would expect. Easy Chicken Recipe. This recipe is so easy that if you are a newbie in the kitchen, you can master this simple dish even if it is your first time making it.

I hope that you liked this recipe. If you are looking for more ideas on what to make, here are a few other recipes that you may enjoy.

• The Best Dressing Recipe
• Grandma’s Easy Classic Deviled Eggs Recipe
• Creamy Chicken Skillet Dinner
• Creamy Chicken Casserole
• Homemade Tomato Ketchup Canning Recipe