Chicken Bake

Delicious way to bake a chicken

How to bake a chicken  

Baking a chicken is a simple yet rewarding cooking method that yields tender, flavorful results with minimal hands-on effort. The process begins with selecting a quality bird and preparing it by patting it dry, which helps ensure crispy skin. For basic preparation, you’ll want to season the chicken generously with salt and pepper, both inside the cavity and on the skin. Many cooks enhance flavor by adding aromatics like halved lemons, garlic cloves, and fresh herbs such as rosemary and thyme to the cavity. After drizzling the skin with olive oil, the chicken is ready for the oven, typically at 375-425°F depending on your recipe.

The magic happens during baking as the fat renders, basting the meat naturally while the skin turns golden and crisp. Cooking time varies based on the bird’s size, generally requiring about 20 minutes per pound until the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the thigh. One key to success is allowing the chicken to rest for 10-15 minutes after removing it from the oven, which helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat rather than running out when carved. This simple technique transforms an everyday ingredient into a satisfying meal that can be paired with countless side dishes or used as the foundation for multiple meals throughout the week.