Juicy Baked Chicken Recipe That’s Never Dry

The Kind of Chicken That Feels Like Home

Nothing quite says home cooking like some juicy baked chicken.
This is one of those recipes that’s simple enough for a weeknight but satisfying enough to make you feel like you’ve done something special. The skin gets crisp, the inside stays tender, and the whole house smells like somebody’s mama is cooking. If you’ve ever wanted that perfect in-the-oven chicken with flavor all the way through, this is it. Nothing fancy, just good ingredients and a solid method that never fails me.

Clean Chicken Tastes Better

Before we get started on seasoning the chicken, it’s important to clean it well. This step really does make a difference in both taste and texture. Everybody has their own method for cleaning chicken, and that’s fine. The goal is to get rid of any excess skin, fat, and those little plume pieces that sometimes stick to the skin.

My go-to method is a soak in cold salted water. After rinsing the chicken, I place it in a large container with cold water and about 2 tablespoons of salt, then let it sit for at least 20 minutes. Some folks use vinegar or lemon juice, but salt does the job just as well and even better, in my opinion, because it also starts seasoning the chicken while it sits. I find it gives the chicken a cleaner taste and a better bite all around.

In the Kitchen With Me

Pull up a chair while I walk you through this baked chicken recipe step by step.

What Goes Into Juicy Baked Chicken

This recipe keeps things simple but flavorful. Here’s a look at the ingredients and why each one matters:

Chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on — The star of the show. You can use any part of the chicken, but keep in mind breasts behave differently. They’re leaner and need some liquid added because of the lack of fat. Always keep the skin on to help prevent drying out and to get that crispy finish.

Onion, sliced — Yellow or sweet onions work best here. They add a mild sweetness and moisture while baking.

Garlic, chopped or minced — Because it tastes good, plain and simple.

Garlic powder and onion powder — These add an extra layer of flavor throughout the chicken. Don’t skip out on these — they really make a difference.

Paprika — Any type will work. It adds a nice color and a subtle smoky touch.

Poultry seasoning — Do you have a favorite? This classic blend rounds out the herbs and spices perfectly. If you’re out of poultry seasoning, Herb de Provence or similar blends make great substitutes.

Cayenne powder — Just a little bit for warmth—you won’t even know it’s there.

Black pepper and salt — The basics that bring everything together. Salt also helps with seasoning during the soak.

Optional stock cube and butter — These add extra richness and moisture, especially if you’re using leaner chicken or want a deeper flavor.

Optional carrots and potatoes — Great for making it a full meal. Just remember to increase the salt a bit if you add these.

Tools You Can Use

Having the right kitchen tools makes this recipe even easier to pull together. Here are a few helpful items to keep on hand:

• Baking Pan or Covered Casserole Dish
  A sturdy 9x13 baking dish or lidded casserole helps the chicken cook evenly and keeps all that good broth from drying out.

• Mixing Bowls with Lids
  Great for seasoning and marinating the chicken ahead of time. Lids make cleanup simpler and keep everything tucked away in the fridge.

• Sharp Knife & Cutting Board
  Useful for trimming the chicken, slicing onions, and chopping garlic—this one’s basic but important.

• Tongs or a Slotted Spoon
  Makes it easy to lift the chicken out without losing the crispy skin or disturbing the pan juices.

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Make It Your Own

One of the best things about this juicy baked chicken recipe is how easy it is to make it work for whatever you’ve got on hand. I’ve paired it with all kinds of sides over the years—mashed potatoes, cabbage, rice, cornbread, string beans, and yes, even carrot soufflé. It all just works.

As the chicken bakes, the onions melt down into the broth and create a rich, flavorful gravy that’s perfect spooned over rice or potatoes. Sometimes I’ll toss in some vegetables right into the pan, and let everything cook together. It’s a cozy, complete meal without any fuss.

And if you’ve got leftovers, don’t let them go to waste. That tender chicken makes a great base for chicken salad, wraps, or even a quick stir fry the next day.

This is one of those recipes that fits your life, not the other way around.