18 Mouthwatering Baked Chicken Recipes to Savor

You’re in for a treat! We’ve gathered 18 irresistible baked chicken recipes that transform simple ingredients into spectacular meals. From quick weeknight dinners to cozy comfort food classics, these dishes promise juicy, flavorful results every time. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, get ready to discover your new favorite chicken masterpiece. Let’s dive into these mouthwatering creations that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Lemon Herb Baked Chicken Breasts

Even the busiest weeknights deserve a flavorful, fuss-free dinner. Lemon herb baked chicken delivers juicy results with minimal effort. This method ensures perfectly cooked breasts every time.

Ingredients

Chicken breasts – 4 (6 oz each)
Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Lemon juice – 3 tbsp
Garlic powder – 1 tsp
Dried oregano – 1 tsp
Salt – 1 tsp
Black pepper – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Pat chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels.
3. Brush both sides of each breast with olive oil.
4. Squeeze fresh lemon juice evenly over all chicken pieces.
5. Sprinkle garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper over both sides.
6. Rub seasonings gently into the meat with your fingertips.
7. Arrange chicken in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
8. Bake at 400°F for 22-25 minutes.
9. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should read 165°F.
10. Remove chicken from oven when thermometer reaches 165°F.
11. Let chicken rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing.
Resting allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat. The chicken emerges tender with bright citrus notes and aromatic herbs. Serve sliced over quinoa or alongside roasted asparagus for a complete meal.

Garlic Parmesan Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs

A crispy, garlicky chicken dinner that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. These baked thighs achieve perfect crunch without frying. You’ll want to make this weekly staple immediately.

Ingredients

Chicken thighs – 2 lbs
Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Garlic powder – 1 tbsp
Parmesan cheese – ½ cup
Panko breadcrumbs – 1 cup
Salt – 1 tsp
Black pepper – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness.
3. In a medium bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Brush each chicken thigh thoroughly with olive oil on both sides.
5. Press each oiled chicken thigh firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, coating all surfaces evenly.
6. Arrange coated chicken thighs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for air circulation.
7. Bake at 400°F for 35-40 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the coating is golden brown.
8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute evenly. Don’t skip this crucial step for tender results.
9. Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness rather than guessing – this prevents overcooking while ensuring food safety.
Deliciously crunchy on the outside while remaining incredibly juicy inside. The garlic-Parmesan crust adds savory depth that pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables or atop a fresh salad. Leftovers make excellent next-day sandwiches when sliced thin.

Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Keeping weeknight dinners simple doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. These honey mustard baked chicken drumsticks come together with minimal effort for maximum payoff. Just a few pantry staples transform ordinary chicken into a sticky, savory meal.

Ingredients

Chicken drumsticks – 8
Honey – ¼ cup
Dijon mustard – 3 tbsp
Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Garlic powder – 1 tsp
Salt – 1 tsp
Black pepper – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Pat the chicken drumsticks completely dry with paper towels.
3. Place the drumsticks in a large mixing bowl.
4. Add the honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the bowl.
5. Toss the drumsticks thoroughly until evenly coated in the marinade.
6. Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Bake at 400°F for 35 minutes.
8. Flip each drumstick carefully using tongs.
9. Continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
10. Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Out of the oven, the skin becomes beautifully caramelized with a sticky glaze. The mustard provides a sharp tang that balances the honey’s sweetness perfectly. Serve them alongside roasted potatoes or over a bed of rice to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce.

Spicy Buffalo Baked Chicken Wings

Tender, spicy, and perfectly crispy without the fryer—these wings deliver classic Buffalo flavor with minimal effort. They’re ideal for game day or a quick weeknight dinner. You’ll love the bold heat balanced by a creamy, cooling dip.

Ingredients

– Chicken wings – 2 lbs
– Baking powder – 2 tbsp
– Salt – 1 tsp
– Black pepper – ½ tsp
– Garlic powder – 1 tsp
– Hot sauce – ½ cup
– Unsalted butter – ¼ cup
– Blue cheese dressing – ½ cup

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
2. Pat chicken wings completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
3. In a large bowl, toss wings with baking powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
4. Arrange wings in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
5. Bake for 25 minutes, then flip wings using tongs for even browning.
6. Continue baking for another 20–25 minutes until skin is golden and crispy.
7. While wings bake, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
8. Stir in hot sauce until fully combined, then remove from heat.
9. Transfer baked wings to a clean bowl and toss thoroughly with the sauce mixture.
10. Serve immediately with blue cheese dressing for dipping. Generously crispy skin gives way to juicy, well-seasoned meat inside. The spicy kick from the sauce pairs perfectly with the cool, tangy dressing—try serving them alongside celery sticks for a refreshing crunch.

Teriyaki Glazed Baked Chicken Thighs

Craving juicy chicken with minimal effort? These teriyaki glazed thighs deliver sweet-savory flavor with just five ingredients. Bake them for a hands-off dinner that satisfies every time.

Ingredients

Chicken thighs – 2 lbs
Soy sauce – ½ cup
Brown sugar – ¼ cup
Rice vinegar – 2 tbsp
Cornstarch – 1 tbsp

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels for better browning.
3. Arrange thighs skin-side up in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar in a small bowl until sugar dissolves.
5. Pour half the sauce over chicken, reserving the rest.
6. Bake chicken for 30 minutes.
7. Whisk cornstarch into reserved sauce to prevent lumps.
8. Brush thickened sauce over chicken after 30 minutes of baking.
9. Continue baking until internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 15 more minutes.
10. Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving to redistribute juices.
The glossy glaze caramelizes into a sticky-sweet coating while keeping the meat incredibly moist. Serve over steamed rice to soak up the extra sauce, or shred for teriyaki chicken bowls topped with scallions.

Mediterranean Baked Chicken with Olives

Often overlooked in favor of grilled options, this baked chicken delivers bold Mediterranean flavors with minimal effort. Olive-studded and herb-infused, it’s a weeknight winner that feels restaurant-worthy.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs – 1.5 lbs
• Olive oil – 2 tbsp
• Garlic cloves – 4, minced
• Dried oregano – 1 tsp
• Kalamata olives – ½ cup, pitted
• Lemon juice – 2 tbsp
• Salt – 1 tsp
• Black pepper – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels for crispier skin.
3. Rub olive oil evenly over all sides of chicken.
4. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and dried oregano directly onto chicken.
5. Place chicken skin-side up in 9×13 baking dish.
6. Scatter minced garlic and Kalamata olives around chicken.
7. Drizzle lemon juice over everything.
8. Bake for 35 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
9. Let rest 5 minutes before serving to redistribute juices.

Notably tender with crispy, herb-speckled skin, the chicken absorbs the briny olive and garlic notes beautifully. Serve over couscous to soak up the lemony pan juices, or shred into grain bowls for a fresh twist.

Pesto Baked Chicken Breasts

Let’s get straight to this simple pesto chicken recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Liven up your weeknight dinner rotation with this one-pan wonder. Perfectly cooked chicken gets a vibrant pesto crust that’s both impressive and effortless.

Ingredients

Chicken breasts – 4
Pesto – ½ cup
Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Salt – 1 tsp
Black pepper – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Pat chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning.
3. Brush both sides of chicken breasts with olive oil.
4. Season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper.
5. Spread ¼ cup pesto evenly over the top of each chicken breast.
6. Place chicken in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
7. Bake at 400°F for 22-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
8. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
9. Check for doneness by ensuring no pink remains when you cut into the thickest part.
Outrageously juicy chicken emerges with a flavorful pesto crust that crisps beautifully in the hot oven. The basil-forward pesto creates a vibrant green coating that contrasts with the tender white meat. Serve sliced over pasta or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal that looks far more complicated than it actually is.

Maple Glazed Baked Chicken Thighs

You’ve probably tried baked chicken, but this maple glaze takes it to another level. Your kitchen will smell incredible, and cleanup is minimal since everything bakes in one pan. It’s perfect for busy weeknights but impressive enough for guests.

Ingredients

Chicken thighs – 6
Maple syrup – ¼ cup
Soy sauce – 2 tbsp
Dijon mustard – 1 tbsp
Garlic powder – 1 tsp
Salt – 1 tsp
Black pepper – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp.
3. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up in a single layer in a baking dish.
5. Whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.
6. Brush half of the maple glaze evenly over the chicken thighs.
7. Bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove the baking dish from the oven and brush the remaining glaze over the chicken.
9. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is caramelized.
10. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Dripping with sticky-sweet glaze, the chicken emerges with crispy skin and juicy meat. Serve it over fluffy rice to soak up the extra sauce, or pair with roasted sweet potatoes for a cozy, autumnal meal.

Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Tender, juicy chicken drumsticks get a sweet and smoky makeover in this fuss-free oven recipe. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. This method ensures crispy skin and fall-off-the-bone meat every time.

Ingredients

– Chicken drumsticks – 8
– BBQ sauce – 1 cup
– Olive oil – 2 tbsp
– Salt – 1 tsp
– Black pepper – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Pat the chicken drumsticks completely dry with paper towels.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the drumsticks.
4. Rub salt and black pepper evenly onto all sides of the drumsticks.
5. Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with foil.
6. Bake for 25 minutes at 400°F.
7. Remove the baking sheet from the oven.
8. Brush a generous layer of BBQ sauce over each drumstick using a pastry brush.
9. Return the baking sheet to the oven.
10. Bake for another 15–20 minutes at 400°F, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
11. Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving. For extra crispiness, broil for the final 2–3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Flip halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots. Fully cooked drumsticks will have juices running clear when pierced.Finish with a final brush of BBQ sauce for a glossy, sticky glaze. The meat pulls cleanly from the bone, offering a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory. Serve them piled high with coleslaw or atop a bed of creamy grits for a Southern twist.

Herb-Roasted Baked Chicken with Garlic

Dinner just got simpler with this herb-roasted baked chicken. Garlic and fresh herbs create a fragrant, golden crust while keeping the meat incredibly juicy. You’ll have a complete meal ready with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Whole chicken – 4 lbs
Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Garlic – 6 cloves
Fresh rosemary – 2 tbsp
Fresh thyme – 1 tbsp
Salt – 1 tsp
Black pepper – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F and position the rack in the middle.
2. Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels inside and out.
3. Rub olive oil evenly over the entire surface of the chicken.
4. Finely chop the garlic, rosemary, and thyme together.
5. Mix the chopped herbs with salt and black pepper in a small bowl.
6. Rub the herb mixture thoroughly under the skin and over the exterior.
7. Truss the chicken legs together with kitchen twine for even cooking.
8. Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan or cast-iron skillet.
9. Roast at 425°F for 15 minutes to crisp the skin.
10. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F and continue roasting for 60 minutes.
11. Check for doneness when the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
12. Let the chicken rest on a cutting board for 15 minutes before carving.
Golden, crispy skin gives way to incredibly moist, flavorful meat infused with garlic and herbs. Serve this chicken over roasted vegetables or shred it for sandwiches the next day. The garlic becomes mellow and sweet during roasting, creating a perfect balance with the earthy herbs.

Baked Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Gather your ingredients for this simple yet flavorful baked chicken. Get ready for tender chicken with intense tomato flavor. This dish comes together quickly with minimal prep work.

Ingredients

Chicken thighs – 1.5 lbs

Sun-dried tomatoes – ½ cup

Olive oil – 2 tbsp

Garlic – 3 cloves

Salt – 1 tsp

Black pepper – ½ tsp

Italian seasoning – 1 tbsp

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels.
3. Mince garlic cloves finely.
4. Chop sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces.
5. Rub olive oil evenly over all chicken surfaces.
6. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning over both sides of chicken.
7. Press minced garlic onto chicken skin for maximum flavor adhesion.
8. Scatter sun-dried tomatoes around chicken in baking dish.
9. Bake at 400°F for 25 minutes.
10. Check internal temperature with meat thermometer – it should read 165°F.
11. If needed, bake 5 more minutes until golden brown and crispy.
12. Rest chicken for 5 minutes before serving to redistribute juices.

Nothing beats the tender, juicy texture of perfectly baked chicken. The sun-dried tomatoes caramelize into sweet, concentrated flavor bursts. Serve over creamy polenta or slice for sandwiches the next day.

Paprika Lime Baked Chicken Legs

Crisp, juicy chicken legs get a vibrant kick from this simple paprika-lime marinade. Coating the skin ensures maximum flavor penetration while baking creates tender meat. This fuss-free recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Chicken legs – 4
Paprika – 2 tbsp
Lime juice – ¼ cup
Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Salt – 1 tsp
Black pepper – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Pat chicken legs completely dry with paper towels.
3. Whisk together 2 tbsp paprika, ¼ cup lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper in a large bowl.
4. Coat each chicken leg thoroughly in the marinade.
5. Arrange chicken legs skin-side up on a baking sheet.
6. Bake at 400°F for 35 minutes.
7. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.
8. Broil for 3-5 minutes until skin crisps and browns.
9. Rest chicken for 5 minutes before serving.

Expect crackling-crisp skin giving way to succulent, lime-infused meat beneath. The paprika provides smoky depth while the citrus keeps everything bright and fresh. Serve over cilantro rice or shred for zesty tacos with avocado crema.

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Baked Chicken

Just when you thought chicken couldn’t get better, this cheesy spinach stuffed version proves otherwise. Juicy chicken breasts get sliced open and packed with a creamy filling before baking to perfection. Prepare for your new favorite weeknight dinner that feels anything but ordinary.

Ingredients

– Chicken breasts – 4
– Cream cheese – 4 oz
– Frozen spinach – 1 cup, thawed
– Mozzarella cheese – ½ cup, shredded
– Garlic powder – 1 tsp
– Salt – ½ tsp
– Black pepper – ¼ tsp
– Olive oil – 1 tbsp

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Pat chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels.
3. Use a sharp knife to slice a horizontal pocket through the thickest part of each breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
4. Squeeze all excess water from the thawed spinach using your hands or a clean kitchen towel.
5. Combine cream cheese, spinach, mozzarella, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
6. Mix the filling ingredients until fully incorporated.
7. Divide the filling evenly among the 4 chicken pockets.
8. Use toothpicks to securely seal each chicken pocket closed.
9. Brush the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil.
10. Place chicken in a baking dish, ensuring pieces don’t touch.
11. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
12. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before removing toothpicks and serving. Ultimate comfort food emerges from this simple preparation—the chicken stays remarkably juicy while the filling becomes wonderfully creamy and flavorful. Unexpectedly elegant for how easy it is, serve slices over pasta or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal that impresses without stress.

Mustard Dill Crusted Baked Chicken

Savor this simple yet impressive chicken dish that comes together with minimal effort. Mustard and dill create a vibrant crust that keeps the meat incredibly moist. You’ll have dinner on the table in under an hour.

Ingredients

Chicken breasts – 4
Dijon mustard – ¼ cup
Fresh dill – 2 tbsp, chopped
Panko breadcrumbs – 1 cup
Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Salt – 1 tsp
Black pepper – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Pat chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels.
3. Season both sides of chicken with salt and pepper.
4. Mix Dijon mustard and chopped dill in a small bowl.
5. Brush the mustard-dill mixture evenly over all chicken surfaces.
6. Press panko breadcrumbs firmly onto the mustard-coated chicken.
7. Drizzle olive oil over the breadcrumb coating.
8. Place chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
9. Bake at 400°F for 22-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
10. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Zesty and golden brown, the crust provides satisfying crunch against the tender chicken. The mustard sharpness mellows beautifully while the dill adds fresh herbal notes. Serve sliced over a bed of lemon rice or alongside roasted potatoes for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Versatile and delicious, these 18 baked chicken recipes offer endless inspiration for your kitchen. From quick weeknight dinners to impressive weekend meals, there’s something for every taste and occasion. We’d love to hear which recipes become your new favorites—drop a comment below and don’t forget to share this roundup on Pinterest so other home cooks can discover these mouthwatering dishes too!