Perfectly Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken

Chicken is a versatile ingredient that can be prepared in countless ways to suit various taste preferences and dietary needs. One popular recipe that many people enjoy is oven-baked chicken, which offers the convenience of preparation as well as the ability to season the dish according to personal preference. This method allows for evenly cooked, crispy skin, and juicy meat – perfect for a quick dinner or an impressive meal for friends and family.

For this recipe, you will need:

• 4 boneless, skin-on chicken breasts
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• Lemon wedges (optional for serving)

Cooking time: Approximately 45 minutes. Servings: 4 servings.

To begin, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While waiting for the oven to heat up, prepare the chicken by patting it dry with paper towels and trimming any excess fat from the skin if desired. In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Next, coat each piece of chicken thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure to press the coating onto the chicken so that it adheres well; this will help create that perfect crispy skin once cooked. After the oven has reached temperature, arrange the coated chicken breasts on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet.

Brush olive oil sparingly but evenly across all sides of each piece of chicken for added flavor and to prevent sticking during cooking. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring that the meat is fully cooked.

While your chicken bakes, you may choose to prepare a side dish such as roasted vegetables which complement this main course beautifully. Simply toss your favorite cut-up vegetables like carrots, broccoli florets, or bell peppers with olive oil and season them lightly before placing on another baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Season these veggies lightly with salt and pepper too if you wish. Bake alongside the chicken until they are tender but still crisp around the edges.

Once your main dish is done, allow it to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. The resting period allows juices inside the meat to redistribute throughout, making sure every bite is as flavorful and moist as possible. Garnish with lemon wedges if you like, adding a bright citrus note that pairs wonderfully well with the savory flavors of garlic and paprika.

Oven-baked chicken can be enjoyed alone or paired with various sides such as mashed potatoes, salad greens dressed simply with olive oil vinaigrette, or even quinoa pilaf. This recipe is especially convenient because it requires minimal cleanup since most components are cooked directly on the baking sheets used during preparation.

Another benefit of this dish lies in its adaptability; feel free to experiment by adding different spices like cumin or chili powder according to your taste preferences. You could also substitute the chicken with other types such as thighs, drumsticks, or even use it for making sandwiches after shredding and mixing with mayonnaise.

By following these steps carefully, you'll end up with perfectly crispy oven-baked chicken that's both delicious and easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy this healthy yet satisfying meal anytime you want. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table!