When it comes to baking chicken, one of the most common questions home cooks have is whether or not you need to cover the chicken while it bakes. There are pros and cons to both uncovered and covered chicken, so it really comes down to personal preference. In this article, we’ll break down the key factors to consider when deciding whether or not to cover baked chicken.
Pros of Uncovered Baked Chicken
Baking chicken uncovered (without foil or a lid on top) allows the skin to get crispy and golden brown. If your goal is crispy, crunchy skin, uncovered is the way to go. Additionally, uncovered chicken promotes even browning all over the chicken rather than just the top. An uncovered chicken will brown on the bottom and sides as well as the top.
Uncovered chicken also cooks a bit faster than covered since the hot air can circulate freely around the entirety of the chicken. Any juices that are released during cooking will evaporate rather than steaming the chicken, resulting in concentrated chicken flavor.
Finally, baking chicken uncovered makes it easier to baste or brush the chicken with sauce or oil toward the end of cooking. You don’t have to worry about lifting and replacing foil or a lid.
Cons of Uncovered Baked Chicken
The biggest downside to uncovered baked chicken is that it dries out more easily. Without foil or a lid to trap and circulate moisture, the chicken is exposed to very dry heat. Be sure to monitor uncovered chicken closely near the end of baking and remove it from the oven as soon as the internal temperature reads 165°F to avoid overcooking.
Uncovered chicken also doesn’t fill your kitchen with as much roasted chicken aroma since most of the vapors escape. This can be a pro or a con depending on how hungry you are!
Pros of Covered Baked Chicken
Covering baked chicken with foil or a lid helps retain moisture and prevents the chicken skin from drying out. This is especially useful for lean chicken breasts which tend to get dry and stringy when exposed to dry oven air. Covered chicken stays juicier.
Any juices released from the chicken will remain trapped under the foil/lid and fall back onto the surface of the chicken rather than evaporating. This essentially steams the chicken from the inside, keeping it very moist and tender.
Covered chicken is also less likely to burn or dry out if you happen to overbake it. The foil or lid provides a buffer against the dry oven air.
Finally, your kitchen will be filled with delicious roasted chicken aromas when you bake the chicken covered. The vapors can’t escape so your whole house smells like dinner!
Cons of Covered Baked Chicken
The biggest drawback to baking chicken covered is that the skin will not get crispy. It will be mushy and wet instead of browned and crisped. If crispy skin is your goal, uncovered is the way to go.
Covered chicken also can result in uneven browning since the top of the chicken is shielded. Any parts touching the pan will brown, while the top stays pale. Flip the chicken and rotate pans halfway through cooking to promote more even color.
Steam from the chicken juices building up under the foil can also make the skin slimy. Make sure to discard any accumulated juices before serving.
Lastly, covered chicken cooks a bit more slowly than uncovered since the steam atmosphere is slower to directly heat the meat. Extend cooking time as needed.
Tips for Perfect Baked Chicken
Whether you ultimately choose to cover your chicken or bake it uncovered, here are some tips for foolproof baked chicken every time:
- Pat the chicken dry before baking for crisper skin.
- Brush or rub chicken with oil or melted butter to boost browning.
- Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper or other spices like garlic powder, paprika, oregano, etc.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness rather than relying on time. Cook to 165°F.
- Allow the chicken to rest 5-10 minutes before serving for juicier meat.
- If baking boneless chicken breasts, pound them to a even thickness so they cook evenly.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, whether or not you should cover baked chicken comes down to your specific goals and preference. For crispy, evenly browned chicken, uncovered is best. But for super juicy, tender chicken, covered baking helps retain moisture. Take into account what traits are important for your specific recipe and proceed accordingly.
Just be sure to use a meat thermometer for doneness no matter what, and allow the chicken to rest before serving. Follow these basic guidelines and you’ll end up with delicious baked chicken every time, covered or not!