Keeping baked chicken moist is a common challenge many home cooks face. Chicken can easily dry out in the oven if not prepared properly. Fortunately, there are several tricks you can use to ensure your baked chicken stays juicy and flavorful every time.
Brine the Chicken
One of the most effective ways to keep baked chicken moist is to brine it before cooking. A brine is simply a saltwater solution that helps seal in moisture and adds flavor. To make a quick brine, combine 1 cup of salt with 4 cups of water. Submerge the raw chicken in the brine and let it soak for at least 30 minutes up to overnight. The salt will gently season the meat while also ensuring it retains moisture during cooking.
Pat Chicken Dry
After brining, be sure to pat the chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels. Any excess moisture on the surface can cause steaming, which will make the skin soggy. Getting the skin as dry as possible will help it crisp up nicely in the oven.
Use Full-Fat Dairy
Coating baked chicken in full-fat dairy products like butter, yogurt, and mayonnaise helps seal in moisture. The fat acts as a barrier to prevent the chicken meat from drying out. Try smearing chicken breasts or thighs with a tablespoon or two of softened butter before baking. Plain full-fat Greek yogurt also makes an excellent moisturizing coating.
Cook at Moderate Temperatures
While high oven temperatures will help chicken skin get crispy, they will also cause the meat to dry out faster. Bake chicken at a more moderate 350-375°F to allow it to cook through gently without drying out. Check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part of a piece. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Avoid Overcooking
Be careful not to overbake chicken. Once it reaches the proper internal temperature, it needs to come out of the oven immediately or it will continue cooking. Overcooked chicken dries out quickly. Setting a timer helps prevent accidental overcooking.
Let Chicken Rest
Allowing baked chicken pieces to rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into them also helps preserve moisture. This short resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. If you cut into chicken right away, the juices will run out onto the cutting board rather than staying inside the chicken where they belong.
Add Liquid
Including some liquid in the pan when you bake chicken encourages steam to surround the meat and keep it moist. Add 1/2 cup of chicken broth or water to the bottom of the baking pan before adding the chicken. You can also bake chicken directly on top of lemon slices or fresh herb sprigs to release moisture. Just place them in the pan before putting in the chicken.
Cook Bone-In Chicken Pieces
Chicken that is cooked on the bone tends to stay moister than boneless pieces. The bones add moisture and flavor to the meat during cooking. Opt for bone-in chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks when baking chicken. Just take care that larger bone-in pieces reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Use a Meat Thermometer
Taking the guesswork out of determining doneness helps prevent overdrying chicken. An instant-read digital meat thermometer takes the temperature in just 2-3 seconds so you don’t have to cut into the chicken. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding any bones, to check for a reading of 165°F.
Cook at High Heat First
Get the best of both worlds by starting chicken at a high oven temperature to brown it, then reducing the heat. Place the chicken in a 375-400°F oven for the first 20 minutes of baking time. Then lower the temperature to 325°F for the remainder of the cooking time to finish baking without drying it out.
Keep It Covered
Cooking chicken sous vide style retains moisture beautifully. Although traditional sous vide requires special equipment, you can mimic the technique at home. Place seasoned raw chicken in a baking dish and cover tightly with heavy-duty foil. Bake at 350°F until the internal temperature reads 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
Conclusion
From brining to careful cooking methods, properly preparing baked chicken is the best way to keep it succulently moist every time. With the right techniques, you can serve chicken that is full of flavor and juiciness straight through to the very last delicious bite. Crisp skin giving way to a tender, moist interior is baked chicken at its absolute best.