Baking chicken can often lead to it drying out and becoming tough and chewy. The key to keeping chicken moist during baking is controlling the temperature and cooking method. Here are some tips on how to bake chicken so it stays juicy and delicious.
Use the Right Temperature
Chicken dries out when it is overcooked. This happens more easily in the dry heat of an oven. Keeping the temperature relatively low will allow the chicken to cook through without drying out. Ideally, baked chicken should be cooked between 325-375°F. Any higher and the heat will quickly dry out the moisture.
Tips for Monitoring Temperature
- Use an oven thermometer to confirm the temperature is accurate.
- Avoid opening the oven door frequently as this lets heat escape.
- Cook chicken to the recommended internal temperature to prevent overcooking.
Prepare the Chicken Properly
How you prep and season the chicken also affects moisture. Here are some tips:
Keep the Skin On
The skin helps seal in moisture and fat during cooking. Cook chicken pieces with the skin on, then remove after if desired.
Brine the Meat
Soaking chicken in a saltwater brine before baking helps it retain moisture. Use 1 cup salt dissolved in 4 cups water and submerge chicken 30 min-1 hour.
Pat Chicken Dry
Wet chicken skin leads to soft skin. Gently pat chicken dry with paper towels before baking.
Coat in Oil or Butter
Rubbing a thin layer of oil or butter over the chicken helps keep the meat juicy and prevents the skin from drying out.
Season Under the Skin
Sliding spices and herbs under the skin allows flavor to penetrate the meat while keeping the skin dry.
Use the Right Bakeware
The pan you use affects airflow and moisture evaporation. Here are some good options:
| Bakeware | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Sheet Pan | Allows air to circulate and chicken skin to crisp up. |
| Roasting Pan | Deeper sides help retain moisture. |
| Broiling Pan | Generates extra moisture from drippings in the bottom pan. |
| Dutch Oven | The lid traps in moisture and heat to tenderize meat. |
Tips for Bakeware
- Avoid crowding chicken in a pan which steams rather than crisps the skin.
- Flip chicken halfway through baking to promote even cooking.
- Tent foil over chicken if it browns too quickly.
Baste and Brush Chicken
Basting is brushing or spooning juices over chicken as it bakes. Basting adds moisture to the meat and skin.
Basting Tips
- Use chicken drippings, oil, butter, or sauce to baste.
- Baste every 20 minutes during baking.
- Let chicken rest before serving to reabsorb juices.
Cook Low and Slow
Drawing out the baking time allows chicken to cook through gently without drying out. Target 20-30 minutes per pound at 325°F.
Tips for Low, Slow Baking
- Bring chicken to room temp before baking for more even cooking.
- Tent foil over chicken if it browns before the center is cooked.
- Let chicken rest 5-10 minutes before carving to allow juices to settle.
Add Moisture to the Pan
Adding liquid to the baking pan creates a moist cooking environment. Try broth, wine, juice or water.
Tips for Adding Moisture
- Use 1-2 cups of liquid in a roasting pan.
- Veggies like onion, garlic, lemon add flavor and moisture.
- Make a pan sauce from the drippings to serve with chicken.
Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Ingredients like cheese, yogurt and mayo add moisture when baked into chicken or as a topping.
Moist Ingredients to Try
- Pesto or herb cream cheese spreads
- Mustard mixed with mayo or yogurt
- Mozzarella or feta cheese topping
- Barbecue sauce or teriyaki marinade
Check for Doneness
The best way to prevent over drying chicken is to accurately check when it’s done cooking. Use a meat thermometer to take the guesswork out.
How to Check Chicken is Cooked Through
- Insert thermometer into the thickest part without touching bone.
- Chicken is safe to eat at 165°F.
- Juices will run clear when chicken is fully cooked.
- Meat near bones may be slightly pink when done.
Let Chicken Rest
Giving chicken 5-10 minutes to rest after baking allows juices to redistribute through the meat. Skipping this leads to dryness when cut.
Resting Tips
- Lightly tent chicken with foil while resting.
- Cooking temp will rise about 5°F during resting.
- Save any juices on the pan to add to a sauce.
Conclusion
Baked chicken that stays moist and tender requires monitoring time and temperature closely. Allowing chicken to gently cook through using moist cooking methods is key. With the right techniques, you can enjoy juicy baked chicken every time.