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A plate showcasing a crispy oven-baked chicken dinner with golden-brown skin.

Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Dinner

This recipe delivers incredibly crispy, flavorful oven-baked chicken every time. A simple dry brine with baking powder is the secret to achieving that coveted crunch.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or a mix)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
Crispy Coating
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • cayenne pepper Pinch, for heat
  • Lemon zest for brightness

Equipment

  • Paper towels
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Wire rack
  • Baking sheet
  • Instant-read thermometer

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the chicken pieces very dry with paper towels and trim any excess fat from the edges.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the baking powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano (or thyme), salt, and black pepper to create the crispy coating.
  3. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil to coat lightly, then generously sprinkle the baking powder mixture over all sides, rubbing it in well, even under the skin if possible.
Baking
  1. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and arrange the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer with space between each piece for air circulation.
  2. For best results, chill the uncovered chicken in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably 4 hours up to overnight, to further dry the skin.
  3. Preheat your oven to a high temperature, typically 400°F (200°C).
  4. Bake for 35-50 minutes, until the skin is deeply golden brown and crispy, and an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the meat.
Serving
  1. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest on the wire rack for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or lemon zest for brightness to the seasoning mix. Chilling the chicken uncovered in the refrigerator is a crucial step for achieving maximum crispiness, so don't skip it if you have the time!