Oven Baked Chicken Recipe

I often make this oven baked chicken whenever I want a fuss-free roast chicken that everyone will enjoy. It uses basic pantry ingredients and can be served with almost anything. It is also great with a light salad or mashed potato on the side.

What is Oven Baked Chicken?

Oven Baked Chicken is a whole dressed chicken rubbed with olive oil, lemon, garlic powder, thyme, and pepper, then roasted until the skin is crisp and the meat is cooked through. The cavity is stuffed with celery and onion for added aroma. It is a healthier alternative to using butter and produces juicy, flavorful meat.

This recipe was developed through experimentation to balance flavor and health. The result is a chicken dish that feels homemade and satisfying without much effort.

Ingredients for Oven Baked Chicken

• Whole dressed chicken: The main protein, best when marinated to lock in moisture and flavor.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps the skin crisp up while roasting.
• Celery ribs: Placed in the cavity to add moisture and a fresh, aromatic note.
• Yellow onion: Enhances the flavor and aroma of the chicken from the inside.
• Lemon: Provides acidity that helps tenderize the meat and adds brightness to the overall flavor.
• Ground black pepper: Gives a mild kick and balances out the savory seasoning.
• Garlic powder: Adds depth and a familiar savory taste that blends well with herbs.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and drawing out its natural flavors.
• Dried thyme: Brings an earthy, herby aroma that works well with roasted meats.

Use fresh aromatics and seasonings for best results. You can adjust the amounts based on your preference.

How to Cook Oven Baked Chicken

1. Prepare the rub
   In a bowl, combine lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
2. Marinate the chicken
   Pour ¾ of the mixture into the chicken cavity and rub the rest on the skin. Marinate overnight in the fridge.
3. Preheat oven
   Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Mix the oil rub
   In another bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil, remaining salt, garlic powder, pepper, and thyme.
5. Rub the chicken
   Gently separate skin from meat and rub half the oil mixture under the skin, the rest on the outside.
6. Stuff the cavity
   Place chopped celery ribs and onions inside the chicken.
7. Roast the chicken
   Place chicken on a roasting rack and bake at 400°F for 30 minutes. Then reduce heat to 350°F and bake an additional 15–30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 170°F.
8. Rest and serve
   Remove from oven and let it rest before carving. Serve with your choice of sides.

Best Ways to Enjoy Oven Baked Chicken

It is delicious on its own or served with a variety of healthy sides. Pair it with:

• Mashed potatoes
• Roasted vegetables
• Salad.

It also works well with rice dishes or light comfort foods.

How This Oven Baked Chicken Stands Out

This chicken recipe uses olive oil instead of butter, making it a healthier choice without sacrificing flavor. The rub and aromatics are simple but effective, and the overnight marinating makes the meat tender and tasty. It is a reliable dish that works well for casual dinners and family meals.

What to Have with Oven Baked Chicken

• Oven Roasted Broccoli – A crisp vegetable side that complements the baked chicken well.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes that go perfectly with the crisp skin and juicy meat of oven baked chicken.
• Apple Coleslaw – A refreshing, mildly sweet slaw that adds crunch and balances the richness of roasted chicken.
• Creamy Baked Macaroni – A cheesy, comforting pasta dish that adds a rich, indulgent element to your meal.
• Roasted Cauliflower – Lightly seasoned and oven roasted, this veggie side adds texture and balances out the chicken’s savory flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use butter instead of olive oil?
  Yes. The original recipe used butter, but olive oil makes it lighter.
• Can I marinate for less time?
  You can marinate at least 1 hour before baking, but overnight gives better flavor.
• What if I do not have a roasting rack?
  You can place the chicken directly on a baking pan or oven-safe skillet.
• How do I check doneness?
  Use a meat thermometer. It should read 170°F at the thickest part of the thigh.
• Can I bake it at a different temperature?
  Yes, but changing the temperature will alter cooking time. Higher heat gives crispier skin.
• Can leftovers be frozen?
  Yes. Store carved pieces in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover chicken in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can also use the microwave for quick reheating.

Suggested Recipes

• Pininyahang Manok – A pineapple and chicken dish in a creamy sauce.
• Lechon Manok – Filipino roasted chicken with lemongrass
• Kinamatisang Manok – Filipino tomato-simmered chicken stew
• Ginataang Manok – Chicken cooked in coconut milk
• Chicken Galantina – Stuffed, rolled, and roasted chicken dish

Oven Baked Chicken is reliable, tasty, and easy to prepare. It works for family dinners, meal prep, or small gatherings. It uses simple ingredients and delivers great results. If you want juicy, flavorful chicken without much effort, this recipe will not let you down.

Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag us on Instagram at @panlasangpinoy or hashtag #panlasangpinoy so we can see your creations!

Oven Baked Chicken Recipe

Whole chicken roasted with olive oil, lemon, garlic, and thyme. Crispy skin, juicy meat, and loaded with aroma.

Prep: 10 minutes minutes

Cook: 30 minutes minutes

Total: 40 minutes minutes

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Ingredients

• ▢ 3 lbs whole chicken
• ▢ 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• ▢ 1 cup celery ribs chopped
• ▢ 1 piece yellow onion chopped
• ▢ 1 piece lemon
• ▢ 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• ▢ 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• ▢ 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• ▢ 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

• Combine juice of 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper in a bowl. Mix well.
  1 piece lemon, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Pour 3/4 of the mixture in the chicken’s cavity, and rub the remaining on the outer part of the chicken. Place inside the fridge and marinate overnight.
  3 lbs whole chicken
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Combine olive oil, remaining salt, remaining garlic powder, remaining pepper, and thyme.
  3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Separate the skin from the meat by gently sliding your fingers between the chicken’s skin and meat starting either from the neck or the opposite side. Rub half of olive oil mixture between the skin and meat of the chicken. Rub the other half on the outer part of the chicken.
• Arrange the celery ribs and onions in the cavity of the chicken.
  1 cup celery ribs, 1 piece yellow onion
• Place the chicken on a roasting rack. Put inside the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
• Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and continue baking for another 15 to 30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken is 170 degrees Fahrenheit. Note: If the chicken skin needs more browning, you may need to put your oven to roast and cook the chicken until the skin darkens.
• Remove from the oven and place in a serving plate.
• Serve with Potato and Green Bean Salad.
• Share and enjoy!

Nutrition Information

Serving: 4g Calories: 473kcal (24%) Carbohydrates: 7g (2%) Protein: 31g (62%) Fat: 35g (54%) Saturated Fat: 9g (45%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g Monounsaturated Fat: 18g Trans Fat: 0.2g Cholesterol: 122mg (41%) Sodium: 1010mg (42%) Potassium: 479mg (14%) Fiber: 2g (8%) Sugar: 2g (2%) Vitamin A: 361IU (7%) Vitamin C: 20mg (24%) Calcium: 50mg (5%) Iron: 2mg (11%)

© copyright: Vanjo Merano