The best way to meal prep is to have chicken marinated and ready to go in the fridge or freezer. Here are six of my favorite chicken marinades, so you’ll never have to worry about what to make for dinner again!
I have been making Lazy BBQ Chicken for YEARS! To be honest, it’s the best when I make it just for myself during lunch when everyone else is at school (shh don’t tell!). It’s a chicken breast simply marinated in my favorite BBQ sauce, then baked while I continue working. It is mostly hands off, easy to clean up, and I get a favorite meal in no time.
I was making myself this favorite go-to lunch the other day and got to thinking about all the other easy marinades I could do in addition to BBQ sauce. The more I mixed and tested, the better I liked the five new simple marinades I made.
Marinated chicken baked in the oven is a quick, easy, and delicious way to add flavor and moisture to chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or wings. But exactly how long should you bake marinated chicken to ensure it turns out perfectly cooked with a tender interior and flavorful, caramelized exterior? Read on for a complete guide to baking marinated chicken, including tips for marinating, recommended bake times, temperature guidelines, and more.
Choosing and Preparing the Chicken
The first step to baked marinated chicken success is choosing high-quality chicken and preparing it properly before marinating. Opt for fresh, organic chicken whenever possible for the best flavor. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a popular choice as they bake up evenly. Chicken thighs, drumsticks and wings work well too. Pat the chicken dry before marinating so the marinade can really penetrate and adhere to the meat.
Marinating for Maximum Flavor
A good marinade is key for infusing the chicken with lots of flavor. The ideal marinade contains an acid like lemon juice or vinegar to help tenderize the meat, oil for added moisture and spices, herbs and seasonings for flavor. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge anywhere from 30 minutes to overnight. Marinating longer imparts more flavor.
Baking Temperature for Marinated Chicken
Bake the marinated chicken at 375°F to 400°F for best results This temperature range allows the chicken to cook through gently while also browning and caramelizing the exterior. If baking bone-in chicken, you may want to use a lower temperature like 350°F initially, then broil at the end to crisp the skin
Recommended Bake Times
Bake times vary based on the thickness and type of chicken. Here are general guidelines
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Bake at 375°F for 20-30 minutes
- Bone-in chicken breasts: Bake at 375°F for 25-35 minutes
- Chicken thighs and drumsticks: Bake at 375°F for 35-45 minutes
- Chicken wings: Bake at 375°F for 20-30 minutes
The thickness of the chicken is the most important factor determining bake time. Always use a meat thermometer to check doneness rather than relying on time alone. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Baking Tips
Follow these tips for the best baked marinated chicken:
- Don’t overcrowd the baking pan. This prevents even cooking.
- Brush chicken with reserved marinade during baking for added flavor.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for crisper skin.
- Let chicken rest 5-10 minutes before serving so juices redistribute.
Common Marinade Flavors
Get creative with your marinade flavors! Popular options include:
- Lemon-herb
- Garlic parmesan
- Balsamic vinaigrette
- Honey mustard
- Greek yogurt and lemon
- Teriyaki
- Jerk seasoning
- Italian dressing
Experiment with different marinade combinations to find your favorites.
Serving Suggestions
Baked marinated chicken is endlessly versatile. Here are some serving ideas:
- In salads or wraps
- Diced in pasta or grain bowls
- As the protein in sheet pan meals
- Shredded for chicken tacos or quesadillas
- On top of pizza
- In soups or casseroles
- On its own with veggie sides
Freezing and Storage
Properly stored, baked marinated chicken will last 3-4 days refrigerated. Let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container. You can also freeze baked chicken for 2-3 months. It should be cooled down and then tightly wrapped in foil and plastic wrap before it is frozen.
Marinating and baking chicken is an easy way to infuse flavor and moisture into chicken breasts, thighs, wings and more. Allow ample marinating time, bake at 375°F, and use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. Vary the marinade flavors and enjoy this versatile chicken in salads, pastas, tacos, and many other dishes. With this complete guide, you can become a pro at baking juicy, delicious marinated chicken.
Curry Chicken Marinade
- 1/4 cup plain greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Jerk Chicken Marinade
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Best Baked Chicken // Worth Bragging About ❤️
FAQ
How long do you cook marinated chicken in the oven?
The general rule of thumb for cooking marinated chicken in the oven is to bake it at a temperature of 375°F (190°C) for approximately 25-30 minutes per pound. Nonetheless, this is only a rough guess; you must use a meat thermometer to get the exact cooking time. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (74°C).
How to cook marinated chicken breast in the oven?
To bake marinated chicken breast in the oven, you can follow these easy steps: 1. Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure the chicken cooks evenly. 2. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels and place them in a shallow dish or a Ziploc bag. 3.
How long do you marinate chicken breast?
Pour the marinade over the chicken breasts, making sure they are evenly coated. If using a plastic bag, seal it tightly, removing as much air as possible. Allow the chicken breasts to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For even more flavor, marinate them overnight. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
How long do you marinate chicken thighs?
If you marinate bone-in chicken pieces like thighs or drumsticks for the same amount of time but leave the skin on, the cooking time goes up to 40 to 50 minutes at the same temperature. Whether you buy marinated chicken from the store or make it yourself, it’s important to think about the type of marinade and what’s in it.
Can You reheat marinated chicken breast?
To reheat leftover baked marinated chicken breast, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Covering the chicken with foil will help retain moisture. Baking marinated chicken breast in the oven is a fuss-free way to achieve a scrumptious meal.
How long do you cook chicken breast in the oven?
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. 8.
How long does marinated chicken take in the oven?
Place marinated chicken breasts in a shallow baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reads 165 F when inserting a meat …
Is it better to bake chicken at 350 or 400?
Should I bake marinated chicken covered or uncovered?
Should you bake it covered or uncovered? It’s best to bake uncovered chicken so the skin can get crispy. To keep the meat drying out, brush it with olive oil or butter before baking. Is it better to bake at 350 or 400? It’s better to bake this chicken at 400oF to be crispy outside and moist on the inside.
How long to cook marinated chicken breasts at 400 degrees?
Preheat oven to 400°F. Take chicken out of the refrigerator and place in a baking pan sprayed with nonstick cooking spray (let it come to room temperature while the oven is preheating). Discard marinade. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a meat thermometer place in the thickest part of the breast registers 165°F.Jan 20, 2024