Perfectly Roasted Chicken: Timing For Tender, Juicy Meat

Roasting chicken pieces is a simple and delicious way to cook this versatile meat. With a variety of spices and seasonings, you can create juicy and tender chicken that can be served as a main course or used in salads, soups, and rice bowls. The cooking time depends on the type of chicken pieces you are roasting, but generally, it takes around 50 minutes in the oven at a temperature between 375F and 400F.

How to get crispy skin

Preparation

Firstly, pat the chicken dry with paper towels, removing any excess moisture. This is an important step as moisture creates steam, which can make the skin soggy. If you're using a whole chicken, cut it into pieces, and place them skin-side up in a baking dish, leaving a little space between each piece.

Seasoning

Seasoning the chicken is key to achieving crispy skin. Sprinkle salt liberally over the chicken, particularly on the thicker sections of the bird, such as the breasts and thighs. You can also add black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, paprika, and cayenne pepper to taste. If you have time, leave the seasoned chicken in the refrigerator, uncovered, for at least 12 hours or up to 3 days. This will allow the salt to dry out the skin and intensify the flavour.

Cooking

Preheat the oven to a high temperature, around 400-450°F. Place the chicken in the oven and roast for 30 minutes. Then, lower the temperature to around 350-375°F and cook for a further 10-20 minutes. The high temperature will help to make the skin crispy, but keep an eye on the chicken to ensure it doesn't burn.

Resting

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and prevent the skin from becoming soggy.

Tips

• Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked to the correct temperature (165°F).
• For even crispier skin, place the chicken under the broiler for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking.
• To prevent smoke and reduce fat, place a layer of potato and onion wedges in the baking dish to absorb the drippings.
• Separate the skin from the flesh and poke holes in the skin to allow the fat to escape during cooking.
• Use a cast-iron skillet or a roasting pan with a rack to improve air circulation and browning.
• Truss the chicken to promote even cooking.

The best way to reheat chicken

There are several ways to reheat chicken, but the best method depends on the type of chicken you're looking to reheat.

Reheating Chicken in the Oven

Reheating chicken in the oven is a great method for bone-in or breaded chicken leftovers. This method will help keep the chicken crispy.

To reheat chicken in the oven, first, preheat your oven to 400°F. Then, take your chicken out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer on a wire rack fitted over a baking sheet. This setup allows the hot air in the oven to circulate all around the chicken and will help create a super-crispy crust. Finally, bake for 15 minutes. The internal temperature of the reheated chicken should be 165°F, which you can check with an instant-read thermometer.

Reheating Chicken on the Stove

Reheating chicken on the stove is best for meat that has been removed from the bone, like boneless, skinless chicken breast, or leftover rotisserie chicken.

To reheat chicken on the stove, first, prepare the chicken by slicing the meat into strips that are about an inch thick, or picking the meat off the bone if you're using rotisserie chicken. Next, place a skillet over medium heat and add just enough water or chicken broth to cover the bottom. Once the water starts to simmer, add the chicken in a single layer. Lower the heat and stir the chicken until it’s nice and hot.

Reheating Chicken in an Air Fryer

Your air fryer is great for making food that’s both crisp and healthy, and it's an excellent appliance for reheating chicken wings.

To reheat chicken wings in an air fryer, first, let your chicken wings come to room temperature on the counter. Then, spray the wings with a light coating of non-stick spray. Place your wings in a single layer in the basket and set the temperature to 360°F. Bake for four minutes, then turn up the heat to 400°F and bake for another five minutes.

Reheating Chicken in the Microwave

It is possible to reheat chicken in the microwave, but this method is best for non-breaded chicken.

To reheat chicken in the microwave, first, arrange the chicken in a single layer on a large, microwave-safe plate, with smaller pieces towards the centre and bigger pieces towards the edge. This is the secret to properly using a microwave! Drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil and a teaspoon or two of water over the chicken to help keep it moist. Cover with microwave-safe plastic wrap and heat for two minutes. If the chicken isn’t hot enough, flip it over and heat in 30-second intervals.

How to prep chicken for baking

Baking chicken is a great way to save time during busy weeks. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prep chicken for baking:

Choose the Right Chicken

The type of chicken you buy can make a big difference. If you're looking for juicy and flavourful results, opt for organic, free-range chicken. Look for "air-chilled" chicken, which has been cooled with purified air instead of cold water immersion, as this prevents the chicken from becoming diluted.

For baking, it is recommended to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. While bone-in and skin-on chicken can be great for roasting, the skin can become soggy when stored in the fridge, and carving the chicken off the bone can be inconvenient for meal prep.

Prepare the Chicken

Take the chicken out of the fridge about 20 minutes before you're ready to cook, so it can lose some of the chill. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and place them on a baking sheet or dish. Try to make them as flat as possible.

Season the Chicken

Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and sprinkle with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, or dried herbs like thyme and oregano. Mix the seasonings in a small bowl first, then sprinkle over the chicken and rub it in.

Bake the Chicken

Preheat your oven to around 400°F. Transfer the chicken to the baking dish and arrange the pieces skin-side up, leaving a little space between them.

Bake at high heat, uncovered, for about 30 minutes. Then, lower the oven temperature to 350-375°F and continue cooking for 10-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.

Let the Chicken Rest

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.

Tips:

• For extra flavour, marinate the chicken in your favourite sauce or a mix of oil, acid (like lemon juice), herbs, and spices. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for maximum flavour.
• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken is safely cooked at an internal temperature of 165°F, but you can remove it a few degrees early as it will continue to cook while resting.
• To keep meals interesting, vary your seasonings, marinades, or sauces each week.
• Store the cooked chicken in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for later use.

How long to bake chicken at different temperatures

The ideal temperature to bake chicken pieces is between 375°F and 400°F. This temperature range allows you to achieve crispy skin and juicy meat.

Baking Chicken at 400°F

At 400°F, chicken pieces will take around 30 minutes to cook. It is recommended to start baking at this temperature to get a nice golden color and then lower the temperature to 375°F to finish cooking.

Baking Chicken at 375°F

At 375°F, chicken pieces will take an additional 20-30 minutes to cook, depending on your oven. It is important to check the doneness of the chicken by using a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached the safe internal temperature of 165°F for white meat and 175°F for dark meat.

Tips for Baking Chicken

• For even cooking, it is best to use a mix of chicken pieces like breasts, thighs, and drumsticks, or use your favorite cut to fill a whole sheet pan.
• Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces are ideal for baking, as they stay moist and juicy. However, if you prefer to remove the skin after cooking, that is also an option.
• Season the chicken generously with salt and your choice of spices or herbs before baking.
• For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken dry with a clean towel before baking and consider finishing under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp up the skin.
• Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is cooked safely and to your desired doneness.

Example Cooking Times

• Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• Prepare the chicken pieces by trimming excess fat, patting them dry, and seasoning generously with salt and other desired spices.
• Place the chicken pieces, skin-side up, on a greased baking tray.
• Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes.
• Lower the oven temperature to 375°F and continue baking for an additional 20-30 minutes, depending on your oven.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken. The white meat should be at 165°F, and dark meat at 175°F.
• Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Baking chicken pieces is a simple and versatile way to prepare a delicious and nutritious meal. By following the above guidelines and adjusting cooking times based on oven temperature, you can ensure your chicken is cooked safely and to your desired doneness.

How to store leftover chicken

Roasted chicken is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or used in salads, soups, and rice bowls. If you have leftover chicken, here are some tips on how to store it properly:

Storing Leftover Chicken in the Fridge

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), cooked chicken can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Here are the steps to follow:

• Allow the chicken to cool: After roasting your chicken, let it cool down to room temperature. This will take around 30-45 minutes.
• Use an airtight container: Place the leftover chicken in an airtight container. Make sure the container is clean and dry.
• Refrigerate within 2 hours: It is important to get the chicken into the fridge as soon as possible to prevent bacterial growth. The ideal refrigerator temperature is 40°F or less.
• Label and date the container: Mark the container with the date and contents. This will help you keep track of how long the chicken has been stored.
• Consume within 3-4 days: Leftover chicken should be consumed within the recommended 3-4 days. After this period, it is best to discard it.

Storing Leftover Chicken in the Freezer

If you have a large amount of leftover chicken and don't think you'll be able to finish it within the 3-4 day window, you can opt to freeze it. Here's how:

• Portion the chicken: Divide the leftover chicken into portions that you are likely to use at one time. This way, you don't have to thaw and refreeze it multiple times.
• Use freezer bags: Place each portion of chicken in a separate freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bags.
• Label and date the bags: Clearly label the bags with the contents and the date of freezing.
• Freeze for up to 4 months: Leftover chicken can be safely stored in the freezer for up to 4 months. After this period, it is still safe to eat, but the flavour and texture may start to deteriorate.

Reheating Leftover Chicken

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover chicken, here are some safe methods for reheating it:

• Stovetop or oven: You can reheat the chicken on the stovetop or in the oven, ensuring that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.
• Microwave: Cut the chicken into smaller pieces and spread them out on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a lid or damp paper towel and reheat until warmed through.
• Avoid reheating more than once: It is important to note that you shouldn't reheat chicken more than once. Always make sure to consume the chicken after reheating.

Frequently asked questions