Juicy Bone-In Chicken Breasts with Crispy Skin

If you’re looking for a flavorful, juicy, and crispy chicken dinner, this Juicy Bone-In Chicken Breasts with Crispy Skin recipe is the perfect solution. The skin crisps up beautifully in the skillet and oven, creating a satisfying texture, while the meat stays tender and juicy on the inside. A blend of simple spices brings out the best flavors, making this dish a family favorite for weeknight meals or special occasions. This easy recipe requires minimal ingredients and prep, but the results are deliciously impressive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Juicy Bone-In Chicken Breasts with Crispy Skin recipe gives you the perfect balance of crispy skin and moist, tender meat. The seasoning is simple yet flavorful, and the technique of searing the chicken in a hot skillet ensures that the skin crisps up nicely before finishing in the oven. The high oven temperature locks in the moisture, keeping the chicken juicy and flavorful. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with a variety of side dishes, making it a great option for any meal.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in skin-on chicken breasts
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ cup avocado oil or canola oil

Variations

• Spice it up: If you like a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
• Herb variation: For a herby flavor, you can incorporate dried thyme, rosemary, or oregano into the seasoning mix.
• Lemon zest: Adding some lemon zest to the seasoning or squeezing fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving can brighten up the flavors.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and place a cooking rack on top.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. This will help the skin crisp up nicely when cooked.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, and chili powder. Rub the spice mixture evenly all over the chicken breasts, making sure to coat the skin thoroughly.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Carefully place the chicken breasts skin-side down into the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip the chicken over and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side.

Step 5: Transfer to the Oven

Place the seared chicken breasts onto the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle about 1 teaspoon of the oil from the skillet over each chicken breast to keep them moist. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven.

Step 6: Bake the Chicken

Bake the chicken for 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the chicken and serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, garlic butter rice, or mashed potatoes.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Pat the chicken dry: Make sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning to help the skin crisp up when searing.
• Sear evenly: Don’t rush the searing process. Let the chicken cook in the hot oil until the skin is golden brown before flipping.
• Rest the chicken: Allowing the chicken to rest after baking helps keep it juicy and tender. Don’t skip this step!
• Oven temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated to 400°F (200°C) before placing the chicken inside for even cooking.

How to Serve

This Juicy Bone-In Chicken Breasts with Crispy Skin pairs well with a wide variety of side dishes:

• Garlic butter rice or pasta: A comforting and flavorful side that complements the savory chicken.
• Roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes: Rich and creamy potatoes work perfectly with the crispy chicken skin.
• Side salad: A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the chicken.
• Sauteed green beans: Lightly sautéed green beans add color and freshness to the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This chicken can easily be enjoyed as leftovers the next day.

Reheating

To reheat the chicken, place it in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. If you prefer, you can microwave it, but be sure to cover it with a damp paper towel to avoid drying it out.

Freezing

To freeze the chicken, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken breasts for this recipe?

Boneless chicken breasts can be used, but they will cook faster and the skin won’t be as crispy. If you prefer boneless chicken, reduce the baking time.

2. Can I make this recipe on the grill?

Yes! You can grill the chicken instead of using the oven. Grill over medium heat, skin-side down, for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

3. Can I use a different oil for searing?

Yes, you can use vegetable oil or canola oil if you don’t have avocado oil. Just make sure the oil is suitable for high heat.

4. How can I make the chicken spicier?

To make the chicken spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture.

5. What should the internal temperature of the chicken be?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for it to be fully cooked.

6. Can I use skinless chicken breasts?

Skinless chicken breasts will not be as crispy but can still be delicious. Reduce the cooking time slightly since they cook faster.

7. How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.

8. How do I keep the chicken skin crispy?

To keep the skin crispy, make sure the chicken is dry before seasoning and sear it properly before transferring it to the oven.

9. Can I add vegetables to the pan while cooking?

Yes, you can add vegetables such as onions, garlic, or bell peppers to the skillet while cooking. This will infuse the vegetables with flavor from the chicken drippings.

10. How long should I let the chicken rest before slicing?

Let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat moist.

Conclusion

This Juicy Bone-In Chicken Breasts with Crispy Skin recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy flavorful, tender chicken with crispy skin. With minimal ingredients and a simple cooking technique, you’ll have a delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it with a side of roasted potatoes or a fresh salad, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!

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