How to Bake Chicken

Baking chicken is a healthy and delicious way to prepare this protein-packed food. Here are some steps to follow to bake chicken:

Ingredients: - Chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, drumsticks) - Salt - Pepper - Olive oil - Optional: herbs, spices, marinades

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Rinse your chicken pieces with water and pat them dry with paper towels.

3. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. You can also add any herbs or spices that you like, such as garlic powder, paprika, or rosemary. You can also marinate the chicken for a few hours before baking if you prefer.

4. Place the chicken pieces in a baking dish or sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and make sure each piece is coated evenly.

5. Bake the chicken for 20-30 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the pieces. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C) before removing the chicken from the oven.

6. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

7. Enjoy your baked chicken with your favorite side dishes such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Tips:

- For crispy skin, you can bake the chicken at a higher temperature for the last 5-10 minutes, or broil it for a few minutes. - You can use bone-in or boneless chicken, but boneless pieces may cook faster. - You can also bake a whole chicken using similar steps, but the cooking time will be longer and you may need to cover the chicken with foil halfway through to prevent the skin from burning.