This baked chicken recipe is seasoned with bold spices and baked to perfection over a flavorful vegetable bed. It’s easy to make and perfect for a comforting meal!
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs of chicken legs or wings
- Cajun seasoning
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Poultry seasoning
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Directions:
Preparation of Chicken:
- In a large bowl, season the chicken legs or wings liberally with Cajun seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure all pieces are evenly coated.
- Once seasoned, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken to a resealable plastic bag. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours, or for best results, overnight.
Preheat the Oven:
- About 20 minutes before you’re ready to cook, remove the chicken from the refrigerator to allow it to come to room temperature.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Spread the chopped onions, green bell pepper, and minced garlic evenly at the bottom of a baking dish. These will flavor the chicken and help keep it moist during baking.
- Place the marinated chicken pieces on top of the vegetables.
- Pour 1/3 cup of chicken broth into the bottom of the dish. This will help create a moist environment while baking.
Baking:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven, uncovered. Bake for 45-50 minutes.
- Every 20 minutes, carefully baste the chicken with the drippings and broth from the dish to ensure the chicken stays juicy and the skin gets crispy.
Serving:
- Once the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C)), remove it from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro if desired.
Additional Tips:
- Variations: Add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or potatoes to the baking dish for a complete one-pan meal.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until thoroughly warm.
Enjoy your deliciously baked chicken, perfect for a hearty meal with rich flavors!