The Ultimate Recipe for Baked Chicken Pices (2024)

Published: Jun 13, 2022 · Updated: Feb 21, 2024 by Laura Fuentes · This post may contain affiliate links

This fool-proof recipe for baked chicken pieces includes an epic garlic-herb seasoning that yields the juiciest chicken ever!

You can use this recipe with a whole chicken that’s been cut into pieces or when you buy a mixed tray of chicken pieces that usually includes thighs, drumsticks, or half legs. There’s something for everyone here!

Roasted Chicken Pieces

The great thing about baked chicken pieces is that the tray nearly always has something for everyone to enjoy eating.

Plus, baked chicken goes great with everything! You can serve it with salads, pasta, and many side dishes.

My kids LOVE chicken because it’s tender and takes on a lot of yummy flavors. (but let’s be honest – if I would make them chicken nuggets every single day, they’ll totally be happy with that as well!)

I love cooking baked chicken pieces and then meal planning around it. It’s a great way to buy a bunch of chicken when it’s one sale at the store and then use it throughout the week!

How to Bake Chicken Pieces in the Oven

Baking chicken pieces in the oven is simple. You can use a marinade to give it flavor or simply season it. Of course, I included a terrific garlic-herb mix for you in the recipe card.

Follow these simple steps to make perfectly cooked chicken every single time.

1. Preheat the oven
   Preheat to 400F (205C) and grease a baking tray with oil.
2. Trim the chickenTrim the chicken pieces of any excess fat and pat dry with a paper towel. Generously season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper and place them in the baking tray, skin-side up.
3. Combine ingredients in a bowl
   In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, and lemon juice. Distribute the mixture generously over the chicken pieces. Cover with foil.
4. Bake
   Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven. Lower the oven temperature to 375F (190C) and cook for an additional 20 minutes. Remove from oven to test the temperature, where dark chicken pieces have reached 175F (80 C) and white (breast) 165F (74C). Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and serve.

You can also watch this easy video on how to prep chicken for baking!

Loving the idea of making chicken? Check out my Quick Orange Chicken Marinade and my Korean Chicken Marinade for fun flavors to add!

What Temperature to Roast Mixed Chicken Pieces

Roasting chicken pieces between 375F and 400F is a great way to get crispy skins and juicy chicken meat.

Using a meat thermometer, I recommend you check for internal temperatures of 165F for white chicken meat and 175F for dark chicken pieces.

How Long to Bake Chicken Pieces

For this recipe, you’re going to cook the chicken pieces for a total of 50 minutes. It’s important to base your cooking time on the internal temperature and not rely solely on the cooking time listed on recipes, just to be on the safe side.

When to Season Chicken Pieces for Roasting

For the best flavor and taste, you’re going to season the chicken just before it goes in the oven.

Tips for Best Baked Chicken Pieces

For baked chicken with crispy skin, pat off the chicken with a clean towel before cooking it. This will make the skin nice and dry and easier to crisp up in the oven.

Be sure to check out How to Know When Chicken is Done as well for even more great tips on perfecting your chicken recipes.