Southern Baked Chicken

This baked chicken recipe is a true classic, passed down through generations. Its tender, flavorful meat and irresistible aroma make it the perfect comfort food. Whether you’re looking for a southern baked chicken recipe or an easy oven-baked chicken dish, this one brings the taste of family gatherings and homestyle cooking to your table. It’s simple, approachable, and a great recipe for both beginners and experienced cooks alike.

You might think I have southern roots with the amount of southern chicken and soul food recipes I make, but I’m actually from Jamaica. My Caribbean heritage is infused in all my cooking, even in dishes like this country baked chicken. I’ve always had a love for southern food and its comforting, soulful flavors, which is why I’ve adapted this southern baked chicken with a bit of a Caribbean twist, like the addition of fresh thyme.

This dish is perfect for anyone seeking a recipe for oven-baked chicken that’s simple to prepare yet full of flavor. Whether you’re baking chicken drumsticks, thighs, or even baked chicken legs with gravy, it’s a versatile meal that works for all cuts of chicken.

Ingredients for Southern Baked Chicken:

• 1 lb dark meat chicken pieces (like drumsticks and wings, about 12 pieces)
• 1 tsp all-purpose seasoning (like Adobo or Lawry’s)
• 1 tsp Herbs de Provence
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt-free table blend seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 white onion, chopped
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tbsp Better Than Bouillon chicken base
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tbsp flour
• Fresh thyme
• Fresh rosemary
• 3 tbsp butter
  (Note: You can also skip the peppers and just use onions!)

Instructions:

1. Wash the chicken pieces and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. In a bowl, drizzle the chicken with olive oil, then season it with the seasoning mix, peppers, onion, and thyme. Transfer to a baking dish with a tight-fitting lid.
3. Add fresh thyme and butter to the chicken. Mix together the water, Better Than Bouillon, and flour, and pour it over the chicken.
4. Cover and bake chicken in the oven at 375°F for one hour.
5. Raise the heat to 400°F and bake for another 30 minutes, or until the southern chicken is browned, the gravy thickens, and the meat starts to pull away from the bone.
6. Remove from the oven and baste the baked chicken with the gravy.

For those wondering how long to bake chicken at 375 or even how long to bake chicken at 400, this recipe provides the perfect bake times for both crispy and tender results. Whether you’re looking for dark meat chicken recipes or trying to figure out how to bake chicken legs in the oven, this recipe gives you the guidance you need. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make variations like smothered chicken soul food or even an oven-baked chicken with gravy.

This best southern baked chicken recipe is also easy to modify, like using bone-in chicken thighs or baking chicken drumsticks at 375°F. Pair it with some southern chicken rice casserole or try making chicken thighs baked at 375 for a slightly different twist. You can even turn this recipe into a hearty southern smothered chicken by adding more gravy.

Not only is this a great dish for family gatherings, but it’s also a wonderful option for weeknight dinners when you want a comforting, homestyle meal with minimal effort. It’s a timeless dish that works every time, whether you’re using country recipes for chicken, looking to perfect the best baked chicken drumsticks recipe, or want a dish that pairs well with mashed potatoes and gravy.

So, whether you’re preparing southern baked chicken thighs, best oven baked chicken, or looking to bake chicken breast southern-style, this recipe has all the steps and flavors needed for the perfect southern baked chicken. From easy baked chicken recipes to more traditional baked chicken and gravy combinations, this dish is your go-to for delicious, flavorful soul food chicken recipes.