No Peek Chicken
No Peek Chicken is a simple, juicy, and flavorful baked chicken recipe that locks in moisture by cooking covered without constant checking. Featuring easy seasoning and an effortless cooking method, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners and adaptable to various tastes with optional herbs, spices, and vegetables.
- Author: Kaeli
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 4–6 chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in preferred for more flavor and juiciness, boneless for quicker cooking)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup chicken broth or water
Optional Ingredients
- Fresh herbs: rosemary, thyme, or parsley (for garnish or added flavor)
- Spices for variations: cayenne pepper, chili powder, lemon/orange zest, basil, oregano, tarragon
- Vegetables: sliced bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, carrots, potatoes, Brussels sprouts (to cook alongside)
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels to help seasoning stick and encourage crisping. Lightly drizzle olive oil over the chicken to promote browning and add moisture.
- Season Generously: In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub this seasoning blend evenly over all sides of each chicken piece to infuse flavor.
- Arrange in a Baking Dish: Place the seasoned chicken skin-side up in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour chicken broth or water around the chicken without pouring over, to maintain a moist cooking environment.
- Cover and Bake Without Peeking: Tightly cover the dish with foil or a lid to trap steam. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes for bone-in pieces (adjust time for boneless accordingly). Avoid opening the cover during this time to retain moisture.
- Final Uncover and Crisp: Remove the cover for the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the skin to crisp and develop a golden-brown color, adding texture and visual appeal without drying the meat.
Notes
- Use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes after baking to lock in juices before slicing.
- Choose thighs for moister results; breasts require careful monitoring to avoid dryness.
- Seal the foil or lid tightly to trap steam effectively.
- Use a cast iron pan or ceramic dish for even heat distribution.
- Adjust baking time if using boneless chicken to prevent overcooking.
- Adding vegetables below the chicken creates a convenient one-pan meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh or breast (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: No Peek Chicken, baked chicken, juicy chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, one-pan chicken, family meal, simple chicken recipe, weeknight dinner