Name: Baked Split Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 split chicken breasts (bone-in, skin-on); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper, to taste; Lemon wedges and fresh herbs, for serving (optional)

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Baked Split Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that results in crispy skin and juicy meat. This recipe involves splitting the chicken down the middle and roasting it to perfection, ensuring that every bite is tender and full of flavor. With a simple seasoning blend, this dish offers a delicious balance of herbs, spices, and savory goodness, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special family meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Split Chicken is a great way to elevate a simple roast chicken dinner. The method of splitting the chicken ensures even cooking, allowing the skin to become crisp while keeping the meat juicy and tender. It’s a quick and easy recipe, requiring only a handful of ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. The crispy skin paired with the tender, flavorful meat makes this dish both comforting and satisfying. Plus, it’s a versatile meal that pairs well with almost any side dish, from roasted vegetables to mashed potatoes.

Baked Split Chicken

Ingredients

1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or rosemary)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prep the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Using a sharp knife or kitchen shears, split the chicken down the center, removing the backbone. You can either discard the backbone or save it for making stock. Flatten the chicken by pressing down on the breastbone.
Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub the olive oil all over the chicken, making sure it’s coated evenly. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper over both sides of the chicken.
Roast the Chicken: Place the chicken, skin-side up, on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when checked at the thickest part of the thigh.
Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender.
Serve: Carve the chicken and serve with your favorite sides. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 1 hour from start to finish, including prep and cooking time. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering.

Variations

Herb-Infused Chicken: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage to the seasoning mix for a more fragrant, herbal flavor.
Spicy Baked Split Chicken: For a kick of heat, sprinkle the chicken with cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes along with the other spices.
Citrus-Infused Chicken: Add lemon or orange zest to the seasoning mixture for a fresh citrus twist. You can also squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, ensuring the skin stays crispy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken?

Yes, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, breasts, or drumsticks. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the pieces, but the general rule is to bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35-45 minutes, depending on the cut.

How can I ensure the skin stays crispy?

To keep the skin crispy, make sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning it. The dry skin will crisp up better during roasting.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can roast the chicken ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat it when ready to serve. Just be sure to cover it loosely with foil to prevent the skin from becoming soggy.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The best way to check for doneness is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the thigh. If you don’t have a thermometer, the juices should run clear when the chicken is pierced with a knife.

Can I add vegetables to the pan while roasting the chicken?

Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or onions to the roasting pan. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them alongside the chicken. Make sure to cut the vegetables into evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same rate as the chicken.

Can I use a whole chicken without splitting it?

While splitting the chicken ensures even cooking and crispy skin, you can roast the whole chicken without splitting it. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to 60-75 minutes for a whole chicken, depending on its size.

Can I use skinless chicken for this recipe?

Using skinless chicken will result in a different texture, as the skin helps keep the meat moist and adds flavor. If you prefer skinless chicken, consider marinating it beforehand to help lock in moisture.

How can I add more flavor to the chicken?

For more flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning mixture for a few hours before roasting, or stuff the cavity with garlic, lemon slices, or fresh herbs to infuse even more flavor while cooking.

Can I make this recipe on the grill?

Yes, you can grill the split chicken. Preheat the grill to medium heat and cook the chicken for about 30-40 minutes, flipping it halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

How can I prevent the chicken from drying out?

To prevent dry chicken, avoid overcooking it. Check the internal temperature early, and let the chicken rest after roasting to allow the juices to redistribute.

Conclusion

Baked Split Chicken is a simple yet delicious way to prepare a whole chicken, ensuring a crispy skin and juicy meat with minimal effort. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and about an hour of your time, you can enjoy a flavorful, satisfying meal that everyone will love.