Southern baked chicken is a simple recipe that’s easy enough for weeknights and delicious enough for Sunday dinners. Enjoy juicy, flavorful chicken with crispy skin, ideal for pairing with your favorite soul food sides.
Hey there, family! If you’re looking for a soul food recipe that’s as perfect for a busy weeknight as it is for a Sunday dinner, look no further than this Southern Baked Chicken. It’s one of those classic dishes that everyone should have in their cooking repertoire. Not only is this baked chicken incredibly easy to whip up, but it’s also packed with flavor and a touch of that good ol’ Southern soul.
In our house, Marrekus is all about the dark meat—thighs and drumsticks are his absolute favorites. Personally, I like to mix it up with both dark and white meat chicken because I prefer breasts. One thing we both can agree on though, is that Southern baked chicken pairs nicely with all the best soul food sides. From mac and cheese to cornbread to candied yams.
This Southern baked chicken is also a nice alternative to our fried chicken, smothered chicken, and grilled barbecue chicken leg quarter recipes. Leftover chicken can be used in sandwiches, salads, or enjoyed on its own.
For more dinner recipes, check out our Soul Food Sunday Dinner Ideas roundup.
What you’ll love about this recipe:
Ingredients
- Cuts of Chicken: This recipe calls for skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs and chicken legs. You can also use a whole chicken cut into 8 pieces. When cooked with the skin on and bone in, chicken thighs and drumsticks are flavorful and result in juicy meat. The skin helps keep the meat moist and adds a crispy texture when baked.
- Soul Food Seasoning: Our simple homemade spice rub of kosher salt, black pepper, seasoned salt, granulated garlic, and granulated onion adds a soulful flavor. This seasoning mix is versatile, so don’t hesitate to freestyle with stuff you have in your spice cabinet. Alternatively, use your favorite poultry seasoning.
- Cajun Seasoning: Gives chicken additional flavor. You can find Cajun seasoning at your local grocery store; popular brands to look for include Tony Chachere’s, Slap Ya Mama, or Zatarain’s. It typically includes smoked paprika, garlic powder and onion powder, black pepper and cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme.
Recipe Variations or Substitutions
- Chicken Breasts: Swap the thighs and drumsticks for breasts, just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as they can dry out faster than dark meat.
- Smothered Chicken: Make a gravy with pan drippings, flour, and chicken broth, then pour it over the baked chicken for a classic Southern smothered chicken dish. Serve with mashed potatoes or buttery white rice to soak up the gravy.
- Cast Iron Skillet Chicken: Sear chicken in a hot, cast-iron skillet to add an extra layer of flavor and texture. Then, add potatoes and carrots, and sauté. Finish in the oven so the chicken will cook evenly through to the center and the vegetables will roast further, about 15-20 minutes at 400°F, or until the thickest part reaches at least 165° on a thermometer.
Tools
- Cast Iron Skillet, Baking Sheet or Baking Dish: Make sure it’s large enough to arrange chicken in a single layer.
- Meat Thermometer: To check the internal temperature.
- Tongs or a Fork: For handling chicken pieces.
- Aluminum Foil (Optional): If you want to cover loosely during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
How to Make Easy Southern Baked Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Mix your Soul Food seasoning and Cajun seasoning in a small bowl.
- Pat pieces of chicken dry and coat them evenly with the seasoning mix.
- Arrange chicken pieces, skin side up, in a single layer on a baking sheet, dish, or skillet.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
- Let baked chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Pat Dry: Make sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps the skin get extra crispy in the oven.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure chicken is perfectly cooked to 165°F (74°C) internally.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Arrange chicken in a single layer with a bit of space between them so they cook evenly and the skin crisps up nicely.
- Let It Rest: After baking, let it rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices before serving.
What Sides For Southern Baked Chicken
- Collard Greens: Southern collard greens with ham hocks or collard greens with smoked turkey is a classic soul food side dish.
- Butter Beans: Creamy lima beans simmered in a flavorful, seasoned broth with smoked turkey and the “holy trinity”, bell pepper, celery, and onion.
- Green Beans and Potatoes: Prepared with fresh green beans, smoked turkey, onion, garlic, and seasonings.
- Candied Yams: Sweet and buttery and featuring brown sugar and warm spices. A traditional soul food candied yams recipe passed down from generation to generation.
- Boiled Cabbage: Fresh cabbage simmered in a meaty broth with seasonings and spices.
- Gouda Mac and Cheese: A rich and cheesy macaroni and cheese dish. Our Southern mac and cheese is another favorite.
- Black Eyed Peas: Seasoned black eyed peas make a hearty and flavorful side dish, providing protein and a distinct Southern touch.
- Roasted Summer Squash and Zucchini: A healthy side dish and an easy way to incorporate vegetables at the dinner table without sacrificing flavor.
- Creamed Corn: Sweet, tender corn kernels are simmered in a rich, creamy sauce, making this dish a true comfort classic that’s easy to prepare and impossible to resist.
- Pinto Beans: This pinto beans recipe, adapted from chef and restauranteur Kevin Bludso, is made with smoked ham hock in a flavorful broth.
How to Store Leftover Baked Chicken
To store leftover baked chicken, let it cool to room temperature. Then, place in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within 3–4 days.
How do I know if chicken is done without a meat thermometer?
Chicken should be cooked until the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink at the bone. However, using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Can I add vegetables to the baking sheet?
Yes, you can add vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers to the baking sheet. Just make sure they’re cut into uniform pieces and arranged so they cook evenly.
Summary
This Southern Baked Chicken is a must-try for any home cook. It’s simple enough to make during the week but fancy enough for a Sunday supper.
Best Southern Baked Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs and 4 chicken drumsticks skin-on, bone-in, or a whole chicken cut in 8 pieces
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Soul Food seasoning
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prep Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine Soul Food seasoning and Cajun seasoning.
- Season Chicken: Pat the pieces dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp up during baking. Evenly coat with the seasoning mix.
- Bake: Place seasoned chicken pieces in an oven-safe skillet, baking dish, or on a baking sheet, skin side up. Make sure they are arranged in a single layer and not crowded.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Once done, remove chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps retain the juices.
- Serve with your favorite soul food sides and enjoy.
