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No Peek Chicken

No Peek Chicken
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No Peek Chicken is a simple and clever baking method that locks in moisture and flavor by cooking chicken covered without opening the oven until the end. This technique results in juicy, tender, and flavorful chicken with minimal effort, perfect for busy cooks and beginners alike.

Ingredients

Chicken and Fat

  • Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts – quantity as needed (e.g. 4 pieces)
  • Olive oil or softened butter – 2 tablespoons

Seasonings

  • Salt – 1 teaspoon
  • Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
  • Garlic powder or fresh garlic – 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves minced garlic
  • Fresh or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary – 1 tablespoon
  • Lemon juice or zest (optional) – 1 teaspoon lemon juice or 1 teaspoon zest

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Rub each piece evenly with olive oil or softened butter, then season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic (powder or fresh), and herbs of your choice.
  2. Preheat Your Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) to provide moderate heat, which cooks the chicken through without drying it, while allowing the skin to crisp nicely later.
  3. Arrange and Cover: Place the chicken pieces skin side up in an oven-safe dish or skillet, leaving a little space between them. Cover the dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil to trap moisture. Important: do not open the oven door during cooking.
  4. Bake and Resist Temptation: Bake covered for 30 to 40 minutes depending on chicken size. The trapped steam keeps the inside juicy and tender. Avoid opening the oven to retain moisture and ensure perfect texture.
  5. Uncover for a Crispy Finish: Remove the lid or foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to achieve a golden-brown, crispy skin that’s deliciously irresistible.

Notes

  • Thoroughly pat dry chicken skin before seasoning to enhance crispiness.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy chicken.
  • Do not open the oven during the covered baking stage to prevent moisture escape.
  • Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute.
  • Bone-in pieces are best for moisture retention and flavor development.

Nutrition

Keywords: No Peek Chicken, moist chicken, baked chicken, easy chicken recipe, juicy chicken, bone-in chicken, beginner-friendly, gluten free

Find it online: https://sophiespace.com/no-peek-chicken/