ReelsMealsStart cooking

Super Easy Baked Chicken

Recipe by The Thoughts of Microdac on YouTubeAdded 5 November 2026.

10 minutes to prep, 1 hour 16 minutes to cook. A ridiculously simple baked chicken recipe that uses just a few pantry staples—oil, orange, garlic, and thyme—to create juicy, flavorful meat. The high‑heat start gives the chicken a nice brown crust, while the lower‑heat finish keeps it tender and perfect for sandwiches or a quick dinner.

Free. No account needed.

Method

  1. Wash the chicken breasts thoroughly.

  2. Rub the chicken breasts with oil, making sure the oil is evenly distributed.

  3. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and any additional seasoning you like.

  4. Add orange zest and juice, minced garlic, and dried thyme to the chicken.

  5. Place the seasoned chicken in a stoneware baking dish.

  6. Bake at 500°F (500°F) for 16 minutes to brown the chicken.

  7. Remove the chicken, wrap it in aluminum foil, and return it to the oven at 350°F (350°F) for 60 minutes, or until fully cooked.

  8. Let the chicken rest briefly, then slice for sandwiches or serve as desired.

Tips while you cook

High‑heat browning
Bake at 500°F for 16 minutes before lowering the temperature.
Foil wrap for moisture
Wrap the chicken in aluminum foil before the 60‑minute 350°F bake.
Rest before slicing
Let the chicken rest briefly after cooking to retain juices.

Notes from ReelsMeals, based on this recipe's ingredients, times and method. They are not the creator's instructions.

Made it?

Tap a star to rate it. Ratings help other cooks decide what to make next.

Rate this recipe

Watch The Thoughts of Microdac make it. The video loads from YouTube when you tap.

The Thoughts of Microdac made this.

The recipe comes from The Thoughts of Microdac’s YouTube video. ReelsMeals wrote it down from the caption and the voiceover. Check the original if something looks off, and for anything about allergens.

Are you The Thoughts of Microdac and want this changed? Email [email protected].

Share or print it

Credit or embed it on your own site

More dinner recipes