When it comes to soul-soothing comfort food, few dishes can compare to the timeless allure of classic Southern baked chicken.

This cherished recipe has been passed down through generations, though iterative, it has graced family tables with its irresistible aroma and tender, flavorful meat. If you’re in need of a recipe that’s easy, approachable, and reminiscent of Grandma’s love-filled kitchen, look no further.
You might think that I have southern roots as much as I make comfort soul food but that’s truly not the case. I was born and raised in Jamaica and so my Caribbean heritage is infused in everything I make. I have a love for southern cuisine because of how comforting and delightful it is. This southern baked chicken is just that. I amplified it a bit with some infusions of Caribbean cuisine like fresh thyme but at it’s core this dish is quintessential soul food.
Ingredients:
1 lb of dark meat chicken pieces like drumsticks and wings (about 12)
1 tsp All purpose seasoning, like adobo or lawrys
1 tsp Herbs de provence
1 tsp Kosher salt
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp @aldiusa Salt free table blend seasoning
1 tbsp of olive oil
1/2 white onion, chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
1 tbsp better than bouillon chicken base
1/2 cup of water
1 tbsp of flour
Fresh thyme
Fresh rosemary
3 tbsp of butter
(This recipe is also delicious with just onions instead of peppers as well!)
Directions:
- Wash chicken and pat dry with paper towels
- To a bowl, drizzle chicken with olive oil and season with seasoning blend, peppers, onion and thyme then transfer to a stoneware pan with tight fitting lid
- To the chicken add fresh thyme, butter. Mix together water, better than bouillon & flour then pour over chicken
- Cover and bake at 375 for one hour
- Increase heat to 400 and cook for another 30 minutes or until chicken is brown, gravy has thickened and meat is pulling away from the bone
- Remove from oven and baste chicken liberally with gravy
Southern Baked Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 lb of dark meat chicken pieces like drumsticks and wings about 12
- 1 tsp All purpose seasoning like adobo or lawrys
- 1 tsp Herbs de provence
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp @aldiusa Salt free table blend seasoning
- 1 tbsp of olive oil
- 1/2 white onion chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper chopped
- 1 tbsp better than bouillon chicken base
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1 tbsp of flour
- Fresh thyme
- Fresh rosemary
- 3 tbsp of butter
Instructions
- Wash chicken and pat dry with paper towels
- To a bowl, drizzle chicken with olive oil and season with seasoning blend, peppers, onion and thyme then transfer to a stoneware pan with tight fitting lid
- To the chicken add fresh thyme, butter
- Mix the water with flour and better than bouillon then add liquid to the pan (it shoud not cover chicken)
- Cover and bake at 375 for one hour
- Increase heat to 400 and cook for another 30 minutes or until chicken is brown, gravy has thickened and meat is pulling away from the bone
- Remove from oven and baste chicken liberally with gravy
My classic Southern baked chicken recipe is a testament to the heartwarming tradition of Southern comfort food. With its simple yet tantalizing flavors, this dish encapsulates the essence of family gatherings and cherished memories. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe invites you to experience the joy of creating a meal that warms both the stomach and the soul. So roll up your sleeves, channel your inner Southern chef, and bring a taste of nostalgia to your table with this timeless delight. It comes together with little effort and so by the time you throw it in the oven to cook you can gather around your loved ones and enjoy some quality time together while the wonderful aroma’s of the dish encapsulates your home.
What do you do with the better than bouillon?
Author
You mix it with the water, flour & water then pour it into the baking dish
Hello. You mentioned thyme twice but not rosemary. Can you clarify what you do with both? Thank you.
Author
I like to put fresh sprigs of both or either herbs on the bottom of the pan to flavor the gravy. Optional if you don’t have fresh herbs.
Hello! What about the butter? I can see it in the ingredients but I am not seeing it in the directions.
Author
Hi! See step #3, you just add it on top of raw chicken prior to baking
I have a question should I take the lid off when I turn it up to 400 for the last 30 min??
Author
yes, you want the chicken to brown and the gravy to thicken
I tried your recipe a few days ago. I didn’t have all of the ingredients on hand, so I made some tweaks here and there. But the chicken was delicious!!! I even added the leftover gravy to some white rice and that was equally delicious! I’m making another batch of chicken as we speak. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Author
yay! that’s fantastic, thanks for sharing <3
Hi, question.. can I do this recipe with chicken breast with the bones? Only because I limit eating thighs & legs
My family loved this recipe!