If you have visited best golden corral baked chicken recipe, you know their well-seasoned, flavorful, juicy baked chicken. Right into your kitchen, this copycat recipe delivers soft, delicious meat and the same golden, crispy skin!
The trick is to use a buttery Worcestershire glaze, a savory mix of spices, and a little stock to keep the chicken moist. This simple baked chicken recipe tastes great without spending hours in the kitchen, whether your chicken is thighs or chicken breasts.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Will Make You Loveable
✔ Tender & Juicy : Dry chicken is no more! The butter and broth bind moisture.
✔ Crispy, Flavorful Skin: All the difference is found in a quick broil at the end and a perfect mix of spices.
✔ Easy & Foolproof; simply season, bake, and savor!
✔ Versatile : Works with chicken breasts, drums, or thighs.
✔ Better Than Takeout: At home, savor baked chicken of restaurant quality!
Looking for a way to use leftover chicken? Try making Chicken Salad Chick for a fresh and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
You will need these to create baked chicken in the Golden Corral style:
For the Chicken
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (four pieces) for the chicken or leaner choice use chicken breasts.
- Two tablespoons of olive oil help produce a golden, crispy skin.
For the Blend of Seasoning
- One tsp of salt sharpens the taste.
- Black Pepper (1 tsp) : Adds a slight spiciness.
- One teaspoon of paprika brings subtle smokiness and color.
- Infuse savory depth with one tsp of onion powder and garlic powder.
- Add herbal overtones from dried thyme (half tsp) and oregano (half tsp).
- Half tsp cayenne pepper is optional, but it needs a spicy kick-in.
For Extra Flavor and Moisture
- One tablespoon of melted butter brings richness and a golden hue.
- One secret ingredient for umami depth is Worcestershire Sauce (one tsp).
- ½ cup of chicken broth keeps the chicken wet and juicy.
👉 The complete ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below!
Golden Corral Baked Chicken Made Right Here
First step: clean the oven and chicken.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- To help a baking dish not stick, lightly oil it.
Second step: spice the chicken.
- In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper.
- After patting the chicken dry using paper towels, evenly coat each piece with the spice mix.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and rub it in for additional crispness.
Third step: bake for juiciness.
- Stow the chicken skin side up in the baking dish.
- To keep the meat moist, pour chicken broth at the bottom of the dish.
- For added taste, spread over the chicken melted butter mixed with Worcestershire sauce.
- Bake uncovered until the internal temperature comes up to 165°F (75°C), 35 to 45 minutes.
Fourth step: get perfect crispiness.
- Broil for the last three to five minutes until the skin crisps up for beautiful, crispy skin.
Step five: relax and serve.
- Let the chicken rest in the oven for five minutes before serving; this helps lock in the juices!
- Present hot with your preferred sides mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or cornbread.
Expert Advice for the Perfect Baked Chicken
✔ Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken; it tastes and stays juicier than boneless.
✔ Pat the Chicken Dry Before Seasoning. It helps the spices stick and the skin crisp up.
✔ Don’t Neglect the Butter & Worcestershire Sauce; it gives the taste richness and depth.
✔ Check the Temperature: Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.
✔ Broil for Extra Crispiness: The skin turns golden during those last few minutes under the broiler.
Serving and Pairing
Present and pair this chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy, a classic comfort meal pairing.
🥗 With a Fresh Salad Try it with a Caesar or garden salad for a lighter lunch.
Perfect for a Southern-style feast, cornbread, and roasted veggies
🌽 A basic and wholesome dinner is Rice & Steamed Greens.
Bonus Idea
Toss the leftovers in meal prep bowls, wraps, or sandwiches!
Make Ahead and Storage
Save Leftovers
Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Stow the cooked chicken in a sealed freezer bag for up to three months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator; then reheat.
Reheat the Oven
Ten to fifteen minutes at 350°F (175°C) reheat.
To crisp the skin, heat in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for five minutes.
Heat in 30-second intervals in a microwave; the skin won’t stay crispy.
FAQs
Is boneless chicken something I can use?
Certainly! Given boneless chicken cooks faster, just cut the baking time to 25 to 30 minutes.
What would be a suitable replacement for Worcestershire sauce?
Try soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, or a sloshy BBQ sauce for a comparable depth of taste.
Can I spice this chicken?
Quite sure! Add red pepper flakes or boost the cayenne pepper for more heat.
How can I make this low-carb recipe?
Already is! Just present with low-carb sides like cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables.
Conclusion
Made shockingly simply, this Golden Corral-style Baked Chicken is moist, tasty, and quite easy. Whether cooking for a weeknight supper, meal prep, or a family feast, this oven-baked chicken provides restaurant-quality flavor at home.
Try it today to be ready for a new family favorite! 🍗🔥
Love and happy cooking! 😊
Golden Corral Baked Chicken Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for a little spice
- 1 tbsp lemon juice for brightness
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat chicken dry with a paper towel and place in a baking dish.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper.
- Rub chicken with olive oil or melted butter, then coat evenly with the seasoning mix.
- Drizzle lemon juice over the chicken for extra flavor.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden
- Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, until skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread for a full meal.
Notes
For a juicy version, cover with foil for the first 20 minutes, then uncover to crisp up.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.