Some individuals will only eat chicken that has been fried because that is what they re used to or grew up with especially in the South. Not taking anything away from the tasted and memories associated with fried chicken, the fact remains it is not as healthy as it should be. For a healthier meal including chicken, there are ways to bake chicken so that the taste is wonderful and it remains a healthy meal choice. The ways to bake chicken also work for those who are on a diet and is also a good choice for families who are working together to eat healthier.

The fact is that much easier ways of cooking exist that will replace fried foods and make them taste just as good if not better. Why not find new ways to bake chicken. It is really simple to do. With some simple instructions, you can be preparing a healthy and great tasting meal in no time at all.

Ways to bake a chicken include using a whole chicken or one which has been cut. You can also use only breast meat to make it even healthier. Wash the chicken or pieces in water and cover lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle each one with salt and pepper. You can also use marinade at this point. A homemade variety includes fresh or dried herbs of oregano, rosemary, and thyme. You can also choose low fat soy sauce or lemon.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. While the oven is heating, add the coated chicken or pieces to a baking dish. Put in the heated oven uncovered. The chicken will need to bake for 90 minutes at the 350 degrees until the outside is a nice golden brown color.

To make sure the chicken is cooked through, place a meat thermometer into the thick parts and make sure it reaches 170 degrees. If they have reached this temperature, they are ready to come out of the oven. Chicken thighs need to reach 180 degrees before they are ready. Chicken which is not cooked all the way can make you very sick.

When you take the chicken from the oven, cut through the thick parts to make sure there is only white meat and no blood or uncooked parts. When white meat is showing, the meat is ready to be served.

When one chooses to find ways to bake chicken instead of frying it, the meal becomes much healthier and tastes much better. Baked chicken wins out over fried every time. Reheating the chicken for leftovers tastes even better than it did the first day. Make sure not to reheat any more than you will eat. Reheating can only be done one time and the leftovers will need to be discarded. You also only keep food for a maximum of three days after it is prepared.

Add a wonderful side dish of potatoes with onions and garlic or some fresh vegetables. Your family will be much healthier for it and you will love the taste of in the variety found in ways to bake chicken for meals.