No Peek Chicken
No Peek Chicken is a simple, comforting recipe that locks in moisture and flavor by cooking the chicken with the lid tightly closed. This method ensures juicy, tender chicken with minimal fuss, perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want a delicious, easy meal. Customize with herbs, spices, and vegetables to suit your taste and enjoy a wholesome one-pot dinner with minimal cleanup.
- Author: Kathy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- 4–6 chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in for flavor, boneless for quicker cooking)
Fat
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Seasonings
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced or smashed
- 1–2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh herbs: 2-3 sprigs thyme, rosemary, and/or parsley
Vegetables (Optional)
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 large onion, sliced
Liquids
- 1 cup chicken broth or stock
- Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for a crispier skin. Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and your choice of fresh herbs. Chop the vegetables into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly alongside the chicken.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a heavy-bottomed skillet or ovenproof pan over medium-high heat. Place the chicken skin-side down and sear until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Layer in the Vegetables and Broth: Add the chopped vegetables to the pan, stirring to coat them in the flavorful chicken drippings. Pour in the chicken broth or stock to cover the bottom of the pan. This will help keep the chicken moist while cooking.
- The No Peek Part: Cover the pan tightly with a lid or heavy-duty aluminum foil, making sure not to lift it during cooking. This traps steam and heat, allowing the chicken to cook slowly without drying out or splattering. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Finish and Serve: Carefully remove the lid and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Optionally, broil for 2-3 minutes to crisp the skin if desired. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or herbs before serving for added color and freshness.
Notes
- Drying the chicken well before searing ensures a crispier skin.
- Use a heavy lid or sturdy foil to prevent steam from escaping and maintain juiciness.
- Resist lifting the lid while cooking to preserve moisture and heat.
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps redistribute juices for tender bites.
- Customize the broth by adding flavored stock or a splash of wine to deepen flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: No Peek Chicken, one-pot chicken, easy chicken recipe, juicy chicken, tender chicken, baked chicken, no-fuss dinner