Quick Answer
Baking chicken with foil can be a good option for keeping moisture in and preventing the chicken skin from drying out. However, there are some drawbacks to consider as well. Ultimately, whether or not you should bake chicken with foil comes down to personal preference and what results you’re looking for.
The Benefits of Baking Chicken with Foil
Here are some of the main benefits of baking chicken wrapped in foil:
Retains Moisture
One of the biggest advantages of using foil when baking chicken is that it helps retain moisture. Chicken can easily dry out in the oven since prolonged exposure to heat draws out natural juices and causes meat to become tough and chewy. The foil creates a protective barrier that traps steam and keeps the chicken deliciously moist and tender.
Prevents Skin from Drying
In addition to keeping meat juicy, foil also prevents the chicken skin from becoming overly dry and crispy. Some people prefer softer, more supple skin versus skin that is super crispy. Foil allows you to control the texture of the skin and avoid it from becoming too dried out.
Easy Clean Up
Foil contains any juices or drippings from the chicken, keeping your baking pan or sheet cleaner. The foil just needs to be disposed of after cooking, which makes cleanup a breeze. Without foil, you’d have to contend with scrubbing and cleaning a messy pan.
Potential Drawbacks of Foil
Despite the benefits, there are also some downsides that may make you reconsider using foil:
Less Browning and Crisping
Since foil creates a covered environment, this can limit browning and crisping of the chicken skin. If you want really crisp, golden roasted chicken skin, foil may hinder this. The steamy environment will make the skin softer and less crunchy.
Loss of Flavor Nuances
Cooking chicken uncovered allows aromatic compounds to permeate the meat. Covering with foil can trap some of those flavor nuances. If you’re using aromatic herbs, spices, garlic, etc. you may want the chicken exposed to fully absorb the flavors.
Overcooking and Sogginess
It’s easy to overcook chicken when baking in foil, leading to undesirable textures. Without being able to see the chicken, it can be tricky gauging doneness. And trapped moisture can make the skin soggy instead of browned and crispy.
Tips for Baking Chicken in Foil
If you do want to use foil, here are some tips to ensure delicious results:
Use Heavy Duty Foil
Lightweight foil tears easily and may leak juices. Opt for a good quality heavy duty foil that can withstand high oven temperatures without breaking down.
Allow Steam to Vent
Poke a few small slits in the foil or loosely tent it over the chicken rather than sealing it completely. This allows excess steam to escape so chicken doesn’t end up mushy.
Finish Uncovered
Remove foil towards the end of cooking to let the skin crisp up. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Use Non-Stick Foil
Special non-stick oven foil makes cleanup even easier since food won’t stick. These types have a thin coating of silicone or other non-stick material.
Place Chicken on a Rack
Set chicken on a wire rack inside a foil-lined pan. This elevates it away from collected juices, preventing sogginess on the underside.
How to Tell When Chicken is Done
It can be challenging to determine doneness when chicken is baked in foil. Here are some ways to test if the chicken is fully cooked:
Use a Meat Thermometer
Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of a breast or thigh without touching the bone. It should reach 165°F.
Cut into the Meat
Slice into the chicken to inspect its internal color. Meat should be white throughout with no traces of pink. Juices will run clear rather than red.
Check for Loose Joints
Wiggle the leg or wing joints. If they move freely, the collagen has melted indicating doneness.
Look for Shrinkage
Fully-cooked chicken pieces will pull back from the ends of the bones slightly as they shrink. Undercooked meat will still be more firmly attached.
How Long to Bake Chicken Breasts in Foil
Chicken breast cook times can vary based on thickness. Here are estimated baking times for foil-covered chicken breasts:
| Thickness | Cook Time (350°F oven) |
|---|---|
| 1 inch | 25-35 minutes |
| 1.5 inches | 35-45 minutes |
| 2 inches | 45-55 minutes |
Always verify doneness rather than relying solely on cook times for accuracy. Use a food thermometer to confirm chicken reaches a safe 165°F internally.
How Long to Bake Chicken Thighs in Foil
Here are estimated baking times for boneless, skinless chicken thighs fully wrapped in foil:
| Thickness | Cook Time (400°F oven) |
|---|---|
| 1 inch | 25-35 minutes |
| 1.5 inches | 30-40 minutes |
| 2 inches | 35-45 minutes |
Chicken thighs can be baked at a slightly higher temperature than chicken breasts. Always verify temperature with a meat thermometer. Bone-in and skin-on thighs may take slightly longer. Remove foil towards the end if crisper skin is desired.
What to Stuff Under Chicken Skin
For added flavor, you can slip various ingredients between the chicken skin and meat before baking:
Herbs
Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage impart flavor to chicken as they roast. Chop finely before placing under skin.
Garlic
Minced garlic provides a tasty punch of flavor. Combine with herb mixes.
Lemon
Wedges or slices of lemon add bright, citrusy notes to chicken.
Spices
Spices like paprika, cumin, curry powder give chicken flavorful crust.
Butter
Small pieces of butter baste the meat and keep it tender.
Cheese
Ingredients like feta, goat cheese, brie impart delicious melty flavor.
Best Chicken Parts to Bake in Foil
While you can bake any chicken parts in foil, these are some of the best candidates:
Chicken Breasts
The tender meat of boneless, skinless breasts stays deliciously moist when foil-baked.
Chicken Thighs
Juicy thigh meat with either boneless or bone-in benefits from foil’s steamy environment.
Cornish Hens
The smaller size of Cornish game hens cooks evenly when wrapped in foil.
Drumsticks
Keeping drumsticks covered as they bake prevents them from drying out.
Foil-Baked Chicken Recipes to Try
Here are some delicious foil-baked chicken recipes:
BBQ Chicken
Chicken coated in a sweet and tangy homemade barbecue sauce.
Buffalo Chicken
Chicken baked with hot sauce then tossed in more sauce after.
Tuscan Chicken
Chicken seasoned with Italian herbs, garlic, and white wine.
Fajita Chicken
Chicken seasoned with fajita seasoning and peppers and onions.
Hawaiian Chicken
Chicken baked with pineapple and teriyaki sauce.
Mediterranean Chicken
Chicken baked with artichokes, olives, and feta cheese.
Pesto Chicken
Chicken smothered in nutty, herby homemade pesto sauce.
Conclusion
Baking chicken in foil can help retain moisture and prevent drying out. But it can also lead to sogginess and less browning. Weigh the pros and cons to decide if foil-baking suits your needs. Use heavy duty foil, allow for steam venting, and confirm doneness with a thermometer. Pair foil-baked chicken with delicious sauces and stuffings for incredible oven-baked meals. With some trial and error, you can master the art of baking juicy, flavorful chicken in foil.