Over the years, I’ve made many dishes for weddings, but none as loved as this Wedding Day Baked Chicken recipe. It’s a go-to recipe that’s simple yet elegant, perfect for special occasions like weddings, engagement parties, or even Valentine’s Day dinners.
If you’ve ever heard of “marry me chicken” or “engagement chicken,” you’ll understand the power of a dish that can win hearts and fill bellies. There’s even a story about Prince Harry proposing after being served a roast chicken. Proof that the right chicken dish can change lives.
Wedding Chicken: A Simple Recipe That’s Stood the Test of Time
I’ve made this oven-baked chicken recipe countless times for weddings as large as 600 people! When I worked at our local restaurant, they hosted many banquets throughout the week and weddings every weekend. Believe me, our guests were always happy with the food.
This chicken recipe was a hit not just because it was simple, but because it felt homey and comforting. A true crowd-pleaser.
Weddings can be stressful, but serving a great dish like this always put smiles on everyone’s faces. It’s also an ideal chicken dinner for other events. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or just gathering family for a weekend meal.
Leftovers are Welcomed
It’s a dish you can prepare ahead of time. After baking, you can store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, making leftovers a breeze to enjoy.
Simple Ingredients
This recipe, with just Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, pepper, and water.
It’s amazing how a simple chicken dish like this was served at dozens of weddings, and it never failed to impress. It’s one of those simple recipes that home cooks can count on, and with just a few ingredients, it’s easy to make for busy weeknights too.
Why This Recipe Works
The best way to describe this baked chicken is comforting, reliable, and delicious. It produces juicy, flavorful pieces of chicken with perfectly crispy, golden brown skin. The internal temperature of the chicken, especially at the thickest part of the thigh, is easy to check with an instant-read thermometer, making sure it’s cooked to perfection every time.
Wedding Day Baked Chicken Restaurant Copycat Recipe
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 1 Whole Chicken cut into pieces, about 4-5 pounds of chicken, enough chicken to fill a 9 x 13 pan.
- 1 Cup water
- 2 Teaspoons Seasoned Salt I use Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
- ½ Teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spray the baking pan with cooking spray for easy cleanup.
- Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in a large roasting pan skin side down.1 Whole Chicken
- Sprinkle half the seasoned salt and pepper on the chicken.2 Teaspoons Seasoned Salt, ½ Teaspoon pepper
- Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the pan making sure not to pour it on the chicken you just seasoned. It keeps the chicken moist during the cooking time.1 Cup water
- Place the roasting pan in the oven and bake the chicken for 40 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the oven and turn the chicken. Sprinkle the remaining seasoned salt and pepper on the chicken. You can adjust the salt amount to your liking.
- Return the pan to the oven and continue baking another 35 minutes.
- The chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). To make sure the meat is safe and juicy, check the thickest part of the thigh with an instant-read thermometer.
- If the chicken needs extra crisping, broil the top for a couple of minutes until it reaches that beautiful golden brown color.
- Remove the pan from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, giving you tender, juicy chicken with every bite.
Your Own Private Notes
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions
At weddings, I served this baked chicken alongside classic sides like green beans, mashed potatoes, gravy, or roasted potatoes, and rolls.
Variations and Tips
Sun-Dried Tomatoes and White Wine. For a more gourmet version, you could add sun-dried tomatoes, garlic powder, and a splash of white wine into the water before baking. This gives the chicken a rich, Italian-inspired flavor.
Sheet Pan Chicken. For a quicker, weeknight meal, you can bake this chicken on a rimmed baking sheet with vegetables like carrots or potatoes. The pan drippings will flavor everything beautifully.
Creamy Sauces. If you prefer a rich, creamy sauce, you can serve the chicken with a simple gravy. The chicken’s pan drippings make an excellent base for a quick cream sauce made from heavy cream or sour cream and a little chicken broth. You’ve got a rich gravy that guests will love!
Why This Chicken Recipe Is Still a Favorite
I’ve had many requests for this recipe over the years. It’s a popular recipe and I’m thrilled to share it here. If you’re looking for a reliable roast chicken recipe that’s great for weddings or other special occasions, this is it.
Its simplicity, flavor, and ability to serve a crowd make it a great meal for any day of the week. The best thing about this is it’s a meal where I get back a clean plate from the whole family. I love that.
My family loved this!