If there is one recipe that every home cook should know, it’s this baked chicken recipe. All you need is chicken, olive oil, salt, and pepper (and maybe some stock or white wine for gravy). We usually buy whole chickens and either cut them up ourselves or have the butcher do it for us. It’s cheaper that way and we get giblets for gravy. You can do that or just use a package of whatever chicken parts you like—breasts for white meat, thighs and legs for dark.
This way of cooking chicken couldn’t be more straightforward and is especially welcome on days when you’re busy and just want to put good food on the table. My mother made this at least once a month when I was growing up, and still does. It’s terrific with her Spanish rice and a little mango chutney on the side.