Description
This Baked Chicken Breast Recipe features juicy, tender chicken breasts seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices and baked to perfection in the oven. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, it’s quick to prepare and versatile enough to customize with marinades or toppings like fresh lemon juice or Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 to 8 ounces each)
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a lightly greased baking dish for even cooking.
- Coat with olive oil: Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the chicken breasts and rub it in to coat them thoroughly, helping the seasonings stick and the chicken to stay moist.
- Mix and apply seasoning: In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Sprinkle this seasoning blend evenly over both sides of each chicken breast for maximum flavor.
- Bake the chicken: Place the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes depending on thickness. Bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Optional broil step: For a golden, slightly crispy finish, broil the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest before serving: Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Resting helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours before baking.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving for enhanced taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
