Description
This Oven Baked Chicken Breast recipe delivers juicy, tender, and flavorful chicken using simple, everyday ingredients. Perfect for quick and healthy meals, it’s easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite herbs and spices. Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this method ensures a moist and satisfying protein that pairs well with a variety of sides.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Your Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the seasoning stick better and prevents steaming in the oven.
- Season Generously: Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil on all sides, then sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika evenly. For an extra burst of flavor, add fresh herbs if using.
- Preheat and Arrange: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (about 200 degrees Celsius). Place the chicken breasts on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased pan for easy cleanup.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the chicken for 20 to 25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius). Avoid opening the oven frequently to keep the heat consistent.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender, juicy meat.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken without guessing.
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Don’t skip resting; it locks in moisture and makes slicing easier.
- Season under the skin for more intense flavor.
- Try brining chicken in a quick saltwater soak to boost juiciness and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (about 6 oz)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: oven baked chicken breast, baked chicken, healthy chicken breast, easy chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner, juicy chicken breast, simple chicken recipe