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Oven Baked Chicken Breast

Oven Baked Chicken Breast
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A simple, reliable, and flavorful Oven Baked Chicken Breast recipe that yields juicy, tender chicken with balanced seasoning. Perfect for quick meals, meal prep, and family dinners, using minimal ingredients and easy steps to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken every time.

Ingredients

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Basic 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 Fresh Herbs

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped

Variation Ingredients (Optional)

  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest and 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for lemon herb)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper and 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (for spicy kick)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend and 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella (for Italian style)
  • 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce (for BBQ flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon honey and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for honey mustard glaze)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which helps the seasoning stick better and results in a golden finish.
  2. Season Generously: Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts. Evenly sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika on both sides. Gently rub the seasoning in to ensure every bite is flavorful. If using herbs or variations, add them accordingly at this stage.
  3. Bake with Care: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a lightly greased baking dish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
  4. Rest Before Serving: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and tender before slicing or serving.

Notes

  • For even cooking and to prevent dryness, pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internally for safe consumption.
  • Resting chicken after baking seals in juices and enhances tenderness.
  • Marinate chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours prior to baking for an extra flavor boost if time permits.
  • Consider using a baking rack to elevate chicken for even heat circulation and crispier edges.

Nutrition

Keywords: oven baked chicken breast, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken, juicy chicken breast, simple dinner, baked chicken

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/oven-baked-chicken-breast/