Description
A simple, fast, and reliable recipe for juicy baked chicken breasts using moderate heat and a quick rest. This method ensures tender, flavorful meat without the dryness often associated with baked chicken.
Ingredients
Scale
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (uniform thickness)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt (kosher salt preferred)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Small pat of butter (optional, for richness)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure browning. If thick, pound to an even ½-inch thickness.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to form a paste.
- Place chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush or rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of each breast.
- Optionally, place a small pat of butter on top of each breast.
- Bake in the center of the oven for 18-22 minutes without opening the door.
- Check internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to redistribute juices.
Notes
Do not skip the resting period; it is crucial for keeping the chicken juicy. Ensure chicken breasts are uniform in thickness by pounding them if necessary. Use a thermometer rather than visual cues to determine doneness. If cooking from frozen, add 5-10 minutes to cooking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 165
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 3.5
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Protein: 31
Keywords: baked chicken breast, juicy chicken, easy dinner, meal prep, healthy chicken, high protein, low carb, keto friendly, one pot dinner