Description
This Oven Baked Chicken Breast recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken breasts coated with a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. Perfectly cooked in the oven, this simple and healthy dish is quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Chicken Breasts: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- Oil the Chicken: Rub olive oil evenly over all sides of each chicken breast to help the seasoning adhere and keep the meat moist.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning blend evenly over the chicken breasts, rubbing it in to coat thoroughly.
- Bake: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety and juiciness.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender and juicy texture.
Notes
- Using a meat mallet to pound the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and prevents dryness.
- Feel free to adjust seasoning to your taste or add herbs like rosemary or thyme for added flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to avoid overcooking.
- Letting the chicken rest after baking retains moisture and enhances tenderness.
- Leftover chicken breasts can be sliced and added to salads, wraps, or sandwiches.
