Description
Succulent Oven-Baked Chicken Breast delivers restaurant-quality flavor straight from your kitchen. Juicy meat seasoned with herbs and spices promises a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ lbs / 700g)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Liquid:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Ignite the oven to a sizzling 400F (200C), creating the perfect environment for a golden-crusted, succulent chicken breast.
- Meticulously blot the chicken breasts with paper towels, eliminating excess moisture to promote optimal seasoning adherence and crisp exterior.
- Massage olive oil across the entire surface of the chicken, ensuring a uniform, glistening coating that will help spices cling and enhance overall flavor profile.
- Craft a flavor-packed seasoning blend by combining garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Generously dust both sides of the chicken, then splash with a vibrant squeeze of fresh lemon juice to introduce a bright, citrusy note.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet, positioning each breast with strategic precision to promote even cooking.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, allowing the chicken to roast for 20-30 minutes. Monitor closely, using a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches the safe 165F (75C) mark.
- Extract the chicken from the oven and permit a crucial 5-minute resting period. This interval allows internal juices to redistribute, guaranteeing maximum tenderness and moisture.
- Slice the chicken against the grain, revealing a perfectly cooked interior. Plate alongside roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or fluffy rice, and garnish with fresh parsley for a final touch of elegance.
Notes
- Customize seasoning blends by swapping dried herbs like rosemary, oregano, or basil for a unique flavor profile that matches your taste preferences.
- Check chicken thickness before cooking to ensure even baking; pound breasts to uniform thickness using a meat mallet for consistent cooking results.
- Prevent dryness by using a meat thermometer instead of relying solely on cooking time, as oven temperatures and chicken breast sizes vary significantly.
- Transform this recipe into a gluten-free, low-carb, or keto-friendly option by carefully selecting seasonings without added fillers or sugars.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg