Description
Discover how to make perfectly juicy and flavorful oven baked chicken breasts with this simple and healthy recipe. With a blend of classic spices and easy preparation, this dish is ideal for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Optional
- Squeeze of lemon juice or fresh herbs for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and pound them to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dryness.
- Prepare Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and dried thyme or Italian seasoning to create the seasoning blend.
- Season Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil evenly on all sides, then coat them thoroughly with the prepared spice mixture to enhance flavor.
- Bake Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are cooked through and juicy.
- Rest: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist and tender chicken.
- Serve: Slice the chicken breasts and serve warm, optionally drizzling with lemon juice or garnishing with fresh herbs for added brightness and aroma.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; perfect for salads, wraps, or sandwiches.
- This recipe is excellent for weekly meal prepping due to its simplicity and nutritious profile.
