Oven Baked Chicken Breast

There’s nothing quite like a perfectly juicy, flavorful Oven Baked Chicken Breast that’s simple to make yet delivers big on flavor. When I first tried this method, I was amazed at how tender and moist the chicken turned out! It’s seasoned just right with a mix of herbs and spices, then baked to perfection. No more dry or boring chicken! This recipe has become my go-to for meal prep, quick weeknight dinners, and even for impressing guests at a casual dinner party. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you’ve got yourself a versatile and delicious meal that you’ll come back to again and again. Plus, with just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the chicken breasts: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps the seasoning stick and gives the chicken a better texture when baked.
3. Season the chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil and rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.
4. Bake the chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t touching. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with an instant-read thermometer.
5. Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Serving size: 1 chicken breast
• Calories: Approximately 250 calories
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 350mg
• Sugar: 0g

(Note: Nutrition values may vary slightly depending on the size of the chicken breasts and amount of olive oil used.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 18–20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve

• Slice the chicken and serve over a fresh salad for a light and healthy meal.
• Pair with roasted vegetables or a side of mashed potatoes for a hearty dinner.
• Serve with a side of pasta or rice for a well-rounded meal.
• Use the chicken breast in a wrap or sandwich for a quick lunch or snack.
• Serve alongside a side of quinoa or couscous with some fresh herbs for a flavorful, protein-packed dish.

Additional Tips

1. Pound the chicken: For even cooking, you can lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures they cook through at the same rate, preventing some parts from drying out.
2. Don’t skip the resting time: Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy chicken.
3. Check the temperature: To ensure perfectly cooked chicken, use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Customize the seasoning: Feel free to play around with different seasonings, lemon zest, cumin, or cayenne pepper can give the chicken a unique twist.
5. Make it in bulk: You can easily double or triple the recipe and use the leftovers for meal prep throughout the week.

Recipe Variations

• Lemon Garlic Chicken: Add lemon juice and zest to the seasoning mixture and bake as directed. Serve with lemon slices for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Honey Mustard Chicken: Brush the chicken with a mixture of honey and mustard before baking for a sweet and tangy glaze.
• Spicy Chicken: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning blend for a spicy kick.
• Herb-Crusted Chicken: Use fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley to add a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the chicken.
• Cheesy Chicken: Top each chicken breast with shredded cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking for a cheesy, melty finish.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash for a comforting meal.
• Pair with steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts for a healthy, veggie-packed side.
• Add the chicken to a grain bowl with quinoa, avocado, and fresh greens for a nutritious meal.
• Slice and serve over pasta with a simple garlic butter sauce for a classic comfort food dinner.
• Use leftovers in a chicken salad, wrap, or stir-fry for quick and easy meals throughout the week.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze cooked chicken breasts for up to 3 months. Allow the chicken to cool completely before freezing in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave, though the texture may be slightly drier.

Special Equipment

• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
• Instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
• Tongs for handling the chicken without piercing it, which helps keep the juices inside.

FAQ

1. How do I keep the chicken from drying out? The key is not overcooking it! Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to retain moisture.
2. Can I use bone-in chicken breasts? Yes, but bone-in chicken breasts will take longer to cook. Adjust the cooking time to about 30–35 minutes, checking the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F.
3. Can I marinate the chicken before baking? Absolutely! Marinating the chicken for 30 minutes to a few hours in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs can add even more flavor.
4. What if my chicken breasts are different sizes? You can pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, or if they’re significantly different in size, keep an eye on the smaller pieces and remove them from the oven when they’re done.
5. Can I use this recipe for meal prep? Yes! Oven-baked chicken breast is perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch and use it in salads, wraps, grain bowls, or on its own throughout the week.

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