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Oven Baked Chicken Breast

Oven Baked Chicken Breast

Oven Baked Chicken Breast is a simple, healthy, and satisfying meal featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked quickly in the oven. This recipe uses minimal ingredients and straightforward steps to achieve flavorful, perfectly cooked chicken every time, making it ideal for busy weeknights and meal prepping.

Ingredients

Scale

Essential Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to reach temperature. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and develops a nice crust without drying out.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove surface moisture. Lightly coat each breast with olive oil and season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika if using.
  3. Arrange for Baking: Place the prepared chicken breasts in a single layer on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased rack to promote even heat circulation.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Bake the chicken for 18 to 22 minutes, depending on thickness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Avoid overbaking to keep the chicken juicy.
  5. Rest Before Serving: Once out of the oven, let the chicken breasts rest for 5 minutes under foil to allow juices to redistribute. This step is the secret to tender, succulent meat.

Notes

  • Even thickness: Pound thicker chicken breasts to uniform thickness for consistent cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer: Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F to avoid drying out or undercooking.
  • Brine option: Soaking breasts in a saltwater brine for 15 minutes before cooking can improve moisture retention.
  • Pat dry thoroughly: Removing moisture ensures better browning and flavor.
  • Let it rest: Resting cooked chicken helps redistribute juices and keeps meat tender.

Nutrition

Keywords: oven baked chicken breast, healthy chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, juicy chicken breast, baked chicken