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Oven-Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.4 from 86 reviews

This easy and flavorful baked chicken breast recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken with a simple seasoning blend. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, the chicken is pounded to an even thickness, brushed with oil, seasoned with salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper, then baked until perfectly cooked throughout.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (about 4 medium pieces)

Seasoning

  • 1 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)

Other

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil, or melted butter)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F with a rack positioned in the center. Pound the chicken breasts between plastic wrap to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking. Place the chicken breasts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced out for proper air circulation.
  2. Brush with oil: Pat the chicken dry again if needed to remove excess moisture. Then brush all sides of the chicken breasts with your choice of oil, melted butter, or use an oil spray to keep them moist during baking.
  3. Season the chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the sea salt, garlic powder, paprika, and freshly ground black pepper. Evenly sprinkle this seasoning blend over all sides of the chicken breasts for balanced flavor.
  4. Bake the chicken: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake at 400°F for 18-22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F measured with an instant-read thermometer. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked through but remains juicy and tender.
  5. Rest before serving: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute within the meat for optimal tenderness.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Adjust seasoning amounts to taste, especially the salt and pepper.
  • Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
  • Letting the chicken rest after baking is key to juicy results.
  • Pounding the chicken breasts evenly helps them cook uniformly and prevents overcooking thinner parts.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/oven-baked-chicken-breast-recipe/