Description
Succulent oven baked chicken breast delivers tender, juicy protein perfect for weeknight dinners. Herbed seasonings and precise cooking techniques ensure a flavorful meal you’ll savor with satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless (about 1 ½ lbs / 700g)
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Parsley, fresh, chopped (optional)
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring optimal seasoning absorption and crisp exterior.
- Seasoning Technique: Drizzle olive oil evenly over chicken, then generously sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Squeeze fresh lemon juice to add a vibrant citrus dimension.
- Oven Configuration: Preheat oven to 400F (200C), creating an ideal roasting environment for perfectly cooked chicken breasts.
- Roasting Process: Position seasoned chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring spacing for uniform heat distribution. Roast for 20-30 minutes, periodically checking internal temperature with a meat thermometer until it reaches 165F (75C).
- Resting and Serving: Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute. Slice against the grain and plate with accompanying sides like roasted vegetables, salad, or rice. Garnish with fresh parsley for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Moisture Control: Pat chicken breasts thoroughly dry to ensure crispy exterior and better seasoning absorption.
- Seasoning Strategy: Apply spices generously and evenly, massaging into meat for deeper flavor penetration.
- Temperature Precision: Use meat thermometer to guarantee safe 165F internal temperature, preventing dry or undercooked chicken.
- Resting Technique: Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices and maintain maximum tenderness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 278
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 49g
- Cholesterol: 140mg