Oven Baked Chicken Breasts (Print version)

Tender, flavorful chicken breasts baked to perfection with savory seasonings and minimal effort.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each)

→ Marinade / Seasoning

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
04 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - ½ teaspoon onion powder
08 - ½ teaspoon dried thyme
09 - ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

→ Garnish (Optional)

10 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
11 - Lemon wedges

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
02 - Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place in a large bowl or zip-top bag.
03 - Drizzle olive oil over chicken and toss to coat evenly.
04 - Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne in a small bowl. Sprinkle seasoning mix evenly over both sides of chicken and rub in well.
05 - Arrange chicken breasts in a single layer on prepared baking sheet, spacing slightly apart.
06 - Bake for 18-25 minutes depending on thickness, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
07 - Remove from oven, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
08 - Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The seasoning blend creates a beautiful golden crust that seals in all the juices
  • You can prep everything in about ten minutes and forget about it while the oven does the work
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day in salads or wraps
02 -
  • Pounding your chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning will ensure they cook at the same rate
  • Investing in a good meat thermometer eliminates all the guesswork and prevents overcooking
03 -
  • Bring your chicken to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking for more even results
  • Don't skip the resting period—those five minutes make the difference between juicy and dry chicken

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