Oven Baked Chicken Breasts (Print version)

Achieve perfectly cooked, juicy chicken breasts with this straightforward baking technique that delivers consistent, delicious results every time.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken

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

→ Marinade & Seasonings

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
04 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1 teaspoon paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

→ Optional Garnish

09 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
10 - Lemon wedges, for serving

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
02 - Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning adherence.
03 - In a small bowl, combine olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, and thyme. Mix well to form a uniform paste.
04 - Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast, ensuring complete coverage.
05 - Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for even heat circulation.
06 - Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F.
07 - Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
08 - Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and accompany with lemon wedges if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The high heat creates this gorgeous golden crust that seals in all the moisture
  • One bowl, five minutes of prep, and you look like you actually know what you're doing
02 -
  • Pounding the chicken to even thickness before seasoning is the difference between dry edges and perfectly juicy meat throughout
  • Invest in a meat thermometer because guessing when chicken is done is how you end up with either dry rubbery meat or food poisoning
03 -
  • Let the chicken come to room temperature for 20 minutes before cooking if you remember for more even results
  • Double the seasoning blend and keep it in a jar for future chicken emergencies

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