Description
This Oven Baked Chicken Breast recipe is a simple and flavorful way to enjoy juicy, tender chicken breasts. Perfectly seasoned with garlic, smoked paprika, and thyme, it’s baked at a high temperature to lock in moisture and deliver a deliciously satisfying main course ideal for quick dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasoning Mix
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure they bake evenly and the seasoning sticks well.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking during baking.
- Mix Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper, stirring well to create a seasoning blend.
- Apply Seasoning: Brush or rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast, ensuring full coverage for consistent flavor.
- Bake: Bake the chicken for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the juices run clear, indicating the chicken is fully cooked.
- Rest: For juicy results, remove the chicken from the oven, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm, perfect alongside your favorite side dishes or sliced over salads, rice bowls, or pasta.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without drying out the chicken.
- Try adding lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice before baking for a bright, fresh flavor.
- Great for meal prep or slicing over salads, rice bowls, or pasta for easy meals throughout the week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
