Description
This Juicy Baked Chicken Breast recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken cooked to perfection in the oven. Coated with a savory blend of spices and baked at a high temperature, the chicken remains moist and juicy while developing a deliciously seasoned crust. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, this simple recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort for a healthy, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (8 ounces each)
Seasoning & Coating
- Olive oil cooking spray
- 1/2 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and prepare a rimmed baking dish by lining it with aluminum foil or lightly greasing it. This helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
- Prepare Chicken: Generously spray or brush both sides of each chicken breast with olive oil. This ensures the spices adhere well and helps the chicken stay moist during baking.
- Season Chicken: Evenly sprinkle kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried oregano over both sides of the chicken breasts, coating them thoroughly with the spice blend.
- Bake Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish without covering. Bake uncovered at 450°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear when pierced with a fork. This typically takes about 20 minutes. Ensure the center of the chicken is white and opaque.
- Rest Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Loosely cover with foil and let rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute for juicier, more tender chicken.
- Serve: After resting, slice the chicken breasts as desired and serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Using an instant-read meat thermometer is recommended to ensure the chicken is cooked safely without overcooking.
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking is essential for juicy results; don’t skip this step.
- Feel free to adjust the spice quantities according to your taste preferences.
- This recipe works well for meal prep and can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- For crispier edges, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
