Oven Baked Chicken Breasts (Printer-friendly)

Discover the secret to perfectly baked chicken breasts that stay juicy and flavorful every time with this straightforward cooking method.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

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

→ Marinade & Seasoning

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
04 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - ½ teaspoon onion powder
08 - ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or mixed dried herbs)

→ Optional Garnish

09 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
10 - Lemon wedges, for serving

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl or zip-top bag.
03 - Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and Italian herbs. Toss or rub to coat the chicken evenly.
04 - Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
05 - Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear. Baking time may vary depending on thickness.
06 - Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
07 - Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges, if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • You get juicy chicken without standing over a hot stove or worrying about timing everything perfectly
  • The seasoning blend works with almost any side dish making meal prep ridiculously simple
02 -
  • Using an instant read thermometer is absolutely worth the small investment because guessing chicken doneness is how you ruin dinner
  • Letting the meat rest is not optional its the difference between juicy chicken and something that tastes like sawdust
03 -
  • Brining the chicken for just 15 minutes in salted water is a game changer for moisture retention
  • A light coating of oil on your baking dish prevents sticking without adding excess grease

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