Oven Baked Chicken Breasts (Printable)
Discover the secret to perfectly baked chicken breasts that stay juicy and flavorful with this straightforward cooking technique.
# What You 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
# Steps:
01 - Preheat your oven to 425°F. 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 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 Hints:
01 -
- The spice rub creates this incredible crust that locks in juices better than any marinade Ive tried
- Thirty minutes from start to finish means even chaotic weeknights feel manageable
02 -
- An instant-read thermometer eliminates all the guesswork and prevents dry overcooked chicken
- The resting period is not optional it makes the difference between juicy and tough meat
03 -
- A quick fifteen-minute brine in salted water makes an already juicy recipe absolutely exceptional
- Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly so let it sit out for twenty minutes before baking