Oven Baked Chicken Breasts (Printable)
Bake tender, well-seasoned chicken breasts with olive oil and herbs for a quick, delicious meal.
# What You Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
→ Marinade & Seasonings
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
04 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1 teaspoon paprika
07 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
08 - ½ teaspoon dried thyme
→ Optional Garnish
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
10 - Lemon wedges, for serving
# Steps:
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 adhesion.
03 - In a small bowl, combine olive oil, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, and dried thyme.
04 - Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast, ensuring full coverage.
05 - Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart for even heat circulation.
06 - Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer.
07 - Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
08 - Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- Once you nail this technique, youll never reach for rubbery takeout chicken again
- The seasoning blend works on everything from fish to roasted vegetables
02 -
- An instant read thermometer will save you from cutting into the meat and losing all those precious juices
- Letting the chicken rest is not optional, its the difference between moist and disappointing
03 -
- Brining the chicken for 30 minutes in salt water before seasoning makes it virtually impossible to overcook
- Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly, so let it sit out while the oven preheats