Oven Baked Chicken Breasts (Print)
Tender chicken breasts baked with olive oil and herbs for a quick, healthy meal.
# Ingredient List:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
→ Marinade & Seasoning
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
04 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or mixed dried herbs
→ Optional Garnish
09 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
10 - Lemon wedges, for serving
# How-To 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 Suggestions:
01 -
- The spice rub creates this incredible crust that seals in all the juices
- Thirty minutes from start to finish means dinner is actually possible on busy weeknights
- Leftovers make amazing sandwiches and salads for lunch the next day
02 -
- Brining the chicken for just 15 minutes in salted water makes a huge difference in juiciness
- An instant read thermometer is your best friend since overcooking by even two minutes dries everything out
03 -
- Pound thicker breasts to an even thickness so everything finishes cooking at the same time
- Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking for more even cooking