Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika (or smoked paprika for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for garnish
- Optional: 1 tbsp lemon juice (for a zesty kick)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for getting that golden crust.
- Season the Chicken:
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then sprinkle them with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Feel free to get creative here—add some chili powder for heat or lemon zest for freshness. If you’ve got fresh herbs, rub them on too.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the breast to make sure it’s no longer pink.
- Rest and Slice:
- Once the chicken is done, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps lock in the juices. Trust me, your chicken will thank you.
- Serve and Store:
- Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also slice it up for salads, wraps, or add it to your favorite pasta dishes.
Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked.
- Let the chicken rest after baking—it’ll stay juicier and tastier.
- Double the recipe for easy meal prep—leftovers can be used for lunches all week!
DON’T:
- Overcook the chicken—no one likes dry, rubbery chicken.
- Skip the seasoning—chicken breasts can be bland, so flavor is key!
- Forget to drizzle a little extra lemon juice or balsamic glaze for an extra burst of flavor.
Variations:
- Herb-Infused Chicken: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, and lemon slices on top of the chicken before baking for a burst of flavor.
- Spicy Chicken: Add a bit of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- BBQ Chicken: Brush the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce for the last 5 minutes of baking.
Baked Chicken Breast is a no-fuss, healthy dish that’s perfect for busy weeks ahead. Whether you need a protein-packed lunch, or just want something simple and flavorful, this recipe has you covered. 🐔✨
