Description
This Oven Baked Chicken Breast recipe offers a simple, flavorful way to prepare juicy and tender chicken breasts with a blend of aromatic spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, the chicken is seasoned with garlic, paprika, oregano, and thyme, then baked to perfection at 400°F. The method ensures a moist, delicious meal served in under 30 minutes, suitable for various occasions and easy to pair with your favorite sides.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Pound the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness. This ensures even cooking and helps the chicken remain juicy.
- Oil the Chicken: Rub each chicken breast with olive oil on all sides. This helps the seasoning stick and adds moisture during baking.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over the chicken breasts and gently rub it in to coat all sides thoroughly.
- Bake the Chicken: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) indicating the chicken is fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken breasts from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender chicken. Slice and serve as desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts with olive oil and spices for 30 minutes before baking.
- Using a meat thermometer is highly recommended to avoid overcooking.
- You can add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a more aromatic touch.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, salads, or your favorite grain for a complete meal.
