Oven Baked Chicken Breast
Juicy, tender oven baked chicken breast seasoned with flavorful herbs and spices, perfect for meal prep and busy evenings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken Breasts Lean protein source, essential for meal prep.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Adds moisture and flavor, heart healthy.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Provides depth and richness in taste.
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Enhances savory flavor smoothness.
- 1 teaspoon Paprika Adds a mild sweetness and attractive color.
- 1 teaspoon Salt Essential for flavor enhancement.
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper A must for a little heat and seasoning balance.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme (optional) Complements the chicken with herbal notes.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional thyme.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they’re coated well.
Cooking
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, spacing them evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
- To check doneness, insert a meat thermometer—chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
- For extra flavor, consider broiling the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes for a crispy finish.
Serving
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice the chicken breasts against the grain for tenderness.
- Plate with your choice of sides like veggies, rice, or salads.
- Drizzle any remaining juices from the baking dish over the chicken for added flavor.
Notes
Use fresh chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture. Let the chicken rest before slicing to retain juices. For heat boost, add cayenne pepper to your seasoning mix. Marinate chicken overnight for enhanced flavor.