Oven Baked Chicken Breast
This oven-baked chicken breast recipe ensures tender, juicy meat with a flavorful golden crust, making it perfect for busy families and healthy meal prep.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless and skinless chicken breasts The lean protein base for this recipe, ensuring a juicy texture.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Adds moisture and helps the spices adhere to the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar Introduces a touch of sweetness that caramelizes while baking.
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Infuses a rich, savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder Enhances the overall taste with a mild sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika Provides a warm, earthy flavor and vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning A blend of herbs that offers a classic touch.
- 1 teaspoon salt Essential for enhancing all the flavors present in the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper Adds a gentle kick, balancing the sweetness.
Finishing Touch
- 2 tablespoons butter Creates a rich finish and helps with browning.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Place chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound to about 0.5 to 0.75 inch thickness for even cooking.
- Coat the flattened chicken breasts with olive oil to ensure flavor absorption.
Seasoning
- In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture all over the chicken and lightly rub it in for even coverage.
Baking
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared casserole dish.
- Top each chicken breast with a slice of butter for a luxurious finish.
- Bake at 400 degrees F until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, about 18 to 20 minutes.
- Finish the chicken under the broiler for 1 to 3 minutes until nicely browned and crispy.
Serving
- Enjoy your tender and flavorful chicken breasts right away for the best taste.
Notes
Pounding the chicken evenly will help it cook uniformly. Marinating in olive oil and spices for a few hours will enhance flavors. Use a thermometer to ensure doneness. Let the chicken rest after baking to retain juices. For meal prep, bake a larger batch.