Description
Perfectly juicy baked chicken breast with a golden exterior and tender interior. This foolproof recipe delivers restaurant-quality results every time with simple ingredients and easy techniques.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- 1. Preheat your oven to 425°F and position the rack in the center. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- 2. Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. If breasts are uneven in thickness, gently pound them to about 1 inch thickness throughout for even cooking.
- 3. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to create your spice blend.
- 4. Brush both sides of each chicken breast generously with olive oil, ensuring complete coverage for optimal browning and moisture retention.
- 5. Sprinkle the spice blend evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, gently pressing the seasonings into the meat to help them adhere.
- 6. Arrange the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving at least 1 inch of space between each piece to allow proper air circulation.
- 7. Bake for 22-26 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reads 165°F.
- 8. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- 9. Slice and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes, or store for meal prep throughout the week.
Notes
Store cooled chicken in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, bring chicken to room temperature 15-20 minutes before baking. Consider brining in salt water for 30 minutes before cooking for extra juicy results. Pairs excellently with roasted vegetables, quinoa, or fresh salads.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 54g