Description
This Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe produces juicy, tender chicken breasts seasoned with a flavorful blend of garlic, paprika, and Italian herbs. Perfectly baked at 400°F, it’s a versatile and healthy main dish ideal for salads, sandwiches, or a quick dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for baking the chicken breasts evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare Chicken: Use paper towels to pat the chicken breasts dry; this helps the seasoning stick better and promotes browning.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet or baking dish in a single layer to allow even cooking.
- Oil the Chicken: Drizzle the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over each chicken breast to keep them moist during baking.
- Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful blend.
- Season Chicken: Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of each chicken breast to ensure balanced flavor throughout.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), indicating it is safely cooked.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
Notes
- Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking and to prevent dryness.
- Add lemon slices or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme on top before baking for an extra burst of flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness precisely and avoid overcooking.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American