Oven Baked Chicken Breast

Oven baked chicken breast is one of the easiest and healthiest ways to prepare chicken. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week, this recipe ensures juicy, tender chicken with a crispy exterior. Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced chef, oven-baked chicken breast is versatile, flavorful, and guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table.

Ingredients for Oven Baked Chicken Breast:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh lemon juice (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

this recipe

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat will ensure that the chicken gets a nice sear on the outside, keeping the inside juicy.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Drying the chicken helps the seasoning stick better and ensures a crispier texture. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil, then rub it in on all sides to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
3. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. You can also squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top for a burst of citrus flavor.
4. Bake the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
5. Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains moist and tender.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the chicken against the grain and serve it with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables, a salad, or rice. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Why You’ll Love Oven Baked Chicken Breast:

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 30 minutes to prepare and cook, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights.
• Healthy: Oven baking requires less oil than frying, making this chicken a healthier choice while still being full of flavor.
• Versatile: You can customize the seasoning to suit your taste. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat or use Italian seasoning for an herby twist.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Bake several chicken breasts at once to have leftovers for salads, sandwiches, or wraps throughout the week.

Tips for Perfect Oven Baked Chicken Breast:

• Even Cooking: If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness. This helps them cook more evenly.
• Don’t Overcook: Overcooked chicken breasts can become dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the perfect internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Add Moisture: If you’re worried about dryness, you can add a pat of butter on top of each chicken breast before baking, or cover the chicken with foil during baking to keep the moisture locked in.

1. Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe? Yes, you can. Bone-in chicken breasts will require a slightly longer cooking time, about 35 to 40 minutes. Be sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through.

2. Can I marinate the chicken before baking? Absolutely! Marinating the chicken for a few hours or overnight will infuse it with extra flavor. Consider a marinade with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for a delicious twist.

3. How do I store leftover oven baked chicken breast? Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool before storing.

Conclusion:

Oven baked chicken breast is an easy, healthy, and flavorful recipe that you can make in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or prepping meals for the week ahead, this simple recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. With the right seasoning and technique, you can enjoy perfectly baked chicken every time!

Serving and Storage Tips for Oven Baked Chicken Breast

Serving Tips:

• Pair with Sides: Oven-baked chicken breast pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Try serving it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, quinoa, steamed rice, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with a tangy dipping sauce like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or a creamy ranch dressing for extra flavor.
• Slice or Shred for Different Dishes: After baking, you can slice the chicken into strips for salads, wraps, or sandwiches. You can also shred it for tacos, quesadillas, or chicken pasta dishes.
• Top with Fresh Garnishes: Garnishing the chicken with freshly chopped parsley, cilantro, or a squeeze of lemon juice adds a burst of color and freshness. For a richer touch, drizzle some balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top.
• Serve with a Sauce: A simple sauce like gravy, salsa, or a creamy garlic sauce can elevate the dish. You could also make a quick pan sauce by deglazing the baking sheet with a little white wine or chicken broth, adding herbs, and simmering to create a savory topping.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigerating Leftovers: Store any leftover oven-baked chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to let the chicken cool to room temperature before refrigerating to avoid condensation inside the container, which can make the chicken soggy.
• Freezing Leftovers: If you have a lot of leftovers or want to meal prep, oven-baked chicken breast can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, slice or leave the chicken whole, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat leftover chicken, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals, covered, to prevent drying out. If reheating from frozen, make sure to thaw the chicken first for even heating.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy oven-baked chicken breast not only for dinner tonight but also as a tasty and versatile meal in the days to come.

1. How do I know when my chicken breast is fully cooked?
The best way to ensure your chicken is fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can also cut into the thickest part of the chicken to make sure the juices run clear, not pink.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They may require a slightly longer cooking time, typically around 30-35 minutes, but they are more forgiving if slightly overcooked and tend to stay juicier.

3. Can I marinate the chicken before baking it?
Definitely! Marinating the chicken can add extra flavor and moisture. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours, using ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and your choice of herbs and spices.

4. Can I bake multiple chicken breasts at once?
Yes, you can bake several chicken breasts at once. Just make sure they’re spaced evenly on the baking sheet to allow for proper air circulation. If baking more than two, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, depending on their size. Always check the internal temperature to ensure they’re fully cooked.

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