Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe
Learn how to bake juicy and flavorful chicken breasts every time with this simple recipe. Perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or as a healthy protein option!
Equipment
- Baking dish or sheet pan
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Meat thermometer
- Small bowl
- Basting brush
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish or sheet pan with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps the seasonings stick and prevents steaming in the oven.
- Season the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Brush or rub the mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are not touching for even cooking.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
- Rest the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Serve:
- Serve the baked chicken breasts as is, or slice, dice, or shred them for other dishes.