Juicy oven baked chicken breasts (Printable Version)
Tender, seasoned chicken breasts baked to juicy perfection with a smoky, savory blend of spices.
# What You Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
→ Marinade / Seasoning
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
04 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - ½ teaspoon onion powder
08 - ½ teaspoon dried thyme
09 - ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
→ Garnish (Optional)
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
11 - Lemon wedges
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
02 - Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl or zip-top bag.
03 - Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
04 - In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne (if using). Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts and rub in well.
05 - Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
06 - Bake for 18–25 minutes, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
07 - Remove from oven, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
08 - Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The high heat oven method creates gorgeous flavor without standing over a stove
- Perfectly juicy chicken every single time once you know the temperature trick
02 -
- An instant read thermometer is worth every penny because chicken can go from perfect to dry in just two minutes
- Pounding the thicker end of each breast to match the thinner end is the game changing step that guarantees even cooking
03 -
- Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly, so take it out of the fridge about 20 minutes before seasoning
- The parchment paper isn't just for easy cleanup, it actually helps the chicken brown more evenly