Oven Baked Chicken Breasts (Printable)
Juicy, seasoned oven baked chicken breasts with smoked paprika and herbs, perfect for a healthy meal.
# What You'll 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 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or mixed dried herbs
→ Optional Garnish
09 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
10 - Lemon wedges, for serving
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place in a large bowl or zip-top bag.
03 - Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and Italian herbs. Toss or rub to coat evenly.
04 - Arrange chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
05 - Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Baking time may vary depending on thickness.
06 - Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
07 - Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges, if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The spice rub creates this incredible crust that locks in juices, so youll never have to suffer through dry chicken again
- It comes together in under 10 minutes of prep but tastes like something from a proper dinner party
02 -
- Invest in an instant read thermometer because guessing doneness will lead to either dry overcooked chicken or undercooked unsafe meat
- Letting the meat rest is absolutely nonnegotiable, those few minutes make the difference between juicy and dry chicken
03 -
- If your chicken breasts are wildly different thicknesses, pound them to even thickness so they cook at the same rate
- Letting the seasoned chicken sit for 15 minutes before baking helps the spices really penetrate the meat