Description
This easy baked chicken breast recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with a simple blend of Italian seasoning, paprika, and olive oil. Baked at 400°F, the chicken remains tender and perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
Seasoning & Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt (or table salt)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a rimmed baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken breasts with olive oil, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, paprika, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure each breast is evenly coated with the seasoning blend.
- Bake Chicken: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking pan in a single layer. Bake uncovered for 21 to 26 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Rest Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and transfer to a plate or cutting board. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute inside the meat, enhancing flavor and tenderness.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the chicken breasts against the grain and drizzle with any accumulated pan juices before serving to retain moisture and add extra flavor.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
- Parchment paper or a greased baking dish helps prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Feel free to customize the seasoning blend based on your preference, such as adding garlic powder or rosemary.
- Resting the chicken is crucial to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 26 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
