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Best Baked Chicken Breast Recipe


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3.8 from 1 review

  • Author: Leila
  • Total Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Best Baked Chicken Breast recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with a simple spice rub, baked to perfection in just 25 minutes. Perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner, this recipe uses readily available pantry spices and olive oil to create tender chicken breasts with a mouthwatering, aromatic crust.


Ingredients

Chicken

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Spice Rub

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or oregano, parsley or other herbs)
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper


Instructions

  1. Mix Spices: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to create a uniform spice rub.
  2. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get it ready for baking the chicken breasts.
  3. Rub Chicken: Lightly coat each chicken breast with olive oil. Then, generously rub the prepared spice mix evenly onto both sides of each chicken breast to ensure full flavor coverage.
  4. Bake Chicken: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish, making sure they are spaced apart. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, adjusting time based on the size of the chicken breasts. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety and optimal juiciness.
  5. Rest and Serve: After baking, let the chicken rest for several minutes to allow the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring each bite is moist and tender. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to prevent overcooking.
  • Substitute dried thyme with oregano, parsley, or your preferred dried herbs.
  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken with the spice rub and olive oil for 30 minutes before baking.
  • You can use avocado oil instead of olive oil for a different flavor profile.
  • Adjust seasoning quantities according to taste, especially salt if using low-sodium salt.
  • Resting the chicken after baking is critical for juicy results.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American