Are you tired of dry, bland chicken that feels like chewing rubber? Get ready to transform your dinner game with the most mouthwatering, tender baked chicken breasts you've ever tasted! This foolproof recipe will turn even novice home cooks into culinary heroes, delivering restaurant-quality chicken that's bursting with flavor and incredibly juicy. Whether you're meal prepping, hosting a family dinner, or just craving a delicious protein, these baked chicken breasts will become your new go-to recipe that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a ceramic baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels. This helps achieve a better sear and prevents excess moisture during baking.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a uniform seasoning blend.
- Brush or rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other to allow even heat circulation.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-7 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness and moisture.
- Slice against the grain and serve hot with your preferred side dishes.
Tips
- Moisture is Key: Always pat your chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning. This crucial step helps achieve a perfect sear and prevents soggy chicken.
- Even Seasoning Matters: Use your hands to massage the seasoning blend thoroughly, ensuring every inch of the chicken is well-coated for maximum flavor.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Give each chicken breast space on the baking sheet to allow proper heat circulation, which ensures even cooking.
- Invest in a Meat Thermometer: This is the most reliable way to check doneness. Chicken is perfectly safe and juicy at 165°F (74°C).
- Resting is Crucial: Always let your chicken rest for 5-7 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist.
- Thickness Matters: If your chicken breasts are uneven, consider pounding them to a uniform thickness for more consistent cooking.
- Experiment with Seasonings: While this recipe offers a classic blend, feel free to customize with your favorite herbs and spices to make it your own!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 229kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 31g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 85mg
