Are you tired of dry, bland chicken that feels more like cardboard than a delicious meal? Get ready to transform your cooking game with this foolproof Perfect Baked Chicken Breasts recipe that guarantees mouth-watering, tender results every time! Whether you're a busy home cook or a kitchen novice, these simple techniques will have you serving up restaurant-quality chicken that will make your family and friends wonder if you've secretly hired a professional chef.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly greased aluminum foil to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels. This crucial step helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes even browning.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black 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.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other to allow proper heat circulation.
- Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of one chicken breast for accurate temperature monitoring.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-7 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives before serving.
- Slice and serve hot with your preferred side dishes such as roasted vegetables, rice, or salad.
Tips
- Always pat your chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning - this is the secret to achieving that gorgeous golden-brown exterior.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise doneness. 165°F is the magic temperature for safe and juicy chicken.
- Don't skip the resting period! Letting the chicken rest for 5-7 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat incredibly moist.
- Choose chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking. If needed, use a meat mallet to gently pound thicker parts for consistent results.
- Experiment with different herb and spice combinations to keep the recipe exciting. While this basic seasoning is delicious, you can customize it to match your taste preferences.
- For extra moisture, consider brining your chicken breasts for 30 minutes before cooking, which helps lock in flavor and tenderness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 231kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 85mg
