Are you tired of dry, bland chicken that disappoints at every meal? Get ready to revolutionize your dinner game with this foolproof Juicy Baked Chicken Breasts recipe that guarantees mouthwatering, tender chicken in just 40 minutes! Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary novice, this simple yet delicious recipe will transform your chicken from boring to extraordinary, making you the star of your kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp 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 large baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels. This helps achieve a better golden crust and prevents excess moisture.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a seasoning blend.
- Brush or rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
- If chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, gently pound them to create a uniform thickness using a meat mallet. This ensures even cooking.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece to allow proper heat circulation.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5-7 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum moisture and tenderness.
- Slice and serve hot with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or salad.
Tips
- Always pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise doneness - 165°F (74°C) is the perfect safe temperature.
- Allow chicken to rest after cooking to help redistribute juices and maintain maximum moisture.
- If chicken breasts are uneven, gently pound them to create uniform thickness for even cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - leave space between chicken pieces for proper heat circulation.
- Experiment with different spice blends to customize the flavor profile of your chicken.
- For extra flavor, try marinating the chicken for 30 minutes before baking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 85mg
