Are you tired of dry, bland chicken that feels like chewing rubber? Prepare to revolutionize your dinner game with this incredibly simple yet mouthwatering baked chicken breast recipe that will have your family begging for seconds! In just 40 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's so easy, even beginner cooks can master it like a pro. Get ready to unlock the ultimate foolproof method for creating tender, flavorful chicken that's guaranteed to become your new go-to weeknight meal.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic 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 ceramic baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a better golden-brown exterior when baking.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a seasoning blend.
- Brush or rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them to allow even heat circulation.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-7 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender chicken breast.
- Slice the chicken against the grain and serve hot with your preferred side dishes like roasted vegetables, rice, or salad.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without overcooking.
- Pat Dry for Crispy Exterior: Removing moisture from the chicken before seasoning helps achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Don't Skip the Resting Period: Letting the chicken rest after cooking allows juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with different spice blends like Italian herbs, Cajun seasoning, or lemon-herb mix to keep the recipe exciting.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Always leave space between chicken breasts on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and proper heat circulation.
- Consider Chicken Thickness: If your chicken breasts are uneven, use a meat mallet to pound them to a consistent thickness for uniform cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 270kcal
Carbohydrates: 0g
Protein: 50g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 120mg
