Oven Baked Chicken Breasts (Printable)

Tender chicken breasts seasoned and baked for a juicy, flavorful main dish with a simple spice blend.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)

→ Marinade / Seasoning

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
04 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
09 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

→ Garnish (Optional)

10 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
11 - Lemon wedges

# How To Make:

01 - Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
02 - Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl or zip-top bag.
03 - Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
04 - In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne (if using).
05 - Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts and rub in well.
06 - Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
07 - Bake for 18–25 minutes, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
08 - Remove from oven, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
09 - Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • High heat creates gorgeous golden edges while keeping the inside impossibly tender
  • The seasoning blend works double duty as a dry rub and flavor builder
  • Zero active cooking time once it hits the oven
02 -
  • Pounding thicker parts to match thinner ends eliminates dry spots and is worth the extra 2 minutes
  • A meat thermometer takes all the guesswork out and prevents overcooking
  • Letting the chicken rest is nonnegotiable or all those juices will end up on your cutting board
03 -
  • Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly so let it sit out for 20 minutes before seasoning
  • Use your fingers to lift the chicken when placing it on the baking sheet to avoid wiping off the seasoning

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