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Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 98 reviews
  • Author: Sophie
  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This oven-baked chicken breast recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken breasts with a flavorful seasoning blend of brown sugar, paprika, and herbs. Thanks to pounding the chicken to an even thickness and baking at a high temperature, the chicken cooks evenly and retains moisture, making it perfect for a quick and healthy meal. This simple recipe is ideal for weeknights and pairs wonderfully with sides like garlic butter rice and kale.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 chicken breasts (150 – 180g / 5 – 6 oz each)
  • 2 tsp olive oil

Seasoning

  • 1 1/2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme (or herb of choice)
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper

Garnish

  • Finely chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) or 200°C fan-forced to ensure a hot cooking environment that sears the chicken for a golden crust.
  2. Pound Chicken: Use a rolling pin, meat mallet, or your fist to gently pound each chicken breast to about 1.5cm (0.6 inch) thickness at the thickest part. This helps even cooking and a tender texture.
  3. Mix Seasoning: Combine the brown sugar, paprika, dried oregano or thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl to create the flavorful seasoning mix.
  4. Prepare Baking Tray: Line a baking tray with foil and baking or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the chicken breasts upside down on the tray. Drizzle approximately 1 teaspoon of olive oil over this side of the chicken, then rub it in with your fingers. Sprinkle half the seasoning mix evenly over this side.
  5. Season Other Side: Flip the chicken breasts over so the skin or smooth side is up. Drizzle the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil on top and rub it in. Sprinkle the remaining seasoning evenly to cover as much surface area as possible.
  6. Bake Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 18 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown as shown in photos and videos. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and immediately transfer each piece to serving plates. Let the chicken rest for 3 to 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and enhance moisture.
  8. Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken before serving. Serve alongside favorite sides like garlic butter rice with kale for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Pounding chicken to an even thickness is key for tender, evenly cooked meat.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • Seasoning blend can be adjusted or substituted with your favorite herbs and spices.
  • Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps retain juices and flavor.
  • For a crispier crust, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: oven baked chicken breast, baked chicken breast recipe, easy chicken breast, healthy chicken dinner, juicy baked chicken

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Find it online: https://cookwithsophie.com/oven-baked-chicken-breast-recipe/