– **Title**: Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Breast
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or mixed herbs)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice crust when baking.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried herbs, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
4. Rub the marinade evenly over both sides of each chicken breast. Optionally, drizzle lemon juice over the chicken for extra flavor.
5. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a greased baking dish.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
7. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken moist.
8. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your juicy oven-baked chicken breast!
This recipe ensures the chicken stays juicy through a combination of seasoning, a high cooking temperature, and resting time after baking, making it flavorful and tender.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep the dish lean. If you’re looking for a change, skin-on thighs are juicier and add more flavor. Ground chicken or turkey could work too, but cooking times will vary.
Olive Oil: This oil adds moisture and flavor. You can swap it with avocado oil for a higher smoke point, or even melted butter if you prefer a richer taste.
Seasonings: Garlic and onion powders give a solid backbone of flavor. If you don’t have them, minced garlic and finely chopped onions can work as fresh alternatives. For Italian seasoning, feel free to use a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
Lemon Juice: This optional ingredient brightens the dish. If you don’t have lemon, lime juice or even apple cider vinegar can add a wonderful zing.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken Breasts Stay Juicy?
One major key to juicy chicken is the cooking method. Start by patting the breasts dry; this helps with browning. Rub them well with olive oil and spices for even flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) first for even cooking.
- Make sure to space the chicken breasts apart on your baking sheet. This helps airflow around each piece.
- A crucial step is to let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender.
How to Make Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Breast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried herbs)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- Garnish:
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 5 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. So, you’re looking at around 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick and makes for a delicious dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This makes sure your chicken has a great roasting environment right from the start.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and pat them dry with some paper towels. Then, place them in a large bowl. Drying them helps the seasoning stick better!
3. Season the Chicken:
Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken breasts. Now, add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Don’t forget the lemon juice if you’re using it! Rub all the seasoning into the chicken until every piece is nicely coated.
4. Arrange for Baking:
Place your seasoned chicken breasts into a baking dish or on a lined baking sheet. Make sure to space them apart so they can cook evenly!
5. Bake the Chicken:
Pop the chicken into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through. If you have a meat thermometer, now’s the time to use it!
6. Let it Rest:
Once your chicken is cooked, take it out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting time helps keep the juices locked in and makes your chicken super juicy!
7. Slice and Serve:
Finally, slice your chicken breast and if you’d like, garnish with some fresh parsley. Serve it hot with your favorite sides, and enjoy your delicious meal!
Enjoy your juicy oven-baked chicken breast!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it’s essential to thaw them completely first. The safest method is to place frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can thaw them in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil, you can substitute it with melted butter, canola oil, or vegetable oil. Each of these options will provide a rich flavor, but olive oil adds a nice touch, so choose one that suits your flavor preference best!
How Do I Know When the Chicken is Fully Cooked?
The best way to ensure your chicken is fully cooked is to check its internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to confirm that it has reached 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken; the juices should run clear, and there should be no pink inside.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken breasts with the oil and spices a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This will enhance the flavor and make your prep time quicker when you’re ready to cook!
