– **Title**: Oven Baked Chicken Breast
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Lemon wedges (for serving)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps to get a nice golden crust.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
4. Rub the marinade generously over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.
5. Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in 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 no longer pink in the center.
7. Once cooked, remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
8. Serve with lemon wedges and garnish with chopped parsley. Enjoy your delicious oven baked chicken breast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe, but you can also use thighs if you prefer a juicier cut. Just adjust the cooking time as they might take a bit longer.
Olive Oil: This adds healthy fats and flavor. If you’re out of olive oil, you can substitute with vegetable oil, avocado oil, or even melted butter for a different taste.
Spices: While garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and thyme are fantastic, feel free to mix things up! Italian seasoning or taco seasoning can add a new twist. If you like spiciness, add cayenne pepper.
Garnish: Fresh parsley brightens the dish. If you don’t have parsley, basil or cilantro can work nicely too!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Breasts Are Moist and Flavorful?
Keeping chicken moist can be tricky. The key is to coat them well with olive oil and the spice mixture. The oil helps lock in moisture during baking. Patting the chicken dry is important too, as it allows the oil and spices to stick better.
- Preheat the oven properly for even cooking.
- Avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest after baking. This helps redistribute the juices inside.
How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Breast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Seasoning Mix:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to bake, for a total of about 35-40 minutes. You’ll have delicious, juicy chicken ready to serve in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chicken will cook evenly and thoroughly.
2. Prepare the Seasoning:
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. This spice blend will add flavor to your chicken!
3. Coat the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place them in a large bowl and drizzle the olive oil over them. Rub the oil over each breast to coat them evenly—they’ll be extra tasty!
4. Add the Spice Mixture:
Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. This is where the magic happens, so make sure you get every bit of chicken seasoned!
5. Arrange on a Baking Sheet:
Take a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking dish and place the chicken breasts on it. Spread them out a little to give them space while they cook.
6. Bake the Chicken:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for the chicken to be cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Rest and Slice:
Once your chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy! After resting, slice it into pieces or serve as whole breasts.
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the chicken just before serving for a nice touch of color and flavor. Enjoy your delicious oven-baked chicken breast!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw them first! To safely thaw frozen chicken breasts, place them in the fridge overnight or submerge them in a sealed plastic bag in cold water for about an hour. Once thawed, pat them dry before proceeding with the recipe.
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil on hand, you can use canola oil, avocado oil, or melted butter as an alternative. Each of these will give a slightly different flavor, but they’ll work well in this recipe.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. For best results, add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist!
Can I Add Vegetables to the Baking Sheet?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini to the baking sheet. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. Adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, as veggies may require a little longer to roast depending on their size.
