Juicy Oven-Baked Chicken Breast
A simple, healthy, and flavorful chicken breast recipe that stays juicy every time. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or family meals.
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking tray
- Mixing bowl
- Meat thermometer (optional, but recommended)
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Juice of half a lemon optional
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and thyme. Rub the mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
- Place the chicken on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes (for boneless) until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
- Optional: Squeeze lemon juice over the top and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before baking.
- Adjust cooking time for thicker or bone-in chicken breasts.
- Pair with vegetables, rice, or salad for a complete meal.
