Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe: Perfectly Juicy and Flavorful

Introduction

Oven baked chicken breasts can often turn out dry and flavorless, but with the right technique, you can achieve juicy, tender, and delicious results every time. This recipe is simple, requiring only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep work, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Prepping the Chicken

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and promotes even cooking.
3. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Rub the olive oil over the chicken breasts, then sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly on both sides of the chicken.

Baking the Chicken

1. Arrange the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a baking dish. Make sure they are spaced out to allow for even cooking.
2. Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken breasts in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
3. Rest the Chicken: Once baked, let the chicken breasts rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat remains juicy.

Serving Suggestions

1. Side Dishes: Serve the oven baked chicken breasts with a variety of sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or a crisp green salad.
2. Garnish: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for added color and flavor.

Conclusion

Oven baked chicken breasts are a versatile and healthy option for any meal. With this recipe, you can ensure that your chicken breasts are always juicy and full of flavor. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make this a go-to recipe for any home cook.

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in chicken breasts?
   • Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time as bone-in chicken breasts take longer to cook. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
2. How can I add more flavor to the chicken breasts?
   • Marinating the chicken breasts for a few hours or overnight in your favorite marinade can add extra flavor.
3. Can I cook the chicken breasts ahead of time?
   • Yes, oven baked chicken breasts can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
4. What if my chicken breasts are different sizes?
   • If the chicken breasts are of varying sizes, check the smaller ones for doneness first and remove them from the oven as they reach the proper internal temperature.
5. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
   • Absolutely! Fresh herbs can be used in place of dried herbs. Just remember that fresh herbs have a more subtle flavor, so you may need to use a bit more.

     My Oven Baked Chicken Breast

     

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     Oven baked chicken breasts can often turn out dry and flavorless, but with the right technique, you can achieve juicy, tender, and delicious results every time. This recipe is simple, requiring only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep work, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

     • 2 Chicken breasts
     • Chicken rub

     1. Marinade chicken overnight in herbs & spices
     2. Take chicken out of fridge and get it to room temperature
     3. Preheat oven to 220c
     4. Cook in ceramic dish for 8 mins
     5. Turn and cook for an additional 8 mins
     6. Remove when chicken hits 71c and allow to rest in the hot dish.The internal temp should continue to rise and should be served once 73c

     Dinner

     My Oven Baked Chicken Breast