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Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

4.5 from 108 reviews

This simple and flavorful Baked Chicken Breast recipe offers juicy, tender chicken seasoned with Italian herbs, paprika, and a hint of salt and pepper. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, it bakes quickly in the oven and is easy to prepare with basic ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)

Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon seasoned salt (or table salt)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Lightly grease a rimmed baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent the chicken from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Prepare Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken breasts with olive oil, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, paprika, and black pepper. Toss everything together well to make sure each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
  3. Bake Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking pan, ensuring they are spaced evenly. Bake uncovered for 21 to 26 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
  4. Rest Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and transfer to a plate or cutting board. Let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting time helps the juices redistribute inside the meat, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
  5. Serve: Slice the chicken breasts and drizzle them with the pan juices for maximum flavor, then serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • For additional flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning mix for 30 minutes to an hour before baking.
  • Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste or add garlic powder or onion powder for extra depth.

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