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Easy Baked Chicken Breast

This simple and delicious baked chicken breast recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Juicy, tender chicken seasoned with everyday spices and baked to golden perfection. It's versatile and pairs well with almost any side dish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 4 medium breasts
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • 0.25 tsp onion powder (optional)

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and encourages a nicer sear.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder (if using).
  4. Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken. Rub the seasoning gently to ensure it's well coated.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. Cooking time may vary based on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
  6. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in olive oil and seasonings for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator) before baking. Serve with roasted vegetables, a side salad, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.