Oven Baked Chicken Breasts (Printable)
Juicy herb-seasoned chicken breasts baked to golden perfection—a quick and healthy weeknight main dish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 5 to 6 oz each
→ Marinade and Seasoning
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tsp garlic powder
04 - 1 tsp paprika
05 - 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
06 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
08 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Optional Garnish
09 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
10 - Lemon wedges, for serving
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
02 - Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
03 - In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, dried Italian herbs, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
04 - Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast, coating thoroughly.
05 - Bake for 18 to 25 minutes depending on thickness, until the internal temperature registers 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
06 - Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The herb crust forms this golden, paprika kissed shell that makes people think you did far more work than you actually did.
- It reheats beautifully the next day sliced over greens or tucked into a sandwich, so making extra is never a mistake.
02 -
- Overcooking by even three or four minutes is the difference between a juicy breast and a chalky one, so invest in an instant read thermometer if you have not already.
- Brining the chicken in salted water for 15 to 30 minutes before seasoning changed my results dramatically and I now do it every time I remember.
03 -
- If your chicken breasts are very thick on one end, place them between plastic wrap and pound the thick side gently until the breast is an even thickness throughout.
- Letting the seasoned chicken sit on the counter for ten minutes before baking takes the chill off and helps it cook more evenly.