Oven Baked Chicken Breasts (Printable)
Tender chicken breasts baked with herbs and spices for a juicy, flavorful meal in 30 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
→ Marinade & Seasonings
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
04 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1 teaspoon paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
→ Optional Garnish
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
10 - Lemon wedges, for serving
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
02 - Pat chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning adhesion.
03 - In a small bowl, combine olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Stir to form a uniform paste.
04 - Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast, ensuring full coverage.
05 - Place seasoned chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between pieces for even heat circulation.
06 - Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer.
07 - Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
08 - Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side, if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- You'll finally achieve restaurant-quality chicken at home without any fancy techniques or equipment
- The seasoning blend hits every savory note while keeping the meat incredibly juicy and tender
- This recipe becomes your weeknight backbone, ready for any meal prep or last-minute dinner situation
02 -
- Pounding thicker breasts to even thickness before cooking prevents dry ends and undercooked centers
- A meat thermometer eliminates all the guesswork and guarantees perfectly safe, juicy chicken every time
03 -
- Brining the chicken in salt water for 30 minutes before cooking guarantees next-level juiciness
- Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly, so take it out 15–20 minutes before you plan to start cooking