Oven Baked Chicken Breasts (Print version)

Perfectly seasoned chicken breasts baked to tender, juicy perfection with simple seasonings and minimal effort.

# What you'll need:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)

→ Marinade / Seasoning

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
04 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - ½ teaspoon onion powder
08 - ½ teaspoon dried thyme
09 - ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

→ Garnish (Optional)

10 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
11 - Lemon wedges

# Method:

01 - Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
02 - Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl or zip-top bag.
03 - Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
04 - In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne (if using). Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts and rub in well.
05 - Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
06 - Bake for 18–25 minutes, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
07 - Remove from oven, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
08 - Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • Barely any active effort but you get that satisfying seasoned crust people think takes way more skill
  • The spice blend hits all the right notes without being overwhelming
  • Perfect for meal prep because the leftovers actually taste better the next day
02 -
  • Thick breasts take longer so check the temperature not the clock
  • Letting it rest is non negotiable unless you want dry chicken
  • The cayenne is there for background heat not burn your face off heat
03 -
  • Let your chicken sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking for more even cooking
  • Use a wire cooling rack over your baking sheet for extra crispy bottom skin

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