Description
This Oven Baked Chicken Breast recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with a perfectly seasoned crust and a tender interior. Easy to prepare and quick to bake, this dish is ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner or meal prep, featuring a blend of savory spices and a touch of butter for extra richness.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken breast (boneless and skinless)
Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter (diced)
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent the chicken from sticking during baking.
- Flatten: Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap. Using a rolling pin or the flat side of a meat mallet, gently pound the chicken until it is about 0.5 to 0.75 inch thick. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Rub olive oil all over the flattened chicken breasts to prepare them for seasoning.
- Season: In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, ground paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and ground black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over the chicken breasts and lightly rub it in so the flavors penetrate the meat.
- Bake: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared casserole dish. Place a slice of diced butter on top of each piece to add moisture and flavor while baking. Bake the chicken at 400°F for approximately 18-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Broil: Once the chicken is cooked through, finish it under the broiler for 1-3 minutes. This step will give the chicken a beautifully browned and slightly crispy top. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Flattening the chicken breast ensures even cooking and a tender texture.
- Broiling at the end adds a nice golden crust but keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- You can substitute olive oil with avocado oil for a different flavor or higher smoke point.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated and used in salads, sandwiches, or wraps.
