This oven-baked chicken breast recipe is a simple and healthy way to prepare chicken. The chicken is seasoned and baked to perfection, resulting in juicy and flavorful meat that can be served with a variety of sides.
The recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Juicy Oven-Baked Chicken Breast
This oven-baked chicken breast is a delightful dish that combines simplicity with flavor.
Seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, the chicken is baked to achieve a golden brown exterior while remaining juicy on the inside.
The preparation is straightforward, making it a great option for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Preparation Steps
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
This temperature is ideal for achieving that perfect balance of crispy skin and tender meat.
While the oven heats up, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear during baking.
Next, drizzle olive oil over the chicken and season it generously with a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding dried oregano or thyme.
Rub the seasoning into the chicken to ensure every bite is packed with taste.
Baking to Perfection
Once seasoned, place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and slide them into the preheated oven.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
This ensures that the chicken is fully cooked while retaining its moisture.
After baking, allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
This resting period helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy piece of meat.
Serving Suggestions
For a well-rounded meal, serve the chicken alongside roasted vegetables.
Colorful veggies not only enhance the plate’s visual appeal but also provide a nutritious complement to the chicken.
Consider options like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini, all roasted to perfection.
A wedge of lemon adds a refreshing touch, allowing diners to squeeze a bit of citrus over the chicken for an extra burst of flavor.
This combination creates a meal that is not only healthy but also visually enticing.
Creating a Rustic Presentation
The presentation of this dish can elevate the dining experience.
Serve the chicken and vegetables on a rustic wooden table to enhance the home-cooked feel.
This setting invites warmth and comfort, making the meal feel even more special.
Garnishing the chicken with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can add a pop of color and freshness, making the dish look as good as it tastes.
A simple yet elegant presentation can impress guests or make a weeknight dinner feel like a special occasion.
Nutritional Benefits
This oven-baked chicken breast is not only delicious but also a healthy choice.
With approximately 165 calories per serving and a high protein content of 31 grams, it fits well into a balanced diet.
The use of olive oil and fresh vegetables adds healthy fats and essential nutrients, making this meal both satisfying and nourishing.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a gathering, this dish is sure to please.
Its combination of flavors, textures, and vibrant colors makes it a standout choice for any occasion.
Juicy Oven-Baked Chicken Breast
This recipe features chicken breasts seasoned with herbs and spices, baked in the oven until golden brown and cooked through. It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and place them in a baking dish.
- Season the Chicken: Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts. In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and oregano or thyme if using. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with your choice of sides.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 165kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 31g
- Carbohydrates: 0g