Juicy Oven Baked Chicken (Printable Version)
Tender chicken breasts baked with savory spices for a juicy, flavorful meal ready in under 35 minutes.
# 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
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat your oven to 425°F. 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.
07 - Remove from oven, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
# Expert Insights:
01 -
- The spice rub creates this incredible crust that seals in all the juices
- Its practically impossible to mess up, even on your busiest nights
02 -
- I once skipped resting the chicken and the juices ran everywhere on the cutting board
- A meat thermometer eliminated all my guesswork about doneness forever
03 -
- Pound thicker parts of the breasts to match thinner areas for even cooking
- Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking