BAKED CHICKEN BREAST — JUICY, TENDER & FLAVORFUL
This easy baked chicken breast recipe is perfectly seasoned, juicy on the inside, and beautifully golden on the outside. It’s a simple family-friendly dinner that comes together quickly and pairs perfectly with rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
INGREDIENTS
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder, optional
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If the chicken breasts are very thick, gently pound them to an even thickness so they cook evenly.
- Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle both sides with olive oil and rub gently to coat.
- In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, black pepper, dried parsley, and chili powder.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, making sure they are well coated.
- Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the chicken.
- Bake uncovered for approximately 18–25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the chicken juicy and tender.
- Slice and serve warm with your favorite side dishes.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH BAKED CHICKEN BREAST
Serve this delicious chicken with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Steamed rice
- Roasted potatoes
- Green beans
- Roasted broccoli
- Fresh garden salad
- Garlic bread
- Steamed vegetables
TIPS FOR JUICY BAKED CHICKEN
- Do not overbake the chicken, as this can make it dry.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing.
- Pounding thick chicken breasts to an even thickness helps them cook more evenly.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours before baking.
Enjoy this easy, juicy, and flavorful baked chicken breast recipe with your family!