Oven Baked Chicken Breast
A simple, healthy, and flavorful way to prepare juicy chicken breasts, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts (6-8 oz each)
- ¼ cup olive oil For seasoning and marinade
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Lemon slices For garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place them between plastic wrap and pound them to an even ¾-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast. For enhanced flavor, marinate in a simple marinade for 30 minutes to 2 hours, then pat dry before seasoning.
Cooking
- Place the chicken breasts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure the pieces are not crowded for even cooking.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with lemon slices and fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
Make sure the chicken breasts are of even thickness for even cooking. Let the chicken rest before slicing; this helps keep it juicy. Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. You can use other marinades to add different flavors.