Oven Baked Chicken Breasts (Printable version)

Achieve perfectly cooked, juicy chicken breasts with this straightforward baking technique.

# What you'll need:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 6 oz each)

→ Marinade & Seasonings

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 paprika
07 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
08 - ½ teaspoon dried thyme

→ Optional Garnish

09 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
10 - Lemon wedges, for serving

# Directions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
02 - Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning adhesion and browning.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, and dried thyme until well combined.
04 - Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast, ensuring complete coverage.
05 - Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart to promote air circulation and even cooking.
06 - Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast.
07 - Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
08 - Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The spice blend creates this incredible crust that locks in moisture so you never end up with dry cardboard chicken again
  • Its become my go-to for meal prep because the chicken stays juicy for days and works in everything from salads to tacos
02 -
  • I ruined countless chicken breasts before learning that letting them rest after cooking is absolutely non-negotiable for juicy meat
  • A meat thermometer costs about ten dollars and will save you from the anxiety of wondering if chicken is truly done
03 -
  • Let the chicken sit at room temperature for twenty minutes before cooking so it cooks more evenly from edge to center
  • Pound thicker breasts to match thinner ones instead of cooking them separately and having some pieces dry out while others finish

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