Classic Easy Baked Chicken Breast Dinner
This classic baked chicken breast dinner is incredibly easy to make and results in juicy, flavorful chicken every time. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or meal prep!
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper or Foil
- Small Bowl
- Meat Thermometer
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 - 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4 breasts), ideally of similar thickness
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasoning Blend
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika for depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or all-purpose herb blend)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Optional Garnish
- fresh lemon juice Squeeze of, after baking
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Seasoning
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and rub it evenly on all sides.
- In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this blend generously over both sides of the chicken, pressing gently to adhere.
Baking
- Bake for 18-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken juicy.
Resting & Serving
- Tent the cooked chicken loosely with foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving.
- Optionally, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving for added brightness.
Notes
For even cooking, ensure chicken breasts are of similar thickness. If they vary, you can pound the thicker parts slightly to equalize them. Resting the chicken after baking is crucial for juicy results, allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.