Classic Easy Chicken Dinner for Beginners
This recipe provides a simple and straightforward way to cook delicious chicken, perfect for beginners. The chicken is seasoned, seared, and then baked to perfection, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
Equipment
- Oven
- Paper Towels
- Small Bowl
- Oven-Safe Skillet
- Instant-Read Thermometer
- Cutting Board
- Foil
Ingredients
Main
- 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs (2-3 pieces)
- 1-2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- Salt To taste
- Black Pepper To taste
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Dried Herbs (e.g., Italian Seasoning, Oregano, Thyme)
- Lemon Half a lemon (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried herbs. Sprinkle this mixture generously over both sides of the chicken, pressing it gently to adhere.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the seasoned chicken in the hot skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Resting and Serving
- Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Slice or serve the chicken whole, optionally with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. Ensure your skillet is oven-safe before transferring it to the oven.