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Juicy Baked Chicken Breast

This baked chicken breast recipe focuses on simple seasoning, proper oven temperature, and patience to achieve a juicy and flavorful final dish. The chicken is seasoned with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and finished with a squeeze of lemon for brightness, resulting in a tender, golden crust with moist interior. It’s an easy, adaptable dish perfect for busy nights or nourishing meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts preferably uniform in size for even cooking
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil good quality for richer flavor
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika can substitute with cumin or chili powder
  • 1 lemon lemon for squeezing after baking
  • 2 cloves garlic minced if fresh, or garlic powder can be used
  • fresh thyme or rosemary optional fresh herbs adds fragrance, optional

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Meat thermometer
  • Kitchen Towel

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels until they feel slightly tacky; this helps the seasonings stick and promotes crispiness.
  3. Rub each chicken breast with olive oil, coating evenly to help the seasonings adhere and promote browning.
    4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  4. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and smoked paprika generously over both sides of each chicken breast, pressing lightly to adhere.
    4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  5. Place a sheet of parchment paper on a baking sheet and arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on top, spacing them apart for even cooking.
  6. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the surface is golden and a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 75°C (165°F).
  7. While the chicken bakes, mince the garlic and prepare any optional herbs for garnish or added fragrance.
    4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  8. Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
  9. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the rested chicken to brighten the flavors.
    4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  10. Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs over the top for an aromatic finish.
    4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  11. Slice the chicken breasts and serve immediately, enjoying the juicy, tender texture with a flavorful crust.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness. Resting the chicken keeps it juicy. Feel free to customize seasonings or add a splash of white wine before baking for extra flavor.