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Baked Chicken Breast

Baked Chicken Breast

Juicy, tender, and flavorful Baked Chicken Breast seasoned with garlic, paprika, Italian herbs, black pepper, olive oil, and fresh lemon. This easy oven-baked chicken recipe delivers beautifully golden chicken with a savory herb crust and a moist, tender center, making it perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a healthy family meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, International
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, approximately 6–8 ounces each
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano optional
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 lemon sliced into wedges or thin rounds
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
  • Fresh rosemary or thyme optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking dish or rimmed baking sheet
  • Small bowl for mixing seasonings
  • Measuring spoons
  • Tongs or kitchen brush
  • Paper towels
  • Instant-read meat thermometer
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp kitchen knife

Method
 

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If the breasts are very thick or uneven, gently pound the thickest portions to create a more uniform thickness.
  3. Make the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic, Italian seasoning, black pepper, salt, and oregano if using.
  4. Coat the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and rub it evenly over both sides. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken, coating both sides and the edges.
  5. Arrange for Baking: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between each piece. Add lemon slices and fresh herbs around the chicken if desired.
  6. Bake: Place the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20–30 minutes, depending on the thickness and size of the chicken breasts.
  7. Check the Temperature: Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  8. Rest: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
  9. Finish and Serve: Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and garnish with chopped parsley and additional herbs. Slice against the grain and serve warm with your favorite sides.

Notes

For juicy chicken: Avoid overbaking. Chicken breast is lean and can become dry if cooked well beyond the recommended internal temperature.
Use a thermometer: Cooking time can vary considerably depending on the thickness of the chicken. An instant-read thermometer is the most reliable way to check doneness.
Even thickness matters: If the chicken breasts vary greatly in thickness, gently pound the thicker portions so everything cooks more evenly.
Fresh garlic option: Fresh minced garlic provides a stronger, more aromatic flavor than garlic powder.
Smoky variation: Substitute smoked paprika for regular paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.
Spicy variation: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Cooked chicken can also be frozen for longer storage.
Serving idea: Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, salad, steamed broccoli, or your favorite low-carb side.