Description
Juicy Chicken Breast Baked Dinner: Get my easy recipe for tender, flavorful chicken thats perfect for any night. Say goodbye to dry!
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Ingredients:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (about 1.5-2 lbs)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- Flavor Boosters & Seasonings:
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1.5 tsp Dried Italian Herbs (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- 3/4 tsp Salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper (or to taste)
- Aromatics & Freshness:
- 1/2 Lemon (for squeezing)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Optional Finishing Touches:
- 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter (melted, for basting)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken Right:: First things first, grab those chicken breasts. I usually pat them super dry with a paper towel – this is key for getting any kind of crust, honestly. Then, I give them a little whack with a meat mallet between two sheets of parchment paper, just to even them out. We’re aiming for even cooking, not a dry edge and a raw middle, right? This is where I almost always forget to clean up the little bits of chicken juice on the counter!
- Season Like You Mean It:: Now for the fun part! Drizzle a good glug of olive oil over the chicken, then sprinkle generously with garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Don’t be shy! I sometimes put it all in a bowl and toss it with my hands – yes, messy, but it really gets that seasoning everywhere. This step always smells so promising, like dinner is going to be good.
- Get That Oven Hot:: Preheat your oven to a nice 400°F (200°C). Seriously, don’t skip the preheating! I once threw chicken in a cold oven thinking “it’ll catch up,” and let’s just say dinner was late and the chicken was… sad. While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Trust me on this, future you will thank past you.
- Into the Oven It Goes:: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re not crowded, or they’ll steam instead of roast. Pop them into that hot oven. This is where the kitchen starts to smell absolutely divine, that warm, herby scent just fills the air. I always peek through the oven door, like a kid on Christmas morning!
- The Mid-Bake Secret:: Bake for about 18-22 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken. Around halfway through, about 10 minutes in, I sometimes pull them out and quickly brush them with a little melted butter if I’m feeling fancy. It just adds another layer of juiciness and a gorgeous golden crust. Don’t worry if you skip this, it’s still good!
- Rest and Finish:: The most crucial step for a truly Juicy Chicken Breast Baked Dinner Recipe: once the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) with a meat thermometer, take them out! Let them rest on a cutting board, loosely tented with foil, for 5-10 minutes. This lets the juices redistribute. A squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of chopped parsley right before serving? *Chef’s kiss!*
