Description
Simple Baked Chicken Breast makes dinner easy. Tender, juicy chicken with simple seasonings, perfect for busy weeknights. Mama Tessa’s family favorite!
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Players:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 lbs total)
- Flavor Boosters:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Herb & Spice Cabinet:
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- Optional Adds:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prep Your Chicken:: Okay, first things first, pull those chicken breasts out of the fridge about 15-20 minutes before you plan to cook. This just helps them cook more evenly, I swear. Then, the crucial step I sometimes forget: pat them *really* dry with paper towels. You want to get rid of all that excess moisture, otherwise, they’ll steam instead of getting that gorgeous golden crust. Honestly, this is where I usually make a mess, but it’s worth it!
- Season Like a Pro (or like Mama Tessa):: Grab a baking dish or a sheet pan – I usually line mine with parchment paper for easier cleanup, because who needs more dishes? Drizzle a little olive oil over the chicken, then sprinkle generously with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to really rub those seasonings in, making sure every nook and cranny is coated. Don’t be shy! This is where all the flavor for your Simple Baked Chicken Breast comes from.
- Preheat & Position:: Pop your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, arrange your seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re not touching each each other too much; they need space to breathe and brown. Overcrowding means steaming, and we’re aiming for tender and juicy, not rubbery. The kitchen starts to smell so good already!
- Bake Until Golden:: Slide that pan into the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. Now, this is important: cooking time can vary based on the thickness of your chicken. I’ve definitely undercooked a thick breast once and had to pop it back in, oops! The best way to tell if your Simple Baked Chicken Breast is done? Use a meat thermometer. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
- Rest, Don’t Rush:: Once your chicken hits that magical temperature, take it out of the oven. This is the hardest part for me, honestly. Let the chicken rest on the baking sheet, or transfer it to a cutting board, for at least 5-10 minutes. Cover it loosely with foil. This resting period is absolutely essential! It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making your Simple Baked Chicken Breast unbelievably tender and juicy. Seriously, don’t skip this.
- Slice & Serve Your Simple Baked Chicken Breast:: After the rest, slice your chicken breasts against the grain, or just serve them whole, whatever floats your boat. I love seeing those juicy slices! Garnish with a little fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy, or a squeeze of lemon. The aroma is just incredible, savory and a little smoky. This Simple Baked Chicken Breast is ready to make your family dinner happy!