Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe is a versatile, protein-packed dish made with simple seasonings and baked to perfection this recipe serves 4, takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook, and delivers juicy, flavorful chicken for any meal.
🧡 Why You’ll Love This Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy and Nutritious: High in protein and low in fat, this dish supports a balanced and healthy diet.
- Customizable Flavors: The seasoning blend is flexible, allowing you to adapt it to your favorite spices and herbs.
- Meal Prep-Friendly: Great for meal prepping, Baked Chicken Breasts stay juicy and flavorful when reheated.
- Family Favorite: This recipe is kid-friendly and appeals to all ages, thanks to its simple yet delicious flavor profile.
❓ What Is Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe?
Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe is a simple, oven-cooked dish featuring seasoned chicken breasts baked to tender, juicy perfection. This versatile recipe can be customized with different spices and pairs well with a wide range of sides and sauces.
🍗 Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (for garnish)
🥘 Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy outer layer.
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. Evenly coat the chicken breasts with the seasoning blend.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish. Ensure they are not overlapping for even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
📍 Recipe Tips
- Choose Similar-Sized Chicken Breasts: Ensure the chicken breasts are of similar size for even cooking. Larger breasts may require slightly longer baking time.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This prevents overcooking or undercooking.
- Avoid Dryness: Coat the chicken with olive oil to lock in moisture. Avoid overbaking, as it can result in dry chicken breasts.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken breasts for at least 30 minutes before baking. Use a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and your favorite herbs.
- Let It Rest: Allow the baked chicken breasts to rest for 5 minutes after baking. This step redistributes the juices, ensuring the chicken remains moist and flavorful.
🥗 What To Serve With Baked Chicken Breasts?
Baked Chicken Breasts pair well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, quinoa, or a fresh green salad add a side of garlic bread or a light citrus vinaigrette for a complete and satisfying meal.
🎚 How To Store Leftover Baked Chicken Breasts?
- Refrigeration: Store leftover baked chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure they are completely cooled before storing.
- Freezing: Wrap each leftover baked chicken breast in plastic wrap then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
🥵 How To Reheat Leftover Baked Chicken Breasts?
- In The Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) place leftover baked chicken breasts in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth or water cover with foil and heat for 3-4 minutes.
- In The Microwave: Place leftover baked chicken breasts on a microwave-safe plate cover with a damp paper towel and microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
FAQs
What is the best way to ensure Baked Chicken Breasts are juicy?
To ensure Baked Chicken Breasts remain juicy, coat them with olive oil before seasoning, and bake them at 400°F for the right amount of time. Using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F prevents overcooking.
Can I bake Baked Chicken Breasts from frozen?
Yes, you can bake Baked Chicken Breasts from frozen. Preheat the oven to 375°F, place the frozen chicken breasts in a baking dish, and bake for 40-50 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What is the ideal oven temperature for cooking Baked Chicken Breasts?
The ideal oven temperature for cooking Baked Chicken Breasts is 400°F. This temperature allows the chicken to cook evenly while forming a slight crust on the outside, keeping the inside tender and juicy.
How do I prevent Baked Chicken Breasts from drying out?
To prevent Baked Chicken Breasts from drying out, avoid overbaking by checking their internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Adding a splash of chicken broth to the baking dish or covering the chicken with foil can help retain moisture.
How do I check if Baked Chicken Breasts are fully cooked?
To check if Baked Chicken Breasts are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Alternatively, slice into the thickest part of the chicken; the juices should run clear, and the meat should be white with no pink.
Can I bake Baked Chicken Breasts in a foil packet?
Yes, baking Baked Chicken Breasts in a foil packet helps lock in moisture and flavor. Add seasonings, a drizzle of olive oil, and vegetables if desired. Seal the foil tightly and bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes.
Baked Chicken Breasts Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 220 per serving
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Vitamin B6: 30%
- Iron: 6%
- Potassium: 450mg
Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe
Description
Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe is a versatile, protein-packed dish made with simple seasonings and baked to perfection this recipe serves 4, takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook, and delivers juicy, flavorful chicken for any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy outer layer.
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. Evenly coat the chicken breasts with the seasoning blend.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish. Ensure they are not overlapping for even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
- Choose Similar-Sized Chicken Breasts: Ensure the chicken breasts are of similar size for even cooking. Larger breasts may require slightly longer baking time.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This prevents overcooking or undercooking.
Avoid Dryness: Coat the chicken with olive oil to lock in moisture. Avoid overbaking, as it can result in dry chicken breasts.
Marinate for Extra Flavor: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken breasts for at least 30 minutes before baking. Use a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and your favorite herbs.
Let It Rest: Allow the baked chicken breasts to rest for 5 minutes after baking. This step redistributes the juices, ensuring the chicken remains moist and flavorful.