Baked Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless
skinless chicken breasts, about 4 medium size breasts
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
or chili powder
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Pound chicken breasts lightly so they are of even thickness.
- 2
Pour olive oil in a 13" x 9" baking dish. Lightly coat the chicken with the oil to coat it, then place chicken breasts side by side in the dish.
- 3
In a small bowl, whisk together salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and chili powder (or paprika). Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over both sides of the chicken and rub it in with your hands. Place chicken breasts side by side, making sure there is no overlap.
- 4
Bake in a preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until juices are clear or a meat thermometer reads 160-170 degrees. *Note - depending on the size of your chicken breasts, it could take longer. Mine were pounded to less than an inch thick.
- 5
Cover with foil and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes while the juices settle before slicing.
- 6
Serve hot.
Baked Chicken Breasts
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Be the First to Rate
Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!
About this Recipe
Looking for a reliable, no-fuss way to prepare boneless, skinless chicken breasts that can anchor any meal? This simple baked chicken recipe delivers tender results with minimal effort, making healthy eating both easy and delicious. It's the perfect solution for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
Why This Recipe Works
The beauty of this recipe lies in its elegant simplicity. By combining common pantry spices—kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika—you create a flavorful rub that elevates plain chicken breasts without overpowering them. This approach ensures maximum flavor impact with just 5 minutes of prep, allowing the chicken to shine as a versatile protein.
What to Expect
You'll get perfectly cooked chicken breasts, seasoned just right to be a foundational component for countless dishes. Imagine a lean protein that's ready to be sliced for salads, shredded for tacos, or served whole alongside your favorite vegetables. This method ensures a consistently versatile and healthy option is always at your fingertips, ready to integrate into any meal plan.
Customization & Variations
This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. While paprika adds a lovely warmth, you can easily swap it for chili powder for a bolder kick, as the recipe suggests. Feel free to experiment further by adding a pinch of cayenne for heat, dried herbs like oregano or thyme, or a touch of cumin for an earthy note. For a zesty twist, a sprinkle of lemon pepper before baking would also be delightful.
Serving & Context
These baked chicken breasts are ideal for quick family dinners, efficient meal prepping, or as a healthy addition to your lunch routine. They pair beautifully with roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or a scoop of rice, offering endless possibilities for a complete and satisfying meal.