The Very Best Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

The Very Best Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 3 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper

    optional

  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 4 whole boneless

    skinless chicken breasts

  • 1/4 cup butter

Directions

  1. 1

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper.

  2. 2

    Place the chicken breasts in a large zip top bag and pour the seasoning over the chicken. Shake the chicken to coat.

  3. 3

    Transfer the chicken to the refrigerator (still in the bag) and marinade for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.

  4. 4

    Preheat oven to 425˚ Fahrenheit.

  5. 5

    Remove the chicken from the bag and arrange on a baking sheet lined with foil. Place 1 tablespoon butter on top of each chicken breast.

  6. 6

    Bake the chicken in the oven for 20-30 minutes (or according to the chart  above) until an instant read thermometer shows 165˚ F.

  7. 7

    Remove the chicken from the oven and cover with foil. Rest the baked chicken breasts for 10 minutes.

  8. 8

    Serve immediately or cool to room temperature, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 36 hours.

The Very Best Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

The Very Best Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

30 min4 servings

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About this Recipe

Tired of dry, bland chicken breasts? Discover the secret to incredibly juicy and flavorful oven-baked chicken every time with this quick and easy recipe that's ready in just 30 minutes.

The magic lies in a meticulously balanced spice rub featuring aromatic smoked paprika and a touch of brown sugar. This blend creates a delicious crust and locks in moisture, ensuring your chicken emerges tender and never dry. Combined with a generous pat of butter, it delivers an unparalleled depth of flavor.

You can expect perfectly cooked chicken breasts, deeply seasoned with a smoky, savory, and subtly sweet flavor profile. Each bite will be tender and juicy, far removed from the dry chicken you might be used to. This straightforward recipe delivers impressive results, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a satisfying meal without a lot of fuss.

This recipe is built around a versatile dry rub. The cayenne pepper is entirely optional, allowing you to easily adjust the heat level to your preference. If you enjoy a more intense smoky flavor, a slight increase in the smoked paprika can also work wonders.

This versatile baked chicken is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prepping, or as the star of a casual weekend meal. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or your favorite rice dish for a complete meal.

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