Description
This Juicy 30-Minute Baked Chicken Breast recipe yields tender, flavorful chicken breasts seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices and baked to perfection in the oven. Perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner, the chicken stays moist thanks to even pounding and a high baking temperature.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 medium-sized chicken breasts – about 2 pounds, or 7-8 ounces each (or 2-3 large chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally so you have 4-6 thin pieces)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a large baking dish or a rimmed baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Pound chicken to even thickness: Use a meat pounder or rolling pin to pound the thickest part of each chicken breast until the thickness is uniform. This ensures even cooking and helps retain moisture. Alternatively, cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner pieces.
- Season chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a bowl and toss them with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried parsley, dried mustard, chili powder (if using), kosher salt, black pepper, and olive or avocado oil until all pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Bake the chicken: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, spacing them evenly. Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit is reached.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for several minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist. Brush the chicken with any pan juices, slice, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- For even cooking, make sure chicken pieces are uniform in thickness.
- You can substitute the oil with avocado oil for a different flavor profile and healthy fats.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is properly cooked to 165°F for safety and juiciness.
- Letting the chicken rest before slicing is crucial to retain its moisture.
- If desired, add extra chili powder or cayenne pepper for more heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
