I love experimenting with everyday ingredients. My oven baked chicken breast recipe combines 4 boneless chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme and basil. With lemon juice and a hint of cayenne pepper, each bite rewards with tender, juicy flavor. This simple twist will pique your curiosity.

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I’ve been experimenting in the kitchen and came up with what I call The BEST Baked Chicken Breasts. This recipe is all about getting that perfect balance of seasoning and moisture without too much fuss.

I start with 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, rubbed down with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and a mix of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. I then add a sprinkle of dried thyme and basil with a hint of cayenne pepper for a little kick.

A splash of lemon juice makes it even better if you like a brighter flavor. Baking these in the oven really seals in all the natural juices and creates an amazingly tender finish.

I’ve been hungry for more recipes like these, and this one is perfect when you crave that moist and juicy chicken dish that’s both simple to make and packed with flavor. Give it a try you wont regret it!

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I love that this recipe is super simple to follow and doesn’t overcomplicate things.
2. I really enjoy how the seasoning mix turns the chicken into a tasty, juicy dish every time.
3. I appreciate that it cooks so evenly and comes out tender, making it a perfect meal after a long day.

If you’re lookin for an easy way to make baked chicken thats full of flavor and keeps its juiciness, this guide is just what u need. It shows you a bunch of cool tips, tricks and hacks to get your chicken just right. Ive tried it a bunch and every time it comes out great, even if i mess up a little along the way. Plus, the seasoning really makes a difference and mix really well with any side dish you decide to serve it with. Just follow along and you’ll be enjoyin a delish meal in no time!

Ingredients

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Chicken Breasts: Lean protein-rich meats that build muscles and keep you satisfied.
Olive Oil: Heart healthy fat that moistens chicken and gives a gently rich flavor.
Garlic Powder: Adds zesty tang with ease, infusing each bite with robust flavor.
Onion Powder: Provides a mild sweetness that deepens chicken’s savory taste profile.
Paprika: Brings smoky warmth and vibrant color, enhancing the dish visually and tastily.
Dried Thyme and Basil: A fragrant duo offering fresh herbal notes that perfectly complement chicken.
Lemon Juice: Introduces a bright tangy note that cuts through richness and balances flavors.
Cayenne Pepper: Gives a spicy kick, adding warmth without overpowering the other seasonings.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making your meal taste well balanced and savory.

Ingredient Quantities

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lbs total)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a little kick)

1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional for brightness)

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and grab a baking dish.

2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps the oil and spices stick better.

3. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, basil, and cayenne pepper.

4. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the chicken breasts, then rub them in so they’re evenly coated.

5. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over both sides of each chicken breast, making sure every bit is covered.

6. Place the chicken in your baking dish and set them in a single layer.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the inside reads 165°F; timing can vary depending on your oven.

8. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before cutting into it so it stays nice and juicy.

9. Serve your baked chicken with your favorite side dishes, like a salad or roasted veggies.

10. Enjoy your meal and impress everyone with how tender and flavorful your chicken turns out!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (used to preheat at 400°F so it cooks properly)
2. Baking dish (for placing the chicken in a single layer)
3. Paper towels (to pat the chicken dry which helps the spices stick)
4. Small mixing bowl (to combine all the spices evenly)
5. Measuring spoons (to get the right amounts of each seasoning)
6. Tongs (or your hands, to evenly coat the chicken with oil and lemon juice)
7. Meat thermometer (to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F)
8. Cutting board and knife (for cutting the chicken after it rests)

FAQ

Q: How do I know when my chicken is cooked through?

A: You want to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should hit 165°F when it’s done.

Q: Can I marinate the chicken before baking?

A: You don’t really need to marinate it but letting the chicken sit in all those seasonings for about 30 minutes can make it even tastier.

Q: What oven temperature should I use?

A: Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. Just keep an eye on it cause ovens can act a bit differently.

Q: Would using lemon juice change the flavour?

A: Yes, adding the lemon juice gives a nice brightness that cuts through the spices nicely without overpowering the dish.

Q: Can I switch up the seasonings?

A: Sure thing, feel free to get creative. Just keep the balance so the chicken’s natural flavor still shines through.

The BEST Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Olive oil substitute: Try using avocado oil or even melted butter if you wanna mix it up.
Salt swap: You can use sea salt or kosher salt in place of regular salt.
Garlic powder switch: Use about half the amount of minced fresh garlic instead of garlic powder.
Paprika alternative: Go with smoked paprika to add a deeper flavor if you’re out of regular paprika.
Cayenne pepper option: Use red pepper flakes if you want a similar kick without the exact cayenne pepper.

Pro Tips

1. If you have a few extra minutes, let the chicken marinate a bit longer in the oil and lemon juice before it goes in the oven; it really ups the flavor game.
2. Make sure you preheat your oven properly because when it’s off, even by a little, your chicken can end up undercooked or unevenly done.
3. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temp instead of guessing, especially since ovens can be unpredictable sometimes.
4. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking so it stays juicy instead of drying out as soon as you cut into it.

The BEST Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe

Recipe by Dan Coroni

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

270

kcal

Equipment: 1. Oven (used to preheat at 400°F so it cooks properly)
2. Baking dish (for placing the chicken in a single layer)
3. Paper towels (to pat the chicken dry which helps the spices stick)
4. Small mixing bowl (to combine all the spices evenly)
5. Measuring spoons (to get the right amounts of each seasoning)
6. Tongs (or your hands, to evenly coat the chicken with oil and lemon juice)
7. Meat thermometer (to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F)
8. Cutting board and knife (for cutting the chicken after it rests)

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lbs total)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a little kick)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional for brightness)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F and grab a baking dish.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps the oil and spices stick better.
In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, basil, and cayenne pepper.
Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the chicken breasts, then rub them in so they’re evenly coated.
Sprinkle the seasoning mix over both sides of each chicken breast, making sure every bit is covered.
Place the chicken in your baking dish and set them in a single layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the inside reads 165°F; timing can vary depending on your oven.
Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before cutting into it so it stays nice and juicy.
Serve your baked chicken with your favorite side dishes, like a salad or roasted veggies.
Enjoy your meal and impress everyone with how tender and flavorful your chicken turns out!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.