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Baked Chicken Breast

Baked Chicken Breast
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This baked chicken breast recipe offers a simple, quick, and versatile way to achieve juicy, flavorful, and tender chicken every time. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, the recipe highlights easy preparation, customizable seasoning options, and healthy clean eating, making it a go-to meal for all occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2–4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh or dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, or parsley)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Optional Variations

  • 1–2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning and a pinch of cayenne pepper (for Spicy Cajun Style)
  • 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon basil, and 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for Italian Herb Blend)
  • 1 tablespoon honey and 1 tablespoon mustard (for Honey Mustard Glaze)
  • 1/2 cup fresh spinach and 1/4 cup cheese (mozzarella or feta) for stuffing
  • Reduced salt (for Low-Sodium Option)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure better browning and seasoning adherence. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic (powder or fresh), and your choice of herbs.
  2. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to allow even cooking and develop a golden exterior without drying the interior.
  3. Choose Your Baking Method: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish, on a rimmed baking sheet, or wrap in foil. Leave uncovered for crispier edges or cover loosely with foil for juicier meat.
  4. Bake the Chicken: Bake for 20-25 minutes depending on thickness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety and perfect doneness.
  5. Rest Before Serving: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender texture.

Notes

  • For even cooking, pound thicker chicken breasts to a uniform thickness.
  • Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and dry chicken.
  • Consider brining the chicken in a saltwater solution for 15-30 minutes to enhance moisture and flavor.
  • Do not skip resting the chicken after baking to preserve juiciness.
  • Experiment with marinades containing acids and oils to add complexity to flavor and maintain juiciness.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken breast, juicy chicken, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken, quick dinner, oven baked chicken

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/baked-chicken-breast/