Description
This Juicy 30-Minute Baked Chicken Breast recipe delivers perfectly tender and flavorful chicken breasts with a simple yet delicious blend of spices. Ideal for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner, the chicken is seasoned, pounded for even thickness, and baked to juicy perfection.
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 to make 4-6 thin pieces)
Spices and Seasoning
- 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 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 evenly thick to ensure uniform cooking and avoid dryness. Alternatively, cut large chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner pieces.
- Season chicken and bake: Place the chicken breasts in a bowl and toss with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried parsley, dried mustard, chili powder (if using), kosher salt, black pepper, and olive or avocado oil until they are evenly coated. Arrange the chicken evenly spaced in the baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for several minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Brush with any pan juices for extra flavor, slice, and serve immediately for a juicy, delicious meal.
Notes
- For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee it is safely cooked yet juicy.
- Pounding the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness or slicing them thinly helps them cook evenly and prevents dryness.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning amounts to your taste or omit chili powder if you prefer no heat.
- Use avocado oil as a substitute for olive oil for a different subtle flavor or higher smoke point.
- Letting the chicken rest after baking helps retain moisture and improves texture.
