Juicy 30-Minute Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
This Juicy 30-Minute Baked Chicken Breast recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken cooked to perfection using a simple blend of spices and olive oil. The method ensures evenly cooked, moist chicken breasts ideal for a quick and healthy meal. Perfect for weeknights or meal prep, this recipe yields six servings of delicious, oven-baked chicken that pairs well with a variety of sides.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 medium sized chicken breasts (about 2 pounds total, 7-8 ounces each) or 2-3 large chicken breasts halved horizontally to yield 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
Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a large baking dish or a rimmed baking sheet to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Pound chicken to even thickness: Using a meat pounder or rolling pin, gently pound the thickest part of each chicken breast until the thickness is even throughout. This step helps the chicken cook uniformly and prevents drying out. Alternatively, you can cut larger 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. Mix well so the chicken is evenly coated with the spices and oil.
- Bake the chicken: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts evenly spaced in the prepared baking dish. Transfer the dish to the preheated 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 allow it to rest for several minutes. This helps retain the juices. Brush the chicken with any pan juices, then slice and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness to promote even cooking and juiciness.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Chili powder is optional and can be omitted or adjusted for spice preference.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This recipe is easily doubled or halved to suit your needs.
- For a crispier exterior, broil the chicken for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking, watching closely to prevent burning.
