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Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.1 from 14 reviews

This Oven Baked Chicken Breast recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices and finished with a buttery top for a perfectly browned, delicious entrée ready in just 30 minutes. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, this straightforward recipe maximizes taste with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 pounds chicken breast (boneless and skinless)

Seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Topping

  • 1 tablespoon butter (diced)

Instructions

  1. Prep: Heat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Flatten: Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap. Using a rolling pin or the flat side of a meat mallet, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 0.5 to 0.75 inches. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Then, rub olive oil all over the flattened breasts to help the seasoning stick and keep the meat moist.
  3. Season: In a small bowl, mix together light brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, ground paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning blend evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, then lightly rub it in to fully coat the meat.
  4. Bake: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared casserole dish. Place a slice of diced butter on top of each piece. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety and juiciness.
  5. Broil: After baking, switch your oven to broil and cook the chicken for an additional 1 to 3 minutes until the tops turn nicely browned and slightly crisp. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  6. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately while the chicken is hot, tender, and flavorful.

Notes

  • For consistent cooking, make sure chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness.
  • Using light brown sugar adds a subtle sweetness that balances the spices and helps with browning.
  • The broiling step is essential for a beautiful golden finish; do not skip it.
  • Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and maintain juiciness.
  • Leftover chicken can be used in salads, sandwiches, or wraps for quick meals.