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Oven Baked Chicken Breast

This easy Oven Baked Chicken Breast delivers tender, juicy chicken that's perfect for weeknights or festive occasions, featuring flavors of garlic, lemon, and seasonings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 to 1.2 pounds total) pat dry
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter swap for ghee for nuttier flavor
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or sweet paprika for milder flavor
  • 1 piece lemon (zest and juice) for brightness
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley for garnish
  • 0.25 cup plain Greek yogurt or mayo for a creamier finish (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This creates a hot oven for a golden exterior and juicy interior.
  2. Pat each chicken breast dry with paper towels for better browning. If breasts are very thick, butterfly or pound to an even thickness of 3/4 inch.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil or melted butter, lemon zest and juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Brush or rub the mixture all over the chicken breasts and let sit for 5 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Place the seasoned breasts in a baking dish or on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet. Optionally, dot each piece with a small knob of butter.
  2. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
  3. Remove from oven and tent loosely with foil for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

You can substitute spinach with kale in your side salad and use low-sodium options to control salt. For a dairy-free approach, use olive oil only. Store cooked chicken in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze in portions for up to 3 months.