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An easy baked chicken breast dinner, golden brown and perfectly cooked.

Classic Easy Baked Chicken Breast Dinner

This classic recipe for baked chicken breasts is incredibly easy to make, resulting in tender and flavorful chicken. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it uses simple seasonings and minimal cleanup.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 3-4 breasts, pounded to even thickness if desired
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or aluminum foil
  • Small bowl
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help seasonings adhere and promote a nicer crust.
  3. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil, then combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, and paprika in a small bowl. Sprinkle and massage the seasoning mix generously over all sides of the chicken breasts.
  4. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring space between each piece for even cooking.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached with a meat thermometer.
  6. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving to redistribute juices for more tender and flavorful chicken.

Notes

Pounding chicken to an even thickness ensures uniform cooking. Patting the chicken dry helps seasonings stick and creates a better crust. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and resting the chicken after baking makes it more tender and juicy.