Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Breast

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Juice of 1 lemon - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts is key. They cook evenly and stay juicy. Their lack of skin means less fat, letting the seasonings shine through. This choice ensures a healthy meal too. - Garlic powder: Adds rich flavor without the hassle of fresh garlic. - Onion powder: Gives a sweet, savory taste that pairs well with chicken. - Smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness to the dish. - Dried oregano and thyme: Offer earthy, aromatic notes that enhance the chicken. - Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing flavors and adding depth. If you don’t have garlic powder, you can use fresh garlic. For onion powder, try finely chopped onions. You can swap smoked paprika for regular paprika if needed. These ingredients work together to create a tasty, juicy chicken dish. Each adds its own unique flavor, making your meal special. For the full recipe, check out Juicy Herb-Infused Oven Baked Chicken Breast. Start by prepping the chicken breasts. Use four boneless, skinless chicken breasts for best results. Pat them dry with paper towels. This step is key. Drying the chicken helps the seasonings stick better. Next, mix your seasonings in a bowl. Combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. This blend will make the chicken tasty and fragrant. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures even cooking. Arrange the seasoned chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes. To check doneness, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). The chicken should not be pink in the center. Resting the chicken is very important. Let it sit for five minutes after baking. This helps the juices stay inside the meat. If you cut it too soon, the juices will run out. For serving, slice the chicken into pieces and garnish with fresh parsley. This adds a nice pop of color and freshness. You can serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal. For the full recipe, check the previous section. To keep chicken breasts juicy, you need to use key techniques. First, marinate the chicken. This helps the meat soak up flavors and moisture. A good marinade includes oil, acid, and spices. For my juicy oven baked chicken breast, I use lemon juice and olive oil. They not only add flavor but also help keep the chicken moist. Another trick is to let the chicken rest after cooking. This step lets the juices settle back into the meat. If you cut into it right away, the juices run out. You want them to stay inside for a tender bite. One of the biggest mistakes is overcooking the chicken. Dry chicken is not tasty. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. The safe temperature for chicken is 165°F (75°C). Not seasoning properly is another mistake. Chicken can taste bland without enough seasoning. Don’t skip the spices in the recipe. Use enough salt and herbs to enhance the flavor. My recipe has a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. They give the chicken a great taste. For a full recipe, check the Juicy Herb-Infused Oven Baked Chicken Breast. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your chicken easily. Here are some ideas: - Lemon Herb Marinade: Mix lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. - Teriyaki Marinade: Use soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic for a sweet twist. - Spicy Chipotle Rub: Blend chipotle powder, cumin, and brown sugar for heat. To adjust the recipe for your taste, try different spices or herbs. If you love heat, add cayenne pepper. If you prefer mild flavors, skip the paprika. Experimenting helps you find your favorite combination. You can cook chicken breasts in several ways. Baking gives a juicy result, while grilling adds a smoky flavor. Here’s how they compare: - Grilling: It takes less time and makes nice grill marks. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side. - Baking: This method is easy and ensures even cooking. It takes about 25-30 minutes at 400°F. You can also use a slow cooker or an Instant Pot. Slow cooking makes chicken very tender but takes longer, around 4-6 hours. The Instant Pot cooks chicken fast, usually in about 10-12 minutes. Choose the method that fits your schedule! After cooking, let the chicken cool down. This keeps it juicy. Place it on a plate for about 10-15 minutes. This allows steam to escape. After cooling, store it in a container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure they have a tight seal. This keeps the chicken fresh and prevents odors. When reheating, avoid dry chicken. Use your oven or a skillet. For the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Bake the chicken for about 10-15 minutes. If using a skillet, add a splash of water. Cover it with a lid. This keeps the moisture in. Leftovers can last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Always check for any off smell or color before eating. Enjoy your juicy oven baked chicken breast! For the full recipe, check back in earlier sections. You can check chicken doneness in a few ways. First, use a meat thermometer. The safe temperature is 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, look for clear juices. If the juices run clear, the chicken is likely done. Also, cut into the thickest part of the breast. If it is no longer pink, it is ready to eat. Yes, you can freeze oven-baked chicken breasts! Here’s how: 1. Cool the chicken: Let it cool to room temperature. 2. Wrap tightly: Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to wrap each piece. 3. Use bags: Place wrapped chicken into freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as you can. 4. Label: Write the date on each bag. This helps you know how long it has been in the freezer. To thaw, move chicken to the fridge overnight or use the microwave. You can also cook it straight from frozen, but it will take longer. There are many ways to boost flavor in your chicken. Here are some ideas: - Marinate: Use yogurt, citrus juice, or vinegar. These help tenderize and add flavor. - Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary, basil, or cilantro can make a big difference. - Spice Mixes: Try different spice blends like Cajun, Italian, or curry. - Add Garlic: Use fresh minced garlic for a stronger flavor. Don’t be shy to experiment with flavors. Each change can give the chicken a new twist! For the full recipe, check out Juicy Herb-Infused Oven Baked Chicken Breast. Oven-baked chicken breasts can be juicy and tasty. You now know the key ingredients, seasonings, and their substitutes. Following the step-by-step process will ensure your chicken comes out perfect each time. Remember to rest the meat and try different flavors or methods for variety. Avoid common mistakes like overcooking and remember the best storage tips. With these skills, you can enjoy many flavorful meals that stay tasty for days. Enjoy your cooking journey and impress your friends and family!$

Discover the secret to mouthwatering Juicy Herb-Infused Oven Baked Chicken Breast! This easy recipe combines fragrant herbs and zesty lemon for a delicious dish that's perfect for dinner. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a flavorful meal that the whole family will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your taste buds tonight!

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Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Juice of 1 lemon

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl.

Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the chicken. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.

Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is no longer pink in the center.

Once cooked, remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.

Slice and serve, garnished with fresh parsley.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4