Oven baked chicken breast is one of those magical dishes that combines simplicity with health benefits, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or meal prep. I love how easy it is to whip up a flavorful chicken breast that’s juicy and tender, all without breaking a sweat! The beauty of this recipe is that it requires minimal ingredients—just some chicken, a little olive oil, and a few spices. Plus, it’s packed with protein and low in fat, making it a wholesome choice for anyone looking to eat healthier. Trust me, once you try this oven baked chicken breast, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it! It’s perfect for serving with sides or tossing in salads, and it’s simply delicious all on its own.
Ingredients List
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – make sure they’re fresh for the best flavor!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – this adds a lovely richness and helps the spices stick.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – for that delicious garlic kick without any chopping!
- 1 teaspoon paprika – it gives a beautiful color and a hint of smokiness.
- Salt and pepper to taste – don’t be shy, season well to enhance all those flavors!
How to Prepare Oven Baked Chicken Breast Instructions
Preparing oven baked chicken breast is as simple as it gets! Just follow these straightforward steps, and you’ll have juicy chicken ready to enjoy in no time. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your chicken gets that lovely golden crust. While that’s heating up, pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this is super important because it helps the seasoning stick and prevents excess moisture. Next, rub a generous amount of olive oil on each breast; it really brings out the richness!
Now, season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Don’t skimp on the seasoning; it’s what makes the chicken flavorful! Place the seasoned chicken in a baking dish, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let them rest for about 5 minutes before slicing—this helps keep them juicy. And there you have it, perfectly baked chicken breasts ready for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat each chicken breast dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Rub olive oil all over the chicken breasts, ensuring they’re well coated.
- Season both sides generously with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken in a baking dish, leaving space between each piece.
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Remove from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep them juicy.
Nutritional Information
When it comes to oven baked chicken breast, you can feel good about what you’re eating! Each serving, which is one chicken breast, packs about 165 calories. It’s low in fat, containing just 3.6 grams, with only 1 gram of saturated fat—so it’s heart-friendly too! You’ll get a whopping 31 grams of protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Plus, it’s virtually carb-free, making it a great option for low-carb diets. Remember, these values are estimates, but they give you a great idea of how healthy this dish is. Enjoy your guilt-free indulgence!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy and low in fat, making it a guilt-free choice.
- Full of flavor with just a few simple ingredients.
- Versatile—great for salads, wraps, or served with your favorite sides.
- Leaves you with juicy, tender chicken every time!
Tips for Success
To make your oven baked chicken breast absolutely perfect, here are my top tips! First, consider marinating the chicken for a few hours or even overnight in some olive oil, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs. This adds incredible flavor and keeps the chicken moist. Also, don’t rush the seasoning—let those spices really penetrate the meat by rubbing them in well. If you have a meat thermometer, use it! It takes the guesswork out of cooking and ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked every time. Lastly, let the chicken rest before slicing; this keeps it juicy and tender. Trust me, these little tweaks make a big difference!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your oven baked chicken breast! For a zesty twist, try marinating the chicken in a mix of lemon juice, honey, and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme—it adds a bright flavor that’s simply irresistible. If you love a bit of heat, sprinkle some cayenne pepper or chili powder along with the garlic and paprika for a spicy kick! You can also experiment with different spice blends, like Italian seasoning or a smoky BBQ rub. And don’t forget about adding a splash of soy sauce or teriyaki sauce for an Asian-inspired flair. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it!
Serving Suggestions
Oven baked chicken breast is such a versatile dish, and it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! One of my favorite ways to enjoy it is with a fresh garden salad, loaded with crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette—it’s light and refreshing! You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or carrots, which add a delightful crunch and complement the juicy chicken perfectly. For a heartier option, consider pairing it with quinoa or brown rice, drizzled with a bit of olive oil and lemon juice. Trust me, these combinations will elevate your meal to a whole new level!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover oven baked chicken breast is super easy! Just let the chicken cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it! Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or foil and pop it in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll last for about 2-3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This keeps it juicy and delicious! You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overheat to avoid drying it out. Enjoy!
Drucken
Oven Baked Chicken Breast: 7 Secrets for Juicy Perfection
- Gesamtzeit: 35 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Low Fat
Beschreibung
Oven baked chicken breast is a simple and healthy dish that is easy to prepare.
Zutaten
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Rub the chicken with olive oil.
- Season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken in a baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for a few hours.
- Serve with vegetables or a salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 25 minutes
- Kategorie: Main Dish
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 chicken breast
- Kalorien: 165
- Zucker: 0 g
- Natrium: 60 mg
- Fett: 3.6 g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 1 g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 2.6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Kohlenhydrate: 0 g
- Faser: 0 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterin: 74 mg
Keywords: oven baked chicken breast
