Juicy 30-Minute Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
This Juicy 30-Minute Baked Chicken Breast recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to prepare tender, evenly cooked chicken breasts. Coated with a blend of aromatic spices and olive oil, then baked to perfection, this recipe ensures a moist, delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 medium sized chicken breasts – about 2 pounds, or 7-8 ounces each (or 2-3 large chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally for 4-6 thin pieces)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a large baking dish or rimmed baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Pound chicken to even thickness: Using a meat pounder or rolling pin, pound the thickest part of each chicken breast until all pieces are roughly the same thickness. This ensures even cooking and prevents dryness. Alternatively, you can cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally to achieve thinner pieces.
- Season chicken and bake: Place the chicken breasts in a bowl and toss them thoroughly with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried parsley, dried mustard, chili powder (if using), kosher salt, black pepper, and olive or avocado oil until fully coated. Arrange the chicken breasts evenly spaced in the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Rest and serve: After baking, let the chicken breasts rest for several minutes to retain juices. Optionally brush the chicken with any pan juices leftover, then slice and serve for a juicy and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are pounded to even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Using a meat thermometer is the best way to verify doneness (165°F internal temperature).
- Resting the chicken after baking keeps it juicy and tender.
- You can substitute olive oil with avocado oil for a different flavor profile.
- Chili powder is optional and can be omitted or adjusted based on spice preference.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
