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Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.3 from 7 reviews

This Oven Baked Chicken Breast recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken breasts with a blend of aromatic spices and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar. Perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner, the chicken is pounded thin for even cooking, seasoned generously, then baked and finished under the broiler for a golden, delicious crust.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 pounds chicken breast (boneless and skinless)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter (diced)

Seasoning Mix

  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Flatten: Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap. Using a rolling pin or the flat side of a meat mallet, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 0.5 to 0.75 inches. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Rub olive oil thoroughly over each flattened chicken breast to keep it moist.
  3. Season: In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, ground paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and ground black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over the chicken breasts, then gently rub it into the meat to ensure full coverage.
  4. Bake: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared casserole dish. Place a diced slice of butter on top of each breast to add richness and help keep the meat tender during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
  5. Broil: Turn your oven’s broiler on high and broil the chicken breasts for 1 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to achieve a nicely browned and slightly crispy surface without burning.
  6. Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and serve immediately while hot and juicy. This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

Notes

  • Flattening chicken breasts ensures even cooking and prevents drying out.
  • Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Broiling at the end adds a beautiful golden crust but watch closely to avoid burning.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator up to 3 days and reheated gently to maintain moisture.
  • For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.