Description
Succulent Oven-Baked Chicken Breast elevates weeknight dinners with Mediterranean-inspired herbs and garlic. Crispy exterior and juicy interior make this simple dish a delightful meal for families craving wholesome, flavorful protein.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish with a light coating of oil to prevent sticking.
- Position chicken breasts between plastic wrap sheets and gently flatten to an even 0.5-0.75 inch thickness using a meat mallet, ensuring uniform cooking and preventing dry areas.
- Drizzle olive oil over each chicken breast, creating a light protective layer for seasoning adherence.
- Combine brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl to create a robust spice blend.
- Generously sprinkle the spice mixture across both sides of the chicken breasts, massaging the seasonings into the meat to maximize flavor penetration.
- Arrange seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared casserole dish, placing a small butter slice atop each piece to enhance moisture and richness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Optional: Activate the broiler for 1-3 minutes to achieve a golden-brown exterior, creating an appetizing caramelized finish.
Notes
- Check chicken thickness carefully to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
- Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness and food safety, avoiding overcooking which toughens meat.
- Experiment with different herb and spice combinations to customize flavor profile without changing core technique.
- Allow chicken to rest 5-10 minutes after cooking to retain moisture and distribute internal juices evenly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg