Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight hero: oven baked chicken breast! It’s the kind of dish that makes my heart sing because it’s so simple yet incredibly delicious. Seriously, you won’t believe how easy it is to whip up a juicy, tender chicken breast that’s bursting with flavor. Just imagine coming home after a long day, and knowing that in just about 40 minutes, you’ll have a healthy, satisfying meal ready to go. Plus, it’s perfect for those who are trying to eat a bit lighter without sacrificing taste. I love how versatile it is too! You can pair it with almost anything—think roasted veggies, fresh salads, or even a cozy rice dish. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation!
Ingredients List
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
These ingredients are super straightforward and might already be hanging out in your pantry! The olive oil keeps the chicken moist, while the spices add that punch of flavor we all crave. Feel free to adjust any seasoning to your liking—it’s all about making it your own!
How to Prepare Oven Baked Chicken Breast
Alright, let’s get cooking! First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is super important because it helps your chicken cook evenly and keeps it juicy. While that’s warming up, grab your chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. This little step is key to getting a nice sear and locking in flavor!
Now, in a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Stir it up until it’s all blended together. This mixture is about to elevate your chicken from basic to amazing! Next, take your chicken breasts and rub that flavorful mix all over them, making sure they’re coated evenly. Don’t be shy—get in there!
Once your chicken is ready, place it in a baking dish and pop it in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Trust me, that’s the sweet spot for juicy chicken! After you pull them out, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This resting time is crucial, allowing the juices to redistribute and giving you that perfect bite. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
- Packed with flavor thanks to simple seasonings
- Healthy and low-fat option for a balanced meal
- Versatile—you can serve it with countless sides
- Leftovers are just as delicious, making it great for meal prep
Trust me, once you try this oven baked chicken breast, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen!
Tips for Success
To really nail that perfect oven baked chicken breast, I’ve got a few tried-and-true tips up my sleeve! First, if you have the time, consider marinating the chicken for at least an hour—this step adds an incredible depth of flavor and keeps the meat super juicy. You can use the olive oil and seasoning mix from the recipe, or get adventurous with your favorite marinades!
Next, don’t skip the patting dry step! It’s essential for achieving that beautiful golden-brown finish. Also, if you like a bit of a crispy crust, try broiling the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning! And remember, every oven is a little different, so check your chicken a few minutes before the timer goes off to avoid overcooking. You want it tender and juicy, not dry! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this oven baked chicken breast is not only delicious but also nutritious! You can expect approximately:
- Calories: 165
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 31g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. It’s a fantastic lean protein option that fits perfectly into a healthy diet!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the perfect oven baked chicken breast? I’ve got you covered! Let’s dive into some common queries:
How long should I bake the chicken? Generally, you’ll want to bake it for 25-30 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Just make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety!
Can I change the seasonings? Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite herbs and spices. Lemon pepper, Italian seasoning, or even a spicy rub can give it a delightful twist.
How do I store leftovers? If you have any leftovers (which I doubt, but just in case!), let the chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze oven baked chicken? Yes, you can! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Hope that helps! Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store any leftover oven baked chicken breast, let it cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—just make sure it’s sealed tightly to maintain that juicy goodness!
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just be careful not to overheat, as that can dry out the chicken. Enjoy every bite!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got that delicious oven baked chicken breast ready to go, let’s talk sides! I love serving it with some roasted veggies—think carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts drizzled with olive oil. A fresh garden salad with a zesty vinaigrette is also a fantastic choice to lighten things up. And if you’re in the mood for comfort food, creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice work beautifully too. Enjoy your meal!
Z nadrukami
Oven Baked Chicken Breast: 5 Secrets for Juicy Flavor
- Całkowity Czas: 40 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Z niską zawartością tłuszczu
Opis
Oven baked chicken breast is a simple and healthy dish. It is juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Składniki
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instrukcje
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Rub the mixture over the chicken breasts evenly.
- Place the chicken in a baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Uwagi
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Marinate the chicken for an hour for more flavor.
- Serve with your favorite sides.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Course
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 chicken breast
- Kalorie: 165
- Cukier: 0g
- Sód: 300mg
- Kwasy: 7g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 1.5g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 5g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 0g
- Włókno: 0g
- Białko: 31g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Słowa kluczowe: oven baked chicken breast, healthy chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner
