Perfectly Baked Chicken Breast Juicy Flavorful Every Time
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever wondered how to bake chicken breast that's actually juicy? I get it, dry chicken is a crime against food. This recipe delivers flavor. It will be juicy every single time.
Brief Overview
Baking chicken breast isn't exactly a centuries old tradition. But it's a technique. This simple recipe is easy. It takes about 30 minutes. It makes 4 servings.
Main Benefits
It is super high in protein and healthy. This Simple Baked Chicken Breast Recipe is perfect for meal prep. It's a great Healthy Baked Chicken Breast dinner any night.
Now, onto what you'll need.
Ingredients: The Basics
You'll need 4 chicken breasts. Grab some olive oil, salt, and pepper too. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Fresh herbs are optional but they level up the flavour.
Essential Equipment
All you need is a baking sheet. Foil or parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze. A meat thermometer is essential. You need to check the chicken's temperature.
step-by-step: Let's Get Baking
Time to learn How To Bake Chicken Breast . Preheat your oven to 400° F. Prep your chicken breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels.
Next, whisk together your seasoning in a small bowl. Brush the chicken with the mixture. Place the chicken on the baking sheet.
Bake for 20- 25 minutes. Ensure that the internal temperature hits 165° F. Use the meat thermometer to check. Remove and let it rest for 5- 10 minutes.
This rest is super important .
Key Tips for Juicy Chicken In Oven
Want to know how to bake chicken breast without drying it out? Pound the chicken to an even thickness for even cooking.
Also, don't overbake it. It's the number one reason chicken gets dry. Resting is absolutely key. It'll let all the juices redistribute.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with roasted veggies. Broccoli or carrots are great choices. Quinoa or brown rice are delicious too. A simple salad adds a nice touch.
Enjoy your perfectly baked chicken breast!
Ingredients & Equipment: The Key to Juicy Chicken In Oven
Alright, let's chat ingredients, yeah? This is super important if you want to know how to bake chicken breast properly .
I've had my fair share of dry, rubbery chicken, so trust me, these details matter!
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz/170-225g each).
- 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color).
- Optional: Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme) for flavouring.
For the chicken itself, aim for breasts that are similar in size. This means they'll cook evenly, innit? If you are prepping oven baked chicken for salad , you should select good quality chicken so you don't worry about the taste.
Fresh is always best, but frozen works too. Just make sure they're fully thawed before baking, yeah?
Seasoning Notes: Flavor City!
Seasoning is where the magic happens, honestly. The combo of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder is my go-to.
Paprika adds a bit of color. Fancy a zing? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, yeah?
If you want to make healthy baked chicken breast , you can play with the flavor combinations. How about lemon zest and herbs? Or a Mediterranean vibe with oregano and basil?
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet.
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup).
- Meat thermometer
You don't need any fancy equipment. A baking sheet is essential, obviously! Aluminum foil or parchment paper makes cleanup a doddle.
And honestly, a meat thermometer is your best friend . I always use one to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
Knowing exactly when your chicken is done is vital to how to bake chicken breast without drying it out .
Right then, let's talk chicken, shall we? Honestly, baking chicken breast can be a bit hit or miss. But I've got a method that will give you juicy chicken in oven every single time.
Whether it's for a healthy baked chicken breast dinner or oven baked chicken for salad , this is your go-to.
Perfectly Baked Chicken Breast: Juicy, Flavorful, Every Time!
This recipe takes the guesswork out of how to bake chicken breast . No more dry, rubbery chicken! Think simple seasoning and precise baking. It's all about tender, juicy chicken .
Prep Steps: The Secret to Success
First, gather your troops. You'll need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each), olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika (optional).
Having all that mise en place means less stress later, you know?
Now, pat those chicken breasts dry. This is super important! It helps them brown. Time saving tip: Line your baking sheet with foil. Cleanup is a breeze!
step-by-step to Deliciousness: How to Bake Chicken Breast Without Drying It Out
- Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) .
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Mix 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon paprika in a bowl.
- Brush the chicken breasts with the mixture.
- Place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20- 25 minutes , until the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) . Use a meat thermometer!
- Let it rest for 5- 10 minutes before slicing.
Pro Tips: From Good to Great!
Pound thicker breasts to 1/2 inch thickness. It ensures even cooking. Don't overbake! This is the biggest mistake. I've learned this the hard way so many times.
Resting the chicken is key. It lets the juices redistribute. You can even brine the chicken for extra moisture.
So, next time you’re wondering how to bake chicken breast remember this! Get ready for the best way to bake chicken breast .
It's the perfect baked chicken breast meal prep for the week.
Recipe Notes
Alright, before you start thinking about how to bake chicken breast, let's talk tips. Because nobody wants dry, boring chicken! I promise these notes will help you nail it every time.
Serving Suggestions That Seriously Deliver
Okay, so you've got this beautifully baked chicken breast. What next? Presentation is key, you know? I like to slice it thinly and fan it out over a bed of greens.
It looks proper fancy, doesn't it?
Then chuck in some roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots or Brussels sprouts. Simple green salad with vinaigrette also works well.
Quinoa or brown rice completes the meal, too. Honestly, this oven baked chicken for salad is a winner!
Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh
Right, listen up: You've made a batch of this healthy baked chicken breast . Leftovers are your friend, but only if stored right.
Pop any leftover chicken into an airtight container. It'll be good in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Want to freeze it? No worries! Wrap individual breasts tightly in cling film. Then, put them in a freezer bag.
They will last up to 2-3 months. When you fancy some, defrost thoroughly in the fridge. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Just be careful not to dry it out!
Variations: Mix It Up, Yeah?
Fancy jazzing things up a bit? Absolutely. How about a lemon herb twist? Add lemon zest and some fresh herbs.
Rosemary and thyme are lush. And for a spicy kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper. Mediterranean flavours work a treat too! Think dried oregano, basil, and sun-dried tomato powder.
Need to swap something? Avocado oil works instead of olive oil. So does melted butter. Also, garlic powder can be subbed out with 1-2 cloves of minced fresh garlic.
And 1/2 teaspoon of granulated onion to replace onion powder.
Nutrition Basics: Feel Good Food
Let's get real: This simple baked chicken breast recipe is good for you. Each serving clocks in around 250 calories.
You also get a whopping 40g of protein. And only 8g of fat. It's a great way to pack protein into your diet.
And with all those variations, you're not gonna get bored. Perfect for meal prepping if you want to get in shape.
Right, that’s it! Go forth and bake chicken breast that's actually delicious. You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it really take to bake chicken breast so it's not dry?
Baking time depends on the thickness of the chicken, but generally, it takes around 20-25 minutes in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). The most important thing is to use a meat thermometer.
You want an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), which is the sweet spot for food safety and avoiding that dreaded dry chicken.
What's the best temperature to bake chicken breast at to keep it juicy?
Baking chicken breast at 400°F (200°C) is a solid choice. This temperature is high enough to create a nice bit of browning on the outside while still cooking the chicken through without drying it out completely.
Remember to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
I always end up with dry chicken! How can I bake chicken breast and keep it moist?
Ah, the million dollar question! Patting the chicken dry before seasoning, not overbaking (use a thermometer!), and letting it rest for 5-10 minutes after baking are key. Think of it like letting a good cuppa tea steep resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, keeping it succulent.
Can I use different seasonings when I bake chicken breast, or am I stuck with what the recipe says?
Absolutely, get creative! The seasoning is where you can really make this your own. Try adding lemon zest and fresh herbs, a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, or a Mediterranean blend of oregano and basil. The possibilities are endless experiment and find your signature flavour!
How do I store leftover baked chicken breast, and how long will it last?
Store leftover baked chicken breast in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for 3-4 days, so you can happily prep a Sunday roast and enjoy it in chicken sandwiches all week. Make sure it's cooled completely before refrigerating it, or you’ll end up with condensation and soggy chicken.
Is baked chicken breast healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?
Baked chicken breast is a fantastic source of lean protein, making it a healthy choice for a balanced diet. It’s relatively low in fat and carbohydrates, and packed with essential amino acids.
Just watch the sodium content, especially if you're using a lot of salt in your seasoning - maybe consider a low-sodium alternative.
Perfectly Baked Chicken Breast Juicy Flavorful E
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 calories |
|---|---|
| Protein | 40g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
