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Easy Baked Chicken Breast Recipe for Beginners Juicy Every Time

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A foolproof baked chicken breast recipe that delivers juicy, tender results every time with simple ingredients and easy steps, perfect for beginners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz or 340 g each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. Pat dry each chicken breast with paper towels. If breasts are uneven, gently pound them to about ¾ inch (2 cm) thickness.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, and lemon juice. Stir until well mixed.
  4. Toss the chicken breasts in the seasoning mixture, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Massage the seasoning into the meat.
  5. Let the coated breasts sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to allow salt penetration and even cooking.
  6. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer on the baking sheet or dish. Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through if desired.
  7. Check doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part; it should read 165°F (74°C). If no thermometer, cut into the center to ensure juices run clear.
  8. Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to seal in juices.
  9. Slice against the grain and serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

Do not skip the resting steps before and after baking to keep the chicken juicy. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Pounding chicken breasts to uniform thickness ensures even cooking. Flip halfway through baking for a golden color on both sides. Adjust bake time slightly for smaller or thinner breasts.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken breast, easy chicken recipe, juicy chicken, beginner chicken recipe, healthy chicken, quick dinner, simple chicken breast

Find it online: https://milacook.com/easy-baked-chicken-breast-recipe-for-beginners-juicy-every-time/