Discover the secret to perfectly **Juicy Baked Chicken Breasts** with this easy and flavorful recipe that guarantees tender, moist chicken every timeβno more dry or bland dinners! Marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, and a splash of fresh lemon juice, these oven-baked chicken breasts are infused with bold, vibrant flavors. The key to success lies in pounding the chicken to an even thickness for uniform cooking and letting it rest post-baking to lock in the juices. Ready in just 35 minutes, this healthy, high-protein meal pairs beautifully with your favorite sides like crisp salads, steamed veggies, or fluffy rice. Perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners, this recipe makes achieving succulent chicken effortless and delicious.
Preheat your oven to 425Β°F (220Β°C).
Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This helps ensure even cooking.
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, and lemon juice to form a marinade.
Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well-coated. Let them sit for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours for deeper marination.
Arrange the marinated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165Β°F (75Β°C). The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing, allowing the juices to redistribute and keep the chicken moist.
Serve the baked chicken breasts with your choice of side dishes, such as a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or rice for a complete meal.
Calories |
1429 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 53.6 g | 69% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.4 g | 57% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 592 mg | 197% | |
| Sodium | 2879 mg | 125% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 6.5 g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.1 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.7 g | ||
| Protein | 217.0 g | 434% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 111 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 7.9 mg | 44% | |
| Potassium | 1912 mg | 41% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.