Description
This Best Baked Chicken Breast Recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts seasoned with a simple yet flavorful blend of brown sugar, paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. It’s a quick and easy oven-baked recipe perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, delivering moist chicken with a subtly sweet and savory crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 large chicken breasts (if using frozen, thaw beforehand)
Seasoning and Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken evenly.
- Mix the seasonings: In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper thoroughly to create a flavorful seasoning blend.
- Season the chicken: Drizzle the olive oil over both sides of the chicken breasts, then sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly on both sides. Pat the seasoning firmly onto the chicken to help it adhere well.
- Prepare for baking: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or into a greased casserole dish, ensuring they have space around them for even cooking.
- Bake the chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid overcooking to maintain juicy, tender chicken.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove from the oven once cooked through, let rest briefly, then serve the deliciously seasoned baked chicken breasts.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are fully thawed if using frozen for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately check for doneness at 165°F to avoid drying out the chicken.
- Adjust seasoning amounts based on your preference for sweetness or saltiness.
- Leftover chicken can be sliced for salads, sandwiches, or wraps.
- Parchment paper on the sheet pan prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
