Easiest Baked Chicken Breast

 The easiest baked chicken breast recipe is quick, simple, and results in juicy, tender chicken every time. This method requires minimal ingredients and no special techniques. Here's a straightforward recipe for making perfectly baked chicken breasts:

Ingredients:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)

1-2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tsp garlic powder (optional)

1 tsp onion powder (optional)

1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for extra flavor and color)

Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat ensures the chicken cooks quickly and stays moist.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the oil and seasonings stick better.

Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil (or melted butter) on both sides.

Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and any optional spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

3. Bake the Chicken:

Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Make sure they’re not crowded, so they cook evenly.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can check this using a meat thermometer.

4. Rest the Chicken:

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and moist.

5. Serve:

Slice or serve the chicken breasts whole, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. They can be served with sides like vegetables, rice, or salads.

Tips:

Even Cooking: If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, you can pound them out to an even thickness using a meat mallet. This helps them cook more evenly.

Flavor Variations: You can add different seasonings or marinades to change up the flavor. Try Italian seasoning, lemon zest, or a bit of mustard for variety.

Juicy Chicken: Don’t overbake the chicken; using a meat thermometer will help ensure it's perfectly cooked without drying out.

This easiest baked chicken breast is perfect for 

a quick weeknight dinner and pairs well with almost any side dish!