Baked chicken breast. Enjoy an effortless dinner with this delicious chicken dish that’s tender, succulent and versatile. Opt for a simple salt and pepper seasoning, or go beyond the classic combo and try this flavorful marinade to create an incredible masterpiece. Serve with a delectable side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Why I Love This Easy Weeknight Dinner
There’s no magical way to achieve the perfect succulent results while baking chicken, however, a few tips and cooking tricks can help. In addition to the best quality chicken, the right temperature and marinade helps you dive into the secret of cooking this much loved protein. And the best part? It pairs well with your favorite seasoning combos including spices and herbs, and the recipe is simply perfect if you do not want to do full-on cooking show at home.
Seriously, it’s the easiest way to get dinner on the table with hands-free cooking. Let the oven do all the work, and then serve with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables, or add it to salads, sandwiches and tacos. I love to add a simple marinade consisting of paprika, Italian seasoning, and the basic salt and pepper. For extra flavor add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary leaves and cut lemons. Just perfect when you are too lazy to cook!
Key Ingredients In Baked Chicken Breast
- Chicken - Use medium sized chicken for even cooking.
- Olive oil - To keep the chicken tender.
- Paprika - For color and flavor.
- Italian seasoning - The extra flavor makes it tastier.
- Rosemary - Fresh herbs always amp up the flavor.
- Lemons - For tender, flavorful results.
How To Make Baked Chicken Breast
Marinate chicken - The idea is to marinate chicken with your favorite seasonings. In this recipe, I’ve opted for very simple ingredients like paprika and Italian seasoning. I highly recommend marinating chicken for at least 30 minutes for better results.
Bake chicken - Apart from the marination, I have also used a bed of fresh rosemary sprigs to ensure maximum flavor. However, if fresh sprigs are not easily available, feel free to use dried herbs in the marination. Also, toss some cut lemons into the baking pan. The citrus gives off an irresistible aroma making chicken tastier, and the zesty punch delivers pure magic. Once you have the baking pan loaded up, slide it into the oven, sit back, and let the oven do all the work.
Baked Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 sprigs rosemary
- 2 lemons, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place chicken in a large bowl.
- Add olive oil, paprika and Italian seasoning.
- Toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes if time permits.
- Preheat oven to 200 C or 400 F. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Place rack in the middle of the oven.
- Arrange rosemary leaves in a single layer on the baking tray.
- Place chicken breasts on top. Toss cut lemons around chicken.
- Bake for about 30-40 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and registers an internal temperature of 75 C or 165 F on an instant-read thermometer.
Video
Notes
- Serve with steamed, roasted or sautéed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or chop chicken to add to salads, tacos and sandwiches.
Nutrition
Like this baked chicken breast recipe? Then join Nish Kitchen on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram. Watch exclusive recipe videos on YouTube.
Check out more baked chicken recipes:
Rina says
Amanda says
Can I make this with chicken thighs?
Rose Mary George says
Yes
Fiona says
Awesome!! The best chicken breast recipe I ‘ve ever tried!
Sunny says
These were so juicy & so good, will make again and again!
Hunny Bunny says
Absolutely perfect chicken, everyone loved it!
Tisso says
So easy to make. Enjoyed by the whole family!