Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

Course: Main Course

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless & skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp avocado or olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp salt
Ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. In a medium baking dish, place chicken, drizzle with oil and sprinkle with smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt and pepper.
Using tongs or hands, move chicken around to coat on all sides evenly (I place bottom of breast on top of seasoned one and then swoosh around).
Bake for 25 minutes (under 2") to 35 minutes (2"+) or until instant meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 150 degrees F. (If cooking from frozen, add 10 minutes or more to cook time)
Remove from the oven, cover with foil or lid, and let rest for 10 minutes for the juices to settle (don't skip!).

Notes

Choose similar size chicken breasts: I used 3 huge organic breasts that were the same in size. If you bake 5 oz chicken breast at same time as 9 oz chicken breast, I can guarantee you the smaller piece will come out rubbery and dry by the time larger one is ready.
Seasonings: You can use regular paprika, however the best chicken is with smoked one. Just buy it.:)
Coat evenly on all sides: This will not only help chicken not stick to the pan, but ensures every bit of your juicy chicken breast is flavorful!
Butter: Instead of oil, brush chicken breast with butter before roasting.
Brown sugar: Just a touch mixed in with the seasoning can help the chicken 'sweat' while it bakes creating a beautiful 'crust'.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Before serving drizzle chicken with pan juices and top with finely chopped parsley or dill.
Don't skip letting your meat rest - this ensures the chicken juices settle back into the chicken which results in the tender, juicy chicken you want.