Description
This Oven Baked Chicken Breast recipe delivers moist, tender chicken with a flavorful blend of brown sugar, paprika, and herbs. Perfectly seasoned and baked at a high temperature, the chicken breasts remain juicy and golden. A simple, healthy, and quick dinner option that pairs wonderfully with side dishes like garlic butter rice and kale.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts (150 – 180g / 5 – 6 oz each)
Seasoning
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme (or other herb of choice)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- Finely chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) or 200°C fan-forced to prepare for baking the chicken breasts at the ideal temperature for a golden exterior.
- Pound the chicken: Use a rolling pin, meat mallet, or even your fist to gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1.5cm (0.6 inches). This ensures even cooking and tender results.
- Mix the seasoning: Combine the brown sugar, paprika, dried oregano or thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to create the dry rub for the chicken.
- Prepare the baking tray: Line a baking tray with foil and then with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the chicken breasts upside down on the tray.
- Season the first side: Drizzle approximately 1 teaspoon of olive oil over the top side of the chicken. Rub the oil into the meat with your fingers, then sprinkle half of the seasoning mixture evenly over the surface.
- Season the other side: Flip the chicken breasts so the seasoned side is down. Drizzle another teaspoon of olive oil on the now exposed side. Rub it in and sprinkle the remaining seasoning mix over the chicken, covering as much surface as possible.
- Bake the chicken: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 18 minutes. The chicken is done when the surface is golden and an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) is reached.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and transfer immediately to serving plates. Allow to rest for 3 to 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness helps ensure they cook evenly and remain juicy.
- Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check doneness without overcooking.
- For extra flavor, serve with garlic butter rice and sautéed kale as pictured.
- You can substitute the dried herbs with fresh ones or other herb blends to vary the flavor profile.
