Juicy Oven Baked Chicken: Easy & Flavorful Recipe
This easy and flavorful oven-baked chicken recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken breasts every time. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it features a simple seasoning blend and minimal prep.
Servings: 4 servings
Equipment
- Oven
- Rolling Pin or Meat Mallet
- Baking Tray
- Foil
- Parchment Paper
- Meat Thermometer
- Serving Plates
- Small Bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts 150 - 180g / 5 - 6 oz each
- 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 each salt and pepper
- Finely chopped parsley
Instructions
Preparation & Baking
- Preheat your oven to 425°F/220°C (200°C fan) and prepare a baking tray by lining it with foil and parchment paper.
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness of 1.5cm / 0.6 inches using a rolling pin or meat mallet to ensure uniform cooking and tenderness.
- Combine brown sugar, paprika, dried oregano or thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to create your seasoning blend.
- Place the chicken upside down on the prepared tray, drizzle with about 1 tsp of olive oil, rub it over the surface, and sprinkle evenly with half of the seasoning.
- Flip the chicken, drizzle with the remaining 1 tsp of olive oil, rub it in, and sprinkle the remaining seasoning over the top, ensuring good coverage.
- Bake for 18 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F/75°C with a meat thermometer.
- Immediately transfer the cooked chicken from the oven to serving plates to prevent overcooking.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving, optionally garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
Pounding the chicken to an even thickness is crucial for tender, evenly cooked results. Always allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking to keep it juicy.