Description
This Oven Baked Chicken Breast turns out juicy, tender, and full of savory flavor. A simple blend of pantry spices, brown sugar, olive oil, and butter creates a lightly caramelized finish. It is ready in about 30 minutes and works well for family dinners or weekly meal prep.
Ingredients
6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
2. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Gently pound the thicker sections until each breast measures about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick.
3. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Arrange it in the prepared baking dish.
4. Drizzle the olive oil over both sides of the chicken breasts and rub it evenly over the surface.
5. Combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
6. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over both sides of the chicken. Gently press the seasoning onto the meat.
7. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer with a little space between each piece.
8. Place the small butter pieces over the tops of the seasoned chicken breasts.
9. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the thickest part of each chicken breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
10. For extra color, broil the chicken for 1 to 3 minutes. Watch it closely so the seasoning does not burn.
11. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
12. Spoon the warm pan juices over the chicken before slicing and serving.
Notes
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook at the same rate.
Use a meat thermometer instead of relying only on baking time.
Remove the chicken from the oven as soon as it reaches 165°F.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing so the juices stay inside the meat.
Regular granulated sugar can replace the light brown sugar.
Olive oil can replace the butter if needed.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheat the chicken gently with a splash of broth or reserved pan juices.
Nutrition information is approximate and may vary by ingredient brand and portion size.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Chicken Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 225
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 582 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 102 mg
