Description
Craving a dinner that’s quick, healthy, and packed with flavor? This Juicy Easy Baked Chicken is your new go-to for easy weeknight dinners, meal prep, and protein-rich lunches. With simple pantry staples and a few smart techniques, you get tender, perfectly seasoned chicken that’s roasted to golden perfection. Whether you’re browsing for easy dinner ideas, healthy protein recipes, or just want a quick chicken dish, this one ticks all the boxes for flavor, texture, and simplicity.
Ingredients
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
fresh lemon juice (for finishing)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking dish or sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Place chicken breasts between parchment or plastic and pound to even 3/4-inch thickness. Pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
4. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts to coat evenly.
5. Arrange the chicken on your prepared dish with space between pieces.
6. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let chicken rest 5–10 minutes before slicing.
8. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and serve.
Notes
Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness and avoid overcooking.
Pounding the chicken to even thickness ensures even cooking throughout.
Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end if you want a crispier crust—but watch it closely!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg