Easy Oven-Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

There are two types of foodies in food preferences: those who relish oven-baked chicken breast and those who prefer dark meat. While I have a penchant for dark meat in our family, my husband thoroughly enjoys white meat. To ensure harmony, I prepare delectable oven-baked chicken breasts for our meals, catering to his preference. This allows us to strike a perfect balance between our differing tastes.

With this recipe, though, it never feels like much of a compromise. The meat is so juicy, tender, and flavorful that even dark meat lovers like me can get excited about it. Plus, it keeps in the refrigerator for a few days without drying out. Now, that’s what I call a win!

Ingredients in our Oven-Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

• Chicken Breast: The show’s star, chicken breast, offers a lean and tender canvas for flavor. It absorbs the aromatic elements of thyme, lemon, garlic, and spices while maintaining its natural juiciness.
• Fresh Twigs of Thyme: Fragrant and earthy, thyme infuses the chicken with a delightful herbal essence, complementing the dish’s savory profile.
• Lemon: The zesty brightness of lemon lends a refreshing citrusy note to the chicken, enhancing its overall flavor and providing a delightful contrast.
• Garlic: Adding depth and complexity, garlic contributes its unique aromatic and savory qualities to create a harmonious blend of flavors.
• Spices (Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Baharat, Cardamoms): The blend of spices, including a pinch of salt, a dash of pepper, a hint of paprika, and the warm embrace of Baharat and cardamoms, form a tantalizing rub that elevates the chicken’s taste profile.
• Olive Oil: As the foundation of the marinade, olive oil brings richness and subtle fruitiness, ensuring the chicken stays moist and succulent throughout the baking process.

These carefully selected ingredients work harmoniously to create a mouthwatering symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds. The result is a tender, aromatic, and utterly delicious oven-baked chicken breast that will become a favorite in your kitchen.

How to Keep Oven-Baked Chicken Breast Juicy?

To ensure your oven-baked chicken breast stays juicy, here are some essential tips and techniques to keep in mind:

•  Marinades and Sauces: Experiment with marinating the chicken breasts in flavorful sauces or marinades before baking. This can infuse the meat with moisture and additional taste.
•  Resting Time: After removing the chicken from the oven, rest for a few minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy chicken breast.
• Slicing Technique: When slicing the chicken breasts, cut them against the grain. This helps to break up the muscle fibers and results in a more tender and succulent texture.
•  Parchment Paper: Before baking, wrap the chicken breast in parchment paper. This creates a “packet” that helps seal moisture while allowing for even cooking. The parchment paper acts as a barrier, preventing the chicken from drying out during the baking process. Additionally, the paper helps distribute heat evenly around the chicken breast, contributing to a juicy and tender result.
•  Broiling: As you approach the final two minutes of cooking (somewhere between 16-23 minutes, depending on the breast size), unwrap the parchment paper and turn on the broiler. This step helps to brown and crisp up the surface of the chicken, adding an appealing texture while maintaining moisture.

By incorporating these suggestions and using a cooking thermometer to monitor the internal temperature, you can ensure that your oven-baked chicken breast stays moist and delicious.

What can I serve with?

Oven-baked chicken breast is incredibly versatile and can be paired with various dishes to create a delightful meal. As someone focused on incorporating more fresh vegetables and fruits into my diet, I enjoy serving oven-baked chicken as a side to a hearty mid-day salad, such as a refreshing fattoush salad or vibrant Greek lemon rice.

Additionally, oven-baked chicken breast pairs wonderfully with roasted carrots, green beans, and sweet potatoes. Combining the tender chicken and the caramelized flavors of the roasted vegetables creates a satisfying and well-balanced meal. If you prefer something heartier, serving the chicken alongside creamy mashed potatoes is always a classic choice.

The options are endless when serving oven-baked chicken breast, so feel free to experiment and explore different flavors and side dishes to find your favorites.