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Juicy No-Fail Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe for Perfect Moist Results

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A simple, no-fail baked chicken breast recipe that yields juicy, tender, and flavorful results every time. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep with pantry staple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces/170 grams each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning blend)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (kosher or sea salt, adjust to taste)
  • Β½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
  • Β½ cup water or chicken broth (120 ml) for baking pan moisture

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C).
  2. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
  3. Brush olive oil evenly over each breast.
  4. Mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  5. Sprinkle the seasoning generously over each breast, pressing lightly to adhere.
  6. Place chicken breasts side by side in a baking dish. Pour Β½ cup water or chicken broth into the pan around the chicken.
  7. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, adding extra time if breasts are thicker than 1 inch. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should read 160Β°F (71Β°C) before resting.
  8. Remove from oven and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  9. Optional: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the breasts before serving.
  10. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry and brushing with olive oil helps retain moisture. Baking with liquid in the pan creates a humid environment to prevent drying. Resting the chicken under foil for 5-10 minutes is crucial for juicy results. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. For thicker breasts, add extra baking time. Optional lemon juice adds brightness. If chicken dries out, try lowering oven temperature to 350Β°F and increasing cooking time.

Nutrition

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