Description
This Easy Baked Chicken Breast recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken breasts with a simple homemade spice rub. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, the chicken is baked uncovered at a high temperature for a perfectly tender and moist result every time.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Spice Rub
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or as needed)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Prep Chicken and Oven: Remove chicken breasts from the fridge and let them come to room temperature for even cooking. Preheat the oven to 450°F and place the rack in the top third position.
- Mix Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to create the spice rub.
- Coat Chicken: Place chicken breasts on a baking dish or a foil-lined baking sheet. Drizzle and rub olive oil over the chicken, then thoroughly coat each breast with the prepared spice rub, using your hands for even coverage.
- Bake: Bake the chicken breasts uncovered for 18-20 minutes (adjusting time for size variations) until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 160°F.
- Rest: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute and raises the internal temperature to the safe 165°F. Slice or serve whole, optionally spooning pan juices on top for extra flavor.
Notes
- Allowing the chicken to come to room temperature avoids uneven cooking.
- Adjust baking time based on the size/thickness of the chicken breasts to prevent dryness or undercooking.
- An instant-read thermometer is recommended to ensure safe and perfect doneness.
- You can line the baking sheet with foil for easier cleanup.
- Leftovers can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days.
