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Tender Never-Dry Baked Chicken Breast Recipe Easy Perfect Juicy Chicken Every Time

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This recipe delivers juicy, tender baked chicken breasts every time using simple ingredients and a gentle baking technique. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 to 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 450 to 680 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or water (60 ml)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If breasts are thick, slice horizontally to create thinner, even pieces.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme. Add lemon juice if using. Toss chicken breasts in the mixture until fully coated.
  4. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour chicken broth or water into the dish around the chicken (not over the top).
  5. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, depending on breast size (about 22 minutes for average 6-ounce breasts). Avoid opening the oven frequently.
  6. Check doneness with a meat thermometer (165°F/74°C) or pierce the thickest part with a fork to ensure juices run clear and meat feels firm but not rubbery.
  7. Remove from oven and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  8. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Notes

Avoid overbaking to prevent toughness. Pat chicken dry before seasoning. Let chicken rest after baking to retain juices. Using a meat thermometer ensures perfect doneness. Adding broth or water to the baking dish creates steam to keep chicken moist but is optional.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken breast, juicy chicken, easy chicken recipe, tender chicken, weeknight dinner, healthy chicken, simple chicken breast

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/tender-never-dry-baked-chicken-breast-recipe-easy-perfect-juicy-chicken-every-time/