Let’s be honest, chicken breast can be a little boring sometimes. It’s easy to fall into a routine of making the same bland dish over and over. But what if I told you that you are just a few spices away from a truly delicious meal?
This is one of those Chicken Breast Recipes that changes everything. It is so easy to make, full of amazing flavor, and gives you perfectly juicy chicken every single time. It is about to become a staple in your kitchen, I promise.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, this recipe is incredibly straightforward. It is one of the best Simple Chicken Recipes you will find. There are no complicated steps or fancy ingredients. Just mix some spices, rub them on the chicken, and bake. That’s it!
The flavor is another huge plus. The spice blend is the star of the show. It creates a savory, slightly spicy crust on the outside of the chicken that is just so good. It makes plain chicken breast exciting again.
We all know the biggest challenge with chicken is keeping it from drying out. This method, with its high heat and resting period, locks in all the juices. You get tender, succulent chicken that is a joy to eat. No more tough, chewy chicken for dinner.
This is also a fantastic base for so many Quick Dinner Ideas. You can serve it as is, slice it for salads, put it in sandwiches, or shred it for tacos. The possibilities are truly endless, making your weeknight meals a breeze.
Ingredients
The magic for these amazing Chicken Breast Recipes comes from a simple pantry spice blend. You probably have most of these on hand already!
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red peppers
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 large chicken breasts or 6 small chicken breasts
This combination creates a balanced flavor profile. Paprika gives it beautiful color, garlic and onion powders add a savory base, and the cayenne and red peppers provide a gentle warmth. It’s a wonderful all purpose mix.
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to make the best baked chicken of your life? It is easier than you think. Let’s walk through these Simple Chicken Recipes together. Just follow these steps for a delicious meal.
Step 1: Get Ready
First things first, preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature is important because it helps sear the outside of the chicken quickly, which locks in all those delicious juices.
Next, grease an 8 by 8 baking sheet or dish. You can use a little oil or some cooking spray. This just helps prevent the chicken from sticking. Once it is greased, set it aside.
Step 2: Mix The Spices
Grab a small bowl or a ramekin. Add all your spices to it: the salt, cayenne pepper, crushed red peppers, garlic powder, paprika, pepper, onion powder, oregano, and thyme. Give it a good mix with a fork or a small whisk until everything is well combined.
Take a moment to smell that spice blend. It already smells amazing, doesn’t it? This is what will make your Chicken Breast Recipes stand out.
Step 3: Season The Chicken
Now for the fun part. Pat your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps the spices stick better. Sprinkle the spice mix generously all over the chicken breasts. Don’t be shy!
Use your hands to rub the spices into the chicken, making sure to cover every surface, including the sides and bottom. An even coating means even flavor in every single bite. This is a key step in great Baked Chicken Recipes.
Step 4: Bake To Perfection
Place the seasoned chicken in your prepared baking dish. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 18 minutes. The high heat will create a lovely crust on the outside.
After 18 minutes, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil. This traps the steam and helps the chicken finish cooking gently, making it extra tender.
Return the covered dish to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes. The total cooking time will be around 23 minutes. This method is a great way to ensure juicy results in your Baked Chicken Recipes.
Step 5: Rest The Chicken
This might be the most important step! Once the chicken is done, take it out of the oven but leave it covered with the foil. Let it rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes before you slice into it.
Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. If you cut it too soon, all that moisture will run out onto your cutting board, leaving you with dry chicken. Patience is key!
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers from these delicious Chicken Breast Recipes, storing them is easy. You will want to let the chicken cool down to room temperature first.
Once cooled, place the chicken in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. This makes it a great option for meal prepping at the start of the week.
You can also freeze the cooked chicken. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer safe bag or container. It will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you are ready to eat it, you can thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently in the microwave or in a skillet with a little bit of oil to keep it from drying out.
Tips
Want to make your chicken even better? Here are a few extra tips for these Chicken Breast Recipes. These little tricks can make a big difference in the final result.
For more even cooking, try to use chicken breasts that are similar in size and thickness. If one is much thicker than the others, you can gently pound it with a meat mallet to even it out. This ensures everything cooks at the same rate.
Don’t be afraid to adjust the spice blend to your liking. If you love spicy food, add a little extra cayenne. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce or omit the red peppers. Cooking is all about making it your own!
The best way to know if chicken is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken is safe to eat when its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This takes all the guesswork out of cooking and prevents overcooked, dry meat.
Let your chicken sit out on the counter for about 15 to 20 minutes before baking. Bringing it closer to room temperature helps it cook more evenly from edge to center. It’s a small step that yields great results for many Baked Chicken Recipes.
Conclusion
And there you have it! A simple, reliable, and incredibly flavorful recipe for baked chicken breast. This is proof that Simple Chicken Recipes can be the most satisfying. No more settling for bland and boring dinners.
This recipe is a wonderful starting point for so many meals. It’s one of those foundational Chicken Breast Recipes that every home cook should have. It gives you confidence in the kitchen and a delicious meal on the table.
I hope you enjoy making this as much as you enjoy eating it. It is one of our favorite Quick Dinner Ideas, and I am sure it will become one of yours too. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I Use Chicken Thighs For This Recipe?
Yes, you absolutely can! Chicken thighs would be delicious with this spice blend. Just be aware that thighs, especially bone in ones, will likely need a longer cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
What Is The Internal Temperature For Cooked Chicken?
For food safety, all poultry should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 74 degrees Celsius. The best way to check this is with an instant read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone.
How Do I Prevent My Chicken From Being Dry?
The three keys to juicy chicken are not overcooking, using a high initial heat, and resting the meat. Using a meat thermometer is the number one way to avoid overcooking. The 450 degree oven helps sear the outside, and letting it rest before slicing keeps the juices inside.
Can I Make This On The Stovetop?
You can adapt this for the stovetop. Season the chicken as directed. Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Again, a thermometer is your best friend here!
Is This Recipe Good For Meal Prep?
This is one of the best Chicken Breast Recipes for meal prep. The cooked chicken stores beautifully and is so versatile. You can make a batch on Sunday and use it for salads, wraps, pasta dishes, or grain bowls all week long. It’s a great way to get a head start on healthy meals.
Flavorful Baked Chicken Breast
This incredibly easy recipe transforms ordinary chicken breast into a delicious, juicy meal with a savory spice crust. Perfect for quick dinners and meal prep, it ensures tender, succulent chicken every time.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease an 8×8 baking sheet or dish with a little oil or some cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine salt, cayenne pepper, crushed red peppers, garlic powder, paprika, pepper, onion powder, oregano, and thyme. Mix well with a fork or whisk.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Generously sprinkle and rub the spice mix all over the chicken, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
- Place the seasoned chicken in the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 minutes.
- Carefully remove the dish from the oven. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil and return to the oven for another 5 minutes.
- Remove the covered dish from the oven and let the chicken rest, still covered with foil, for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For more even cooking, try to use chicken breasts that are similar in size and thickness. If one is much thicker than the others, you can gently pound it with a meat mallet to even it out.
Don’t be afraid to adjust the spice blend to your liking. If you love spicy food, add a little extra cayenne. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce or omit the red peppers.
The best way to know if chicken is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken is safe to eat when its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This takes all the guesswork out of cooking and prevents overcooked, dry meat.
Let your chicken sit out on the counter for about 15 to 20 minutes before baking. Bringing it closer to room temperature helps it cook more evenly from edge to center.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
