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Juicy Baked Chicken Breast

This baked chicken breast recipe uses gentle, slow baking to keep the meat tender and succulent, avoiding dryness. The chicken is seasoned simply with salt, pepper, herbs, and a splash of lemon juice, resulting in a beautifully caramelized surface and juicy interior. It’s a straightforward, honest dish perfect for a quick yet satisfying dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts patted dry
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for rubbing and drizzling
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary or fresh herbs if preferred
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice about half a lemon
  • Optional garlic or lemon zest for extra flavor

Equipment

  • Baking dish
  • Meat thermometer
  • Kitchen tongs
  • Silicone brush
  • Aluminum Foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Gather your baking dish and a meat thermometer, then pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. Pound the thicker end of each chicken breast to an even thickness of about 2.5 cm (1 inch). This helps the chicken cook uniformly and stay juicy.
  3. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, herbs, and a tablespoon of olive oil. Mix well to create a simple seasoning paste.
  4. Rub this mixture all over each chicken breast, ensuring every surface is coated evenly. This layering of flavors helps keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
  5. Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the baking dish. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the top and squeeze fresh lemon juice over each piece for brightness.
  6. Bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, until the edges are golden and the juices run clear when pierced with a knife. Check the internal temperature; it should reach 75°C (165°F).
  7. If the chicken begins to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Use tongs to baste with the pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
  8. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest under foil for 5 minutes. Resting helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and tender.
  9. Slice the chicken against the grain and serve immediately, garnished with a light sprinkle of sea salt if desired. The surface should be lightly caramelized, and the meat moist inside, ready to enjoy.