Description
This Oven Baked Chicken Breast recipe features tender, flavorful chicken breasts coated in a savory blend of spices and brown sugar, baked to juicy perfection and finished with a quick broil for a golden, slightly caramelized crust. It’s an easy, healthy dish ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter (diced)
Seasoning Mix
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking during baking.
- Prepare Chicken Breast: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they reach an even thickness of about 0.5 to 0.75 inches. This ensures even cooking. Rub olive oil over both sides of the chicken breasts to help the seasoning adhere.
- Mix Seasonings and Coat Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Evenly coat each chicken breast with this seasoning mixture, making sure all sides are covered for maximum flavor.
- Arrange and Add Butter: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared casserole dish and top each piece with a slice of diced butter. The butter adds moisture and richness during baking.
- Bake and Broil: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For a nicely browned and slightly caramelized finish, broil the chicken for an additional 1-3 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Notes
- Using a meat thermometer ensures the chicken is cooked safely without overcooking.
- You can substitute the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness.
- Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix if you prefer a spicy kick.
- If you don’t have Italian seasoning, use a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: oven baked chicken breast, chicken breast recipe, baked chicken, easy chicken dinner, healthy chicken breast
