Perfect 20-Minute Oven-Baked Chicken Breasts

This recipe for Perfect 20-Minute Oven-Baked Chicken Breasts delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with minimal effort and time. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or anytime you need a reliable and delicious protein option. The combination of spices creates a savory, slightly sweet, and smoky flavor profile that will make this dish a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• Chicken:
• 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4 extra-large breasts or 6 average)
• 3 to 4 tablespoons olive oil
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Seasoning:
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 to 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 to 2 teaspoons paprika or smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional and to taste
• Optional Garnish:
• 1 to 2 teaspoons finely minced fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, basil)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with foil for easier cleanup.

1. Prepare Chicken:

• Place the chicken breasts on the baking sheet. Pound them to an even thickness using a meat pounder, rolling pin, or heavy pan. This ensures they cook evenly.

1. Season Chicken:

• Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

1. Make Spice Rub:

• In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir to mix well.

1. Apply Spice Rub:

• Evenly spoon the spice rub over both sides of the chicken breasts. Add a bit more seasoning to the side facing up.

1. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

1. Rest Chicken:

• Allow the chicken to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Cover with foil to keep warm if desired. Resting helps lock in the juices.

1. Garnish and Serve:

• Optionally garnish with fresh herbs before serving. Enjoy!

Tips

• Uniform Thickness: Ensuring the chicken breasts are of uniform thickness helps them cook evenly and prevents drying out.
• Resting Time: Letting the chicken rest after baking is crucial for retaining moisture and juiciness.
• Spice Adjustments: Adjust the spices to suit your taste. If you prefer more heat, add more cayenne pepper.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 4 months.

This oven-baked chicken recipe is quick, easy, and yields perfectly cooked, flavorful chicken breasts every time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and versatile enough to be used in various dishes, from salads to sandwiches.