Perfectly Cooked Oven-Roasted Chicken Breast Recipe
This Perfectly Cooked Chicken Breast Recipe ensures juicy, flavorful chicken breasts with a golden brown crust and tender interior. Using a blend of aromatic herbs and spices, the chicken is first seared to lock in moisture and then finished in the oven for a perfectly cooked meal ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
Seasoning
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (omit if you don’t like spice)
Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Trim any excess fat or cartilage from the chicken breasts and pat them dry using paper towels. Preheat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for searing.
- Season: Combine all the seasoning ingredients—salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, dried basil, and cayenne pepper—in a bowl. Place the chicken breasts and seasoning mixture into a large resealable bag and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
- Sear: Add the olive oil to the preheated skillet and swirl to coat the surface. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms. This step helps to seal in juices and enhances flavor.
- Bake: Carefully transfer the entire skillet with the seared chicken into the oven. Bake until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part, which usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes, ensuring the chicken is cooked through but still juicy.
- Rest: Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the chicken breasts to a cutting board. Let them rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing or serving to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and moist chicken.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps achieve a better sear.
- You can substitute olive oil with avocado oil for a higher smoke point.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control spice level or omit for a milder flavor.
- Resting the chicken before slicing is crucial for juicy results.