Chicken Breast Recipe

In The humble lemon proves surprisingly powerful when paired with the right ingredients, cutting through richness while adding brightness to every bite. This citrus-forward chicken breast recipe uses both zest and juice to create layers of flavor that transform the entire dish.

I remember staring at a package of chicken breasts on a Tuesday night, feeling that familiar weeknight dread. They always seemed to promise so much—a lean, healthy protein—but so often delivered so little, ending up dry and bland. It was a constant battle in my kitchen, one I’m sure you’ve fought, too. That all changed when I stopped treating chicken breast like a blank canvas and started treating it with a little more intention. The secret isn’t a complicated technique or a laundry list of ingredients; it’s a simple understanding of heat, timing, and a few flavor-boosting tricks. This foundational chicken breast recipe is my go-to method, the one I rely on for everything from quick and easy weeknight dinner recipes to impressive meals for company. It’s the blueprint for juicy, flavorful chicken every single time.

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Ingredients List

This chicken breast recipe is built on simplicity, using ingredients you likely already have to create something truly special. The beauty of this foundational recipe is its adaptability; it’s a perfect starting point for countless easy dinners for families healthy and satisfying.

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 to 1.5 pounds total)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika is wonderful for a deeper flavor)

Simple Swaps:

• Oil: Avocado oil or melted butter work beautifully.
• Seasonings: This is your playground. Use an Italian herb blend, a teaspoon of dried thyme, or a pinch of cayenne for heat. For a fantastic flavor base, check out my guide for The Best Chicken Marinade.

Timing

This is one of those quick and easy weeknight dinner recipes that truly lives up to its name, getting a delicious, home-cooked meal on the table with minimal fuss.

• Prep time: 10 minutes (includes bringing the chicken to room temperature)
• Cook time: 15-20 minutes
• Total time: 25-30 minutes

Compared to many other oven chicken recipes easy to find, this method is about 20% faster because we’re not dealing with a long marinating time, yet it delivers superior juiciness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps for the most tender, flavorful chicken breast recipe you’ve ever made at home.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. This is the first and most crucial step for getting a beautiful golden sear. If your chicken breasts are very thick or uneven, place them between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound the thicker end with a rolling pin or meat mallet until they are an even 1-inch thickness. This ensures they cook evenly from end to end.
2. Season Generously: Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and rub it all over. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken, pressing gently to help it adhere.
3. Preheat and Cook: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, place a large, oven-safe skillet (like cast iron or stainless steel) over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken breasts. You should hear a confident sizzle. Sear, without moving them, for 3-4 minutes, until a golden-brown crust forms.
4. Flip and Finish in the Oven: Flip the chicken breasts. Immediately transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven. This method of searing first and then baking is one of the best recipes with chicken for locking in juices.
5. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) on an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part. The temperature will carry over to 165°F (74°C) while resting.

Pro Tip: Do not skip the thermometer! It is the only guaranteed way to achieve a juicy chicken breast recipe instead of a dry one. Guessing doneness by time or color is a recipe for disappointment.

Nutritional Information

This straightforward chicken breast recipe is not only delicious but also a nutritional powerhouse, making it a cornerstone for easy dinners for families healthy and balanced.

• Calories: 230
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fat: 9g

Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and keeping you full and satisfied. The spices add flavor without extra calories, and using a healthy fat like olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this chicken breast recipe, just a few reliable kitchen staples.

• A large, oven-safe skillet (a 10 or 12-inch cast iron skillet is ideal)
• Instant-read meat thermometer (non-negotiable for perfection)
• Tongs
• Cutting board
• Paper towels

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another chicken breast recipe; it’s a game-changer for your weekly meal rotation.

• Foolproof Juiciness: The sear-and-bake method, combined with the internal temperature guide, guarantees a moist result every time.
• Incredibly Versatile: Use this perfectly cooked chicken in salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, or as the main event. It’s the ultimate base for countless best recipes with chicken.
• Weeknight Savior: From fridge to table in under 30 minutes, it’s the definition of quick and easy weeknight dinner recipes.
• Family-Friendly: A simple, familiar flavor profile that appeals to both adults and kids, making it one of the most reliable easy dinners for families healthy and happy to eat.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

This chicken breast recipe is already quite healthy, but you can easily tweak it to meet specific dietary needs.

• For Lower Sodium: Reduce the salt to 1/2 teaspoon and rely more on the other spices and herbs for flavor.
• For an Oil-Free Version: Use a few tablespoons of low-sodium chicken broth to sear the chicken in the pan instead of oil.
• For a Flavor Boost Without Salt: Increase the garlic and onion powder, add a teaspoon of dried herbs like oregano or basil, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice after cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This basic chicken breast recipe is a blank slate for creating a complete, satisfying meal. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it.

• Classic Comfort: Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted green beans for a timeless comfort meal.
• Bright and Fresh: Slice it over a big bed of greens with a lemon vinaigrette for a light lunch.
• A Complete Sheet Pan Meal: For ultimate ease, try my Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies, which uses a similar cooking philosophy for a full meal on one pan.
• For a Special Touch: Take this basic method to the next level with a show-stopping main like my Bacon Wrapped Chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

After years of testing, I’ve identified the key pitfalls that can sabotage a good chicken breast recipe.

• Skipping the Dry Brine: Not patting the chicken dry prevents a good sear and can make the seasonings slide off. A dry surface is non-negotiable.
• Crowding the Pan: If you put too many chicken breasts in the skillet, they will steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Cooking to 165°F in the Oven: If you cook the chicken until it reads 165°F on the thermometer, it will be overdone by the time it rests. Remove it at 160°F for perfectly juicy results.
• Skipping the Rest: Slicing into the chicken immediately after cooking lets all the precious juices run out. Let it rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

This chicken breast recipe is a meal prep superstar. A little planning makes for easy comfort meals for two or one throughout the week.

• Refrigerating: Let the cooked chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Place cooled chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. This prevents it from freezing into a solid block. It will keep for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: The best way to reheat chicken and keep it moist is gently. Place it in a baking dish with a splash of broth or water, cover with foil, and warm it in a 325°F oven until heated through. You can also use the gentle reheat function on your air fryer. For another great use of pre-cooked chicken, my Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie is a fantastic option.

Conclusion

Mastering this fundamental chicken breast recipe is like learning a valuable kitchen language. It opens the door to countless easy chicken recipes for one, romantic easy comfort meals for two, and reliable easy dinners for families healthy and hearty. It proves that the best recipes with chicken don’t need to be complicated; they just need to be understood. This method gives you the confidence to cook chicken perfectly every time, turning a simple ingredient into the star of your table. So grab that skillet, trust your thermometer, and get ready to make the juiciest chicken of your life.

I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. What are your favorite ways to serve this basic baked chicken? Share your creations and tag me on social media. And if you’re looking for more inspiration, don’t forget to check out my Grilled Chicken Breasts with Lemon Garlic for a fantastic outdoor cooking option.

FAQs about Chicken Breast Recipe

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