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Juicy Baked Chicken Breasts

This recipe features chicken breasts cooked using a simple sear and bake method that locks in moisture and flavor. The chicken is seasoned with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon, resulting in tender, golden-brown meat with a juicy interior. It’s a straightforward dish that emphasizes technique and minimal ingredients for reliable, satisfying results.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 240
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces chicken breasts preferably even thickness
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp olive oil good quality
  • 1 lemon lemon for squeezing fresh juice
  • 1 clove garlic minced, optional
  • 1-2 sprigs fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, optional

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Skillet
  • Meat thermometer
  • Tongs
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and gather all your ingredients.
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a good sear.
  3. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika, pressing the spices into the meat for even coverage.
  4. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil, and wait until it shimmers and starts to gently smoke.
  5. Carefully place the chicken breasts into the hot skillet, laying them away from you to avoid splatters. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and fragrant.
  6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 75°C (165°F).
  7. Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
  8. While the chicken rests, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the meat and sprinkle with minced garlic and herbs if using for extra flavor.
  9. Slice the chicken breasts against the grain, revealing a juicy, tender interior with a beautifully browned exterior.
  10. Serve immediately, garnished with additional herbs or lemon wedges for a bright finish.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to taste and feel free to experiment with different herbs or spices for variation.