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Juicy Oven-Baked Chicken Breast

This recipe features simple techniques of searing and baking chicken breasts to achieve a tender, juicy interior with a golden, flavorful crust. Main ingredients include lean chicken breasts seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon for brightness. The final dish is moist, well-seasoned, and appealingly golden on the outside, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: International
Calories: 220
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 clove garlic minced
  • 1 lemon lemon for squeezing over cooked chicken
  • fresh herbs herbs (optional) thyme or rosemary, chopped

Equipment

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

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and set your skillet on the stove over medium-high heat.
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels until they feel smooth and slightly tacky. This helps ensure a good sear.
  3. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and minced garlic to create your seasoning blend.
  4. Rub the seasoning mixture generously all over each chicken breast, pressing it into the meat for even coverage.
  5. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the hot skillet, swirling to coat the bottom, and then carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet.
  6. Sear the chicken for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and fragrant, listening for a gentle sizzle.
  7. Transfer the skillet with the chicken into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
  8. Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes; this allows juices to redistribute and keeps the meat moist.
  9. Squeeze fresh lemon over the chicken to brighten the flavors, and sprinkle with fresh herbs if desired.
  10. Slice the chicken against the grain, revealing a juicy, tender interior with a beautifully seared exterior.
  11. Serve your juicy baked chicken with greens or your favorite sides for a quick, satisfying meal.

Notes

Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness for consistent cooking. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness. Feel free to customize with different herbs or spices for variety.