Quick & Juicy Oven-Baked Chicken Breasts (Ready in 20 Minutes!)
Tired of dry, boring chicken? This quick & foolproof oven-baked chicken is juicy, flavorful, and ready in just 20 minutes! With a simple spice rub and one sheet pan, you'll have a delicious, healthy meal with zero fuss.
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Servings: 8
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Ingredients:
- 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4 extra-large or 6 average-sized)
- 3 to 4 tbsp olive oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 to 3 tbsp chili powder
- 1 to 2 tsp paprika (regular or smoked)
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 to 2 tsp finely chopped fresh herbs (optional garnish: parsley, cilantro, or basil)
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (use convection if available).
- Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Chicken:
- Place chicken on the baking sheet and pound to an even thickness using a meat pounder, rolling pin, or a heavy pan.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Make & Apply Seasoning:
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and cayenne (if using).
- Evenly coat both sides of the chicken with the seasoning mix, applying slightly more on the top side.
- Bake:
- Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing to retain its juices.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 4 months.
Tips:
- The brown sugar may caramelize and darken slightly, but this enhances the flavor.
- Lining your pan with foil makes cleanup much easier.