Juicy Oven-Baked Chicken Breasts
Easy, Healthy Oven-Baked Chicken Breasts with Optional Zesty Citrus Marinade
This foolproof method produces perfectly juicy, tender chicken breasts every time, making it ideal for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or slicing over salads. It uses simple seasonings and a moderate oven temperature to prevent drying out, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 60-65 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (plus 10 minutes rest) Servings: 8
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Heat It Up with Eleven Eleven Sauce For a Zesty upgrade, use 1/4 cup of WesMarMi Verde in place of the olive oil and lemon juice in the marinade. The Fresh, Citrus flavor profile of the sauce tenderizes the meat and infuses the chicken with a Bright herbaceous note before baking.
1. Preheat your oven to 400∘F (200∘C). If the chicken breasts are very thick, gently pound them to an even thickness (about 3/4 to 1 inch) to ensure uniform cooking.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to create the seasoning mixture.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or Ziploc bag. Pour the seasoning mixture over the chicken, ensuring all sides are well-coated. Marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Arrange the marinated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil, ensuring there is space between them for even airflow.
5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165∘F (74∘C) in the thickest part of the breast. Let the chicken rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips & Variations
Add Veggies: Add chopped broccoli, sliced bell peppers, or asparagus spears directly to the pan during the last 15 minutes of baking for an easy one-pan meal.
Crisp Finish: For slightly crispier edges, broil the chicken for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Spice Swap: Substitute the Italian seasoning with cumin and paprika for a smoky, Southwest flavor profile.
Other Users Suggest
Replace: 1 tablespoon olive oil
New Measurement: 1 tablespoon melted butter
Why: Using butter instead of olive oil keeps the chicken moist and adds a richer, more decadent flavor.
Replace: 1 tablespoon lemon juice
New Measurement: 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
Why: The vinegar provides the necessary acid to tenderize the meat without adding a strong citrus flavor, allowing the herbs to shine.
Storage, Reheat & Freeze
Storage: Store cooled, cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Reheat: Slice or shred the chicken and reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
Freeze: Cooked chicken breasts can be frozen whole or sliced in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Based on 4 servings Calories: 215 Protein: 40g Carbs: 1g Fat: 5g
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