The Golden Standard Juicy 30Minute HerbRoasted Chicken Breast

Juicy Herb Baked Chicken

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Preparation time:10 Mins

Cooking time:20 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 6-8 oz each)
• 2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
• 1 teaspoon Dried Rosemary
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 1 Tablespoon Unsalted Butter
• 1 Tablespoon Fresh Parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease an oven-safe baking dish or rimmed baking sheet.
• Optional: Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound the thicker ends slightly so the breasts are of uniform thickness (about 3/4 inch).
• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create the rub.
• Place the chicken in a bowl or the prepared dish. Pour the rub over the chicken, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated. Allow to rest at room temperature for 15-30 minutes if time allows.
• Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, ensuring there is space between them.
• Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes.
• Carefully remove the dish from the oven. Dot the top of each breast with a small knob of the unsalted butter. Return to the oven.
• Continue baking for another 3–7 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 160°F (71°C).
• Crucially, transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and let them rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing or serving whole. (The internal temperature will rise to the safe 165°F during this time).
• Garnish with fresh parsley just before plating.

Nutrition Facts

Calories	1059 kcal
Protein	20.0 g
Fat	33.0 g
Carbs	83.5 g
Fiber	38.4 g
Sodium	292 mg

Recipe Info

Category	Main Course
Cuisine	American

Banish Dry Dinners: Unlocking Supreme Tenderness in Your Baked Chicken Breast

If the mere mention of "baked chicken breast" conjures images of dry, chalky disappointments, I understand your skepticism. For years, this staple protein has been unfairly maligned, often relegated to the realm of necessary, yet unenjoyable, meal prep. But I am here to assure you that achieving an incredibly moist, flavour-packed Baked Chicken Breast is not a matter of luck; it’s a matter of technique. We are not just aiming for cooked chicken; we are aiming for the benchmark standard: the Juicy Baked Chicken Breast Recipe that will redefine your weeknight routine. Forget rubbery textures; prepare for succulent perfection every single time.

Why This Herb-Roasted Approach Becomes Your New Weeknight Standard

This method is designed for maximum impact with minimal effort, making it the perfect candidate for your rotation of Easy Baked Chicken Breast Recipes . We lean on a flavourful dry rub and precise temperature control, stripping away complicated processes while retaining all the desirable textures and tastes.

The Secret to Non-Sahara Poultry Texture

The primary enemy of moist chicken is uneven cooking and aggressive heat applied for too long. Our approach combats this on two fronts. First, we ensure the chicken pieces are uniform in thickness, either by trimming or gentle pounding. Second, we utilize a flavourful coating that includes olive oil and lemon juice, acting as a protective barrier during the bake. Most critically, the success hinges on pulling the chicken from the oven precisely when it hits the target internal temperature, which is slightly below the final safe temperature, allowing carryover cooking to finish the job perfectly. This ensures we achieve that coveted Juicy Baked Chicken Breast .

A 30-Minute Meal That Impresses Even Critics

When life gets busy, dinner shouldn't suffer. This blueprint for Oven Baked Chicken Breasts delivers an impressive meal, typically ready from prep to plate in under 40 minutes. The active preparation time is just 10 minutes, leaving plenty of time to set the table or whip up a quick side dish. This speed, combined with the deep, savoury notes from the herbs, makes it an ideal Baked Chicken Breast Dinner Ideas candidate for any night of the week.

Setting the Stage: Our Flavor Profile Philosophy

Our chosen flavour profile is classic and bright—Herb-Roasted. We use thyme and rosemary, earthy notes that pair beautifully with the subtle tang of fresh lemon juice and the depth provided by garlic powder and a touch of smoked paprika for colour. This simple combination proves that Healthy Baked Chicken Breast does not need to equate to bland food. It’s a foundation that satisfies fundamental cravings while remaining incredibly lean and suitable for diets like Paleo Baked Chicken Breast .

Assembling the Foundation: Essential Components for Flavor Infusion

To create a truly memorable Baked Chicken Breast , we need to treat the exterior layer with respect. Think of the coating not just as seasoning, but as a crucial flavour-delivery system that also aids in moisture retention.

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Mastering Ingredient Selection for Superior Baked Chicken Breast

For four generous servings, we select four boneless, skinless chicken breasts, ideally between 6 and 8 ounces each. Uniformity here is non-negotiable for achieving the consistent results detailed in the Best Baked Chicken Breast Time and Temp guidelines.

The Aromatic Dry Rub: Herbs, Spices, and Umami Boosters

The magic happens when we combine our spices. You will need 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and dried rosemary (crushing the rosemary lightly between your fingers releases its oils wonderfully), 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a half teaspoon of smoked paprika for visual appeal.

Critical to balancing these flavours are the basics: 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and a half teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. This robust blend adheres beautifully to the chicken, creating a crust of flavour that lasts through the bake.

Essential Equipment Checklist for Perfect Roasting

While you don't need a complicated setup, one item is truly essential for mastering How To Cook Baked Chicken Breast without guesswork: a reliable instant-read meat thermometer. Alongside this, you need a sturdy, oven-safe baking dish or rimmed sheet pan large enough to allow the chicken breasts to sit in a single layer without touching.

Quick Prep Liquids: Oil, Acid, and Moisture Retention Agents

To bring the dry rub to life and ensure it clings effectively, we mix the spices with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. This mixture provides the necessary fat for tenderizing and the acid to brighten the overall profile.

Finally, a small indulgence—1 tablespoon of cold, unsalted butter, reserved for the final moments of cooking—will add a luxurious sheen and richness upon removal from the heat.

The Step-by-Step Journey to Succulent Perfection

The entire process is streamlined to get this delightful dish on the table efficiently. We start by setting the stage: preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) —a crucial temperature for achieving a fast, flavourful roast. Lightly grease your chosen baking dish to prevent any sticking.

Prepping the Poultry: Tendering and Flavor Bathing

If your chicken breasts are tapered (thicker on one end than the other), gently pound the thicker sections between plastic wrap until the entire piece is relatively uniform in thickness, about three-quarters of an inch. This step is paramount for even cooking. Next, combine all the rub ingredients, oil, and lemon juice, and thoroughly coat each breast. If time allows, letting this rest at room temperature for 15 minutes lets the salt start working its magic. Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces in your baking dish, ensuring ample space between them for air circulation.

Oven Strategy: High Heat Blast vs. Gradual Roasting

We are employing a moderately high heat strategy. Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for a solid 15 minutes. This initial blast starts the cooking process efficiently. At this point, carefully remove the dish, quickly dot the top of each breast with a small piece of the reserved unsalted butter, and return it to the oven. This final phase, lasting between 3 and 7 minutes, is where precision matters most. We are aiming for the precise moment of completion.

The Crucial Rest: Allowing Juices to Settle Before Slicing

This is perhaps the most often overlooked step in How To Cook Baked Chicken Breast . Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160° F ( 71° C) in its thickest part, immediately remove it from the oven. Tent the entire dish loosely with foil and allow the chicken to rest undisturbed for a full 5 to 10 minutes. During this time, the internal temperature will climb safely to 165° F ( 74° C), and more importantly, the muscle fibres will relax, reabsorbing the moisture that has been pushed to the centre during heating. Slicing too soon results in those juices running out onto the cutting board, leaving you with a drier piece of meat.

Achieving the Ideal Internal Temperature for Safety and Juiciness

Safety mandates that poultry reach 165° F ( 74° C), but achieving this while retaining moisture requires careful management around that threshold. For this specific method, using Baked Chicken Breast 400 Degrees , pulling it slightly early—at 160° F—is your secret weapon. The residual heat continues the cooking process perfectly during the essential rest period. Trust your thermometer over the clock for the most reliable Juicy Baked Chicken Breast .

Elevating Your Meal: Pairing Suggestions and Flavor Twists

Once rested, a final sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley adds necessary colour and a fresh herbaceous lift. For satisfying Baked Chicken Breast Dinner Ideas , pair this lean protein with creamy mashed potatoes, which are excellent for catching any residual pan juices, or a light grain like fluffy couscous. Roasted asparagus or quick-blanched green beans offer a vibrant green counterpoint.

Flavor Customization: Spice Level Modifications and Glaze Options

If you crave more heat, introduce a quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper to your dry rub. For a slightly sweeter finish, consider a light glaze in the last five minutes of cooking—perhaps a mix of apricot preserves and a splash of Worcestershire sauce brushed over the top. This recipe is also wonderfully adaptable; swap the herbs for Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean flair, making it an easy switch for Paleo Baked Chicken Breast variations simply by ensuring your glaze uses only compliant sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in moderation.

Nutritional Snapshot: Understanding the Benefits of Lean Protein

This approach yields an exceptionally Healthy Baked Chicken Breast . Because we rely on olive oil for moisture rather than heavy breading or frying, the resulting four-ounce portion is packed with lean protein (around 40-45 grams) while remaining relatively low in saturated fats. It’s a powerhouse of satiating nutrition perfect for fitness goals.

Preventing Freezer Burn: Long-Term Storage Protocol

Leftovers are great, but store them correctly. If you plan to keep your Oven Baked Chicken Breasts for later, ensure they are fully cooled before placing them in an airtight container. For short-term fridge storage (up to four days), simply stack the slices with parchment paper in between. For long-term preservation, wrap individual portions tightly first in plastic wrap, then in a layer of aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer bag. This double wrapping protocol minimizes air exposure, effectively preventing freezer burn and maintaining quality for up to three months.