Description

This Oven Baked Chicken Breast recipe offers a simple and flavorful way to prepare moist and tender chicken breasts with a blend of aromatic spices, light brown sugar, and butter. The chicken is first flattened for even cooking, seasoned thoroughly, and then baked to perfection before receiving a quick broil finish for a slightly crispy top. Perfect for a healthy and delicious meal option.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2 pounds chicken breast (boneless and skinless)

Seasoning and Add-ins

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon ground paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon butter (diced)

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Instructions

Prep: Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent the chicken from sticking during baking.
Flatten: Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap. Use a rolling pin or the flat side of a mallet to pound the chicken until it is about 0.5 to 0.75 inches thick for even cooking. Rub olive oil all over the flattened chicken breasts to help the seasoning stick.
Season: In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, then rub it in lightly to coat thoroughly.
Bake: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared casserole dish. Top each piece with a slice of diced butter to add richness and moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is safely cooked and juicy.
Broil: After baking, switch the oven to broil. Broil the chicken for 1 to 3 minutes to achieve a lightly browned and slightly crispy top, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to avoid overcooking.
You can substitute unsalted butter to better control sodium content.
If chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, carefully pound thicker areas to promote even cooking.
Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.