Oven Baked Chicken
The ultimate comfort food, Oven Baked Chicken is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This easy weeknight dinner will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, you’ll want to make this dish tonight!
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. This initial step is vital for achieving that golden-brown color. A hot oven helps in creating a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside juicy.
- Line a 9×13 baking sheet with foil and set it aside. The foil will make cleanup a breeze and prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover them with a piece of parchment paper. Using a meat mallet, pound down the thick parts of the chicken breasts. This step is crucial for ensuring even cooking throughout.
- In a large bowl, add the chicken along with the olive oil. Flip the chicken to ensure every piece is coated with oil, which helps in achieving that beautiful golden finish.
- In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mixing the seasonings beforehand allows for an even distribution of flavors.
- Place the chicken breasts bottom-side up on the foil-lined baking sheet. Season using half of the spice mix, ensuring to cover all areas for maximum flavor.
- Flip the chicken breasts over and season with the remaining seasoning. This double seasoning method guarantees that each bite is flavorful.
- Now, place the tray in the oven and cook the chicken for 18 to 20 minutes. At this point, the internal temperature should reach about 165°F, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
- Turn the oven to broil and let the chicken cook for an additional 4 minutes. This step is what gives your chicken that beautiful browned color on top, adding visual appeal as well.
- Remove the chicken when it reaches 165°F internally at the thickest part. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing the juices to redistribute.
Notes
- Tip 1: You don’t want to disfigure the chicken when using the meat mallet, just pound them down enough that they are an even thickness.
- Tip 2: Try this seasoning combination on other cuts of chicken as well!