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Foolproof Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Breast with Garlic Herb Rub

Close-up of perfectly cooked, sliced baked chicken breast with a golden, herb crust.
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This recipe guarantees you cook tender, moist chicken breasts every time using a simple garlic herb dry rub and the right oven technique. It is quick enough for a weeknight dinner and perfect for meal prepping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 (6 ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
  2. If your chicken breasts are uneven, place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound the thicker end until the breast is an even thickness, about 3/4 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, paprika, black pepper, and onion powder to create your dry rub.
  4. Rub the olive oil over all sides of each chicken breast.
  5. Generously coat both sides of the chicken breasts with the garlic herb dry rub, pressing the seasoning into the meat.
  6. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
  7. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooking time depends on thickness.
  8. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This resting step is crucial for juicy baked chicken.
  9. Slice against the grain and serve immediately, or cool completely for meal prep.

Notes

  • For extra moisture, you can lightly brine the chicken in salted water for 30 minutes before seasoning.
  • If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute half of the olive oil with melted butter when coating the chicken.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer; this is the best way to avoid overcooking and ensure you have tender baked chicken.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://eatableempress.com/juicy-baked-chicken-breast-recipe/