Best Baked Chicken Breast – So Easy, So Juicy, And All Recipe

Discover a delicious twist on Tender Baked Chicken Breast. This inventive recipe transforms simple chicken breasts into extraordinarily juicy masterpieces by sealing in flavors with a parchment paper wrap. Infused with a blend of aromatic spices, every bite bursts with smokiness and succulent perfection, ensuring a delightful meal every time.

I first tried this method when I was looking for an easy way to bake chicken breasts that stayed really juicy, and wow it totally worked. I use 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts mixed with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder and 1/2 tsp paprika.

Sometimes I’ll even throw in a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary if I’m feeling fancy. The trick is all about wrapping the chicken in parchment paper so that it locks in all the moisture and flavors.

This method not only makes it tender but also highlights the natural taste of the chicken. I like that it’s a lean protein dish too which is essential in a balanced diet.

Its an oven baked chicken that comes out soft and healthy every time so you’ll probably end up using it as your go-to poultry recipe. Enjoy this simple, nutritious meal!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it always makes the chicken super juicy and tender since wrapping it in parchment paper locks in all the flavor and moisture. I also love that the spice mix is really simple – even when I don’t feel like putting a lot of effort into dinner, it gives me a ton of flavor without too much work. Another reason is that I can easily switch up the herbs, like adding a little thyme or rosemary, which makes the dish feel more personalized to my taste. Finally, it’s a really foolproof method for a stress free meal, so I always feel confident that my chicken will come out perfectly every time.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: High protein and low fat, making them great for a hearty meal.
• Olive oil: Provides healthy fats that help keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
• Salt: Enhances the basic taste of the dish, but dont use too much.
• Black pepper: Adds a little kick along with some natural antioxidants.
• Garlic powder: Gives a strong aroma that balances the overall flavor well.
• Onion powder: Adds a mild sweetness without adding extra carbs or calories.
• Paprika: Gives a subtle smoky sweet flavor and a lovely red color to the dish.
• Optional herbs: Thyme or rosemary bring earthiness and a fresh finish.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 to 2 lbs total)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Optional: a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary
• Parchment paper (enough to fully wrap the chicken breasts)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.

2. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and, if using, a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary.

3. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and then rub the spice mixture evenly all over them.

4. Cut pieces of parchment paper big enough to wrap each chicken breast completely.

5. Lay a chicken breast onto each piece of parchment and drizzle any leftover oil and seasoning over the top.

6. Fold the parchment over the chicken and crimp the edges tightly so the steam gets trapped inside.

7. Place the wrapped chicken in a baking dish and pop them in the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

8. Let the chicken rest in the paper bundle for about 5 minutes after baking before opening and serving warm. Enjoy your juicy baked chicken!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven – You need it preheated to 400°F for baking the chicken.
2. Small bowl – Use it for mixing the olive oil with all the spices.
3. Measuring spoons – They help get the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and the rest just right.
4. Paper towels – Use them to pat the chicken breasts dry.
5. Parchment paper – Make sure you have enough to fully wrap each chicken breast.
6. Kitchen scissors – Use these to cut the parchment paper into the right size pieces.
7. Baking dish – This is needed to hold the wrapped chicken while it bakes.
8. Meat thermometer – To check that the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.

FAQ

Best Baked Chicken Breast – So Easy, So Juicy, And All Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Chicken Breasts: If you cant find them or want a different texture, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work pretty well too
• Olive Oil: Avocado oil or even melted butter can be used as a substitute pretty easily
• Salt: You could opt for sea salt or a low-sodium salt if you’re lookin to reduce your sodium intake
• Garlic and Onion Powders: Instead of these, a dash of garlic or onion salt can do the trick keep in mind to reduce the extra salt later
• Dried Thyme or Rosemary: If your spice rack is lookin a bit bare, a blend of Italian herbs can give it that same aromatic kick

Pro Tips

1. For extra flavor, try letting the chicken sit with the seasoning for at least 15-20 minutes before you cook it; gives it more time to soak in all those spices.
2. Be sure to really crimp the parchment paper tight, cuz if it’s loose, you might lose the steam and end up with dryer meat.
3. Always double-check with a meat thermometer near the thick part of the chicken to make sure it’s hit that 165°F temp and is safe to eat.
4. If you like a little extra kick, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice on the chicken after it comes out of the oven; helps to brighten the flavors a bit.
5. After baking, don’t skip that resting time (even if you’re super hungry) because letting the chicken rest for about 5 minutes helps reabsorb the juices and makes it way tastier.