Healthy Oven Baked Chicken Breast
This dish features simple seasoning and a quick cooking process, resulting in juicy and flavorful chicken breasts perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Trim excess fat; pound to even thickness if they vary significantly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Substitutes: avocado oil or light olive oil.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced You can use 1 teaspoon garlic powder as a shortcut.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano Or use 1 tablespoon fresh, finely chopped.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme Or use 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped.
- 3/4 teaspoon salt Adjust to lower sodium; finish with lemon if desired.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper Adjust to taste.
- optional Fresh herbs for garnish Parsley, basil, or thyme.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Combine the olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub the oil-herb mixture evenly over both sides of each breast.
Cooking
- Place the breasts in a single layer in a baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes. Check doneness with an instant-read thermometer — the center should read 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 3–5 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve.
Notes
For best results, pound breasts to an even thickness, use an instant-read thermometer, and let rest after baking. For added flavor, consider brining or marinating beforehand. Broil for 1–2 minutes for added color, but watch closely to avoid burning.