Description
This Healthy Baked Chicken Breast recipe is a simple, flavorful, and nutritious way to prepare boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper, then baked to juicy perfection, this dish is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week. The chicken stays tender and moist, making it versatile for serving alongside salads, casseroles, or your favorite sides.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless & skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F. Place the chicken breasts in a medium baking dish, then drizzle them with the avocado or olive oil. Sprinkle the smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken.
- Coat Evenly: Using tongs or your hands, carefully move the chicken breasts around in the dish to coat them evenly with the oil and seasoning mixture. A good technique is to turn one breast over the other to ensure all sides are well coated.
- Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes if the breasts are under 2 inches thick, or up to 35 minutes if they are thicker than 2 inches. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken; it should reach 150 degrees F.
- Rest: Remove the chicken breasts from the oven and cover them with foil or a lid. Let them rest undisturbed for 10 minutes allowing the juices to redistribute and keep the chicken moist.
- Serve: Slice the chicken against the grain and serve with your choice of sides such as a fresh salad. You can also use this baked chicken for meal prepping and adding to casseroles or salads throughout the week.
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate cooked chicken breasts in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Chicken Size: Use similar sized chicken breasts when baking together to ensure even cooking and avoid smaller pieces drying out.
- Seasoning Tip: Smoked paprika gives the best flavor, but regular paprika can also be used if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 recipe (approx. 4 oz chicken breast)
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 0.3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
