1. Prepare the Chicken Breasts

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature helps to cook the chicken quickly while still creating a juicy interior and crispy exterior.

Next, place the chicken breasts on a cutting board or clean surface. Use a paper towel to pat the chicken breasts dry. Removing excess moisture helps the seasoning stick better and promotes a nice, crispy texture during baking.

If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, consider pounding them to an even thickness using a meat mallet. This step helps ensure even cooking, so the chicken doesn’t dry out at the thinner parts while waiting for the thicker parts to cook through. To do this, place the chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or wax paper, then gently pound it with the flat side of a meat mallet until it’s about 1 inch thick.

2. Season the Chicken Breasts

Once the chicken breasts are dry and of even thickness, it’s time to season them. Drizzle olive oil (or melted butter) over each chicken breast, then rub it in to evenly coat the meat. This adds moisture and helps the seasoning adhere better.

Next, sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), dried thyme, salt, and black pepper over both sides of the chicken breasts. Massage the seasoning into the meat, ensuring an even coat. If you prefer extra flavor, you can add additional herbs or spices, such as rosemary, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning. A squeeze of lemon juice over the chicken just before baking also adds brightness and freshness to the flavor.

3. Bake the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup. Alternatively, you can lightly grease the baking sheet with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes. The exact baking time will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the chicken breast.

For best results, avoid opening the oven door too frequently while baking, as this can cause temperature fluctuations and may affect the cooking time. Once the chicken reaches the proper temperature, remove it from the oven.

4. Rest the Chicken

After baking, let the chicken breasts rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. If you slice the chicken immediately after baking, you may lose some of the moisture, so be patient.

During the resting period, you can prepare your side dishes or garnish the chicken with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.

5. Serve and Enjoy

After resting, slice the chicken breasts into strips or serve them whole. Enjoy them as they are, or pair them with your favorite sides. Oven baked chicken breast is perfect alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, quinoa, salad, or even served on a sandwich or in a wrap.