Baking chicken breast at 425 helps caramelize the outside of the chicken and lock in the juices quickly. This easy recipe results in a tender, juicy chicken breast every time.
4(5-6 ounce)chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness (Note 1 Large Chicken Breasts)
1Tablespoonolive oil
1teaspoonkosher salt
1/4teaspoonfresh cracked black pepper
1teaspoonpaprika
1Tablespoonbrown sugar or coconut sugar
2minced garlic cloves or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
2teaspoonsfresh thyme leavesNote 2
Pinch of red pepper flakesoptional
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet or baking dish with with foil or parchment paper. Alternately, grease it lightly with olive oil.
Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and pound the chicken down to an even thickness using a meat mallet, rolling pin, back of a frying pan, or even your fist.
Mix the seasoning including the salt, pepper, paprika, brown sugar, garlic, and thyme in a small dish.
Place the chicken upside down in the prepared pan or dish and sprinkle with half of the seasoning and drizzle with half of the olive oil. Use your fingers to rub the seasoning into the chicken. Flip the chicken over and repeat with the remaining seasoning and olive oil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from the oven and allow the chicken breasts to rest for 5-10 minutes to lock in the juices.
Recipe Equipment
Sheet pan or baking dish
Instant-read thermometer
Notes
Note 1. Large Chicken Breasts. If the chicken breasts are 8 ounces or larger, slice them in half lengthwise to create chicken cutlets.Note 1. Thyme. You can swap this for 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or another dried herb of choice like oregano or rosemary.