BAKED CHICKEN BREASTS

Learn how to make the most flavorful, tender and juicy baked chicken breasts – no more dry chicken! With a five minute prep time and just 20 minutes in the oven, you’ll have this dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes.

Rubbing the chicken with a little olive oil before baking helps add moisture to the chicken and also helps the seasonings stick to the breast. I use a very simple seasoning of salt and pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and chili powder. This is my go-to method that I’ve been using for years. I use it for a quick and easy dinner, and I will also cook extra and save it to add to soups and casseroles. Keep it in a sealed bag in the fridge for a few days, or pop it in the freezer if you’re not using it right away.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, or 1 1/2 pounds
• 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Pound chicken breasts lightly so they are of even thickness.
2. Pour olive oil in a 13" x 9" baking dish. Lightly dredge the chicken through to coat it, then place chicken breasts side by side in the dish.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and chili powder. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over both sides of the chicken and rub it in with your hands. Place chicken breasts side by side, making sure there is no overlap.
4. Bake in a preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until juices are clear or a meat thermometer reads 160-170 degrees. *Note - depending on the size of your chicken breasts, it could take longer. Mine were pounded to less than an inch thick.
5. Cover with foil and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes while the juices settle before slicing.
6. Serve hot.

NOTES

A lot of people were concerned about the olive oil being cooked at such a high temperature and that it can break down and become harmful so I have switched to using corn or canola oil. Although the oven temp is 450 degrees, the food (and consequently the oil) doesn't reach anywhere near that temperature and it's only in the oven for a short time. I have never had an issue with the small amount of extra virgin olive oil reaching it's smoke point on the chicken, but if you are concerned, I recommend doing some research and making that decision for yourself.

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