Description
Juicy, golden-brown chicken breasts seasoned perfectly and finished in the oven. Simple, versatile, and packed with flavor, this recipe works for quick dinners, meal prep, or as a base for bowls, salads, and pastas.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 ounces each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Optional Add-Ons:
1 tablespoon butter (for extra richness)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Slice horizontally or pound to 1-inch thickness for even cooking.
Season Generously
Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, and oregano. Coat chicken on both sides, pressing lightly.
Sear for Flavor
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until deep golden brown.
Finish in the Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Transfer skillet to oven and bake 12–15 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove at 160°F for extra juiciness.
Rest and Slice
Let chicken rest 5 minutes. Slice against the grain, drizzle with pan juices.
Optional Finish
Melt butter in the pan, stir in lemon juice and parsley, then spoon over chicken.
Notes
Pat chicken dry for better sear.
Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
Cast-iron or heavy skillet gives deeper sear.
Avoid overcrowding the pan.
Add butter and lemon for richness and brightness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish / Dinner
- Method: Pan-seared & Oven-baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Chicken breast recipe, juicy chicken, simple chicken dinner, easy chicken recipe