Description
Juicy Easy Baked Chicken is a flavorful, tender dinner made with a quick olive-oil spice rub and baked at high heat for a moist, golden finish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding the family with minimal effort.
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish or sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano (or Italian seasoning), salt, and black pepper.
3. Coat the chicken thoroughly with the spice mixture using your hands or a brush.
4. Arrange the chicken on the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. For a golden crust, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
7. Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use a meat thermometer for best results; remove chicken as soon as it reaches 165°F (75°C).
Chicken thighs are naturally juicier and may need an extra 2–5 minutes depending on thickness.
Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes keeps it tender and helps retain juices.
For extra flavor, add 1 teaspoon lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spice rub.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast or thigh
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg