Description
Juicy Easy Baked Chicken is a flavorful, tender dinner made with a quick olive-oil spice rub and baked to perfection. It’s a no-fuss, family-friendly recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd—juicy every time with minimal ingredients.
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 your 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, salt, and black pepper.
3. Coat the chicken pieces 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
For best results, use a meat thermometer and remove chicken as soon as it reaches 165°F (75°C).
Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and are more forgiving than breasts.
If your chicken breasts are very thick, pound to even thickness for more even cooking.
Resting for 5 minutes helps the juices redistribute—don’t skip it.
Optional: add 1/2 teaspoon chili powder for a gentle kick, or swap smoked paprika for regular paprika for a milder flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (or 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg