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Oven-Baked Crispy Chicken Breast

This dish features chicken breasts seasoned and seared to develop a golden crust, then finished in the oven for tender, juicy meat. The process combines quick searing with gentle baking, resulting in a crispy exterior and moist interior that looks as good as it tastes. It’s a simple, versatile recipe that can be adapted with different herbs and seasonings for a cozy yet fresh meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces chicken breasts skinless preferred for leaner option
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for searing and baking
  • 1 lemon lemon for brightening the dish
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • optional fresh thyme or rosemary for added fragrance

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Skillet
  • Meat thermometer
  • Paper towels
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and place a skillet on the stove over medium-high heat.
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels until the surface feels slightly tacky; this helps achieve a crisp exterior.
  3. Season each chicken breast generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. If using fresh herbs, sprinkle them on now for extra aroma.
  4. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the hot skillet, creating a shimmering layer. When it’s just about to smoke, place the chicken breasts into the skillet, skin-side (or smooth side) down.
  5. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the edges turn a deep golden brown and you hear a satisfying sizzle.
  6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F). The chicken should feel firm but not hard when pressed.
  7. Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, loosely covered with foil. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat tender.
  8. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the rested chicken for a bright, fresh flavor. Slice and serve immediately, enjoying the crispy exterior and juicy interior.