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Perfectly Baked Chicken Breasts

This baked chicken recipe combines a quick sear with oven roasting to produce tender, juicy meat with a crispy, golden crust. Main ingredients like chicken breasts, olive oil, and seasonings are used to enhance flavor and texture, resulting in a visually appealing dish with moist interior and crispy exterior. It’s a straightforward method that’s adaptable for any seasonings or sides.
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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 or with skin, patted dry
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for depth and aroma
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing and baking
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 lemon lemon for juice and zest
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary optional

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 to heat over medium-high heat.
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, removing excess moisture to help them crisp up nicely.
  3. In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried herbs if using. Rub this seasoning mixture all over each chicken breast generously.
  4. Pour olive oil into the hot skillet and swirl to coat the bottom evenly. Carefully place the chicken breasts into the skillet, presentation side down if skin-on, and sear for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Flip the chicken breasts using tongs and sear the other side for another 2-3 minutes, until the surface is golden and fragrant.
  6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F), and the juices run clear when pierced.
  7. While it’s baking, zest and juice the lemon to prepare for finishing touches.
  8. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes, loosely covered with foil. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
  9. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the rested chicken and add a little lemon zest for brightness. Slice if desired, and serve immediately for a tender, flavorful, and crispy-textured dish.