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Easy Juicy Baked Chicken Breast Recipe with 4 Simple Ingredients for Perfect Dinner

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A quick and easy baked chicken breast recipe using just four simple ingredients that results in juicy, flavorful chicken perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (68 ounces / 170225 grams each)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced or finely grated
  • Juice of half a lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
  • Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon kosher salt)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt (about 1 teaspoon), and freshly ground black pepper (about ½ teaspoon). Stir well.
  4. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the mixture. Let them sit for 5-10 minutes at room temperature if possible.
  5. Place the chicken breasts flat in a single layer in a baking dish or oven-safe skillet, leaving space between each piece.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, depending on thickness. Baste the chicken with pan juices around the 15-minute mark.
  7. Check for doneness using a meat thermometer (should read 165°F / 74°C) or cut into the thickest part to ensure juices run clear and meat is no longer pink.
  8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before baking is crucial to avoid steaming and to get a nice browning. Rest the chicken after baking to keep it juicy. Basting with pan juices around the 15-minute mark helps maintain moisture. For a golden crust, broil for the last 2 minutes watching carefully. You can add herbs or spices for variation. Use a meat thermometer for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken breast, easy chicken recipe, juicy chicken, simple dinner, quick chicken, healthy chicken, meal prep chicken