Juicy Oven-Baked Chicken
Posted by: Authentic Flavors Made Easy
Perfectly seasoned and incredibly juicy, this Oven-Baked Chicken is an easy, foolproof recipe that’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or family gatherings. A blend of herbs, garlic, and spices creates a flavorful crust while keeping the chicken tender and moist.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
Rest Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 50–60 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it in the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, thyme, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
- Arrange the chicken in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece.
- Bake for 35–45 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges, if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Steamed rice
- Roasted vegetables
- Green beans
- Garden salad
- Dinner rolls
Tips
- Chicken thighs are naturally juicier, while chicken breasts are leaner.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to 4 hours before baking.
- Avoid overcooking—use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.