Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Preheat and prep
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and lightly grease a baking dish so the chicken browns without sticking.
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even 3/4-inch thickness if they vary in size, which helps them cook evenly.
- Brush both sides of each chicken breast with olive oil for a fragrant, golden crust.
Season and bake
- Mix together garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and cracked black pepper, then rub evenly over both sides of the chicken.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes at 425°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the tops are golden; do not overbake.
Rest, slice, and serve
- Rest the baked chicken breasts for 5 minutes before slicing so juices settle and stay in the meat.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for serving so the finished chicken is bright and fragrant at the cut.
Notes
For the juiciest result, measure doneness with a thermometer at the thickest part and pull the chicken as soon as it hits 165°F. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days; freeze for up to 2 months if you slice after thawing. For a lighter option, use 1 tbsp olive oil total and consider salt-free herb seasoning blends to reduce sodium.
