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Baked Chicken

Baked Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Baked Chicken is tender, juicy, and easy to prepare. This dish promises a crispy outside with a flavorful, moist inside, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special family gathering. You won't be able to resist the aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes. Make it tonight for a satisfying meal!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces chicken breasts
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt, with parsley flakes
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Frying pan
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. First, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high temperature ensures that the chicken cooks evenly while providing a nice, crispy exterior. Your kitchen will soon fill with the mouthwatering aroma of roasting chicken!
  2. Next, take the chicken breasts and place them in a bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken, coating each piece generously. The oil not only adds flavor but also helps keep the chicken moist during baking.
  3. Now it’s time to season! Sprinkle the garlic salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning over the chicken. Don't be shy—make sure each piece is well-coated. This seasoning blend will infuse the chicken with a delicious taste that enhances its natural flavor.
  4. Once seasoned, transfer the chicken breasts to a greased sheet pan. If you’d like, you can line it with foil for easy cleanup. Spacing the chicken out properly allows it to roast evenly, giving you that perfect texture.
  5. Now, slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 16 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the juices run clear, and the thickest part of the chicken reaches at least 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer. This step is crucial for ensuring your chicken is fully cooked.
  6. If you crave a little extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken for an additional 2 to 3 minutes at the end of the baking time. This will give the chicken a beautiful golden finish that’s hard to resist!
  7. Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it remains tender and juicy when you slice or cube it. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
  8. After resting, slice the chicken or cube it as desired. Serve it hot, and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Notes

  • Tip 1: You can use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken so that it has an even thickness throughout, about ½-¾ inch thickness.
  • Tip 2: To avoid dry chicken coat the chicken in olive oil which creates a barrier that helps retain moisture, and, of course, do not overbake it.
  • Tip 3: Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing or cubing so the juices can be distributed evenly through the breast.
  • Tip 4: Bake up a large batch and freeze it to use in recipes.