There’s just something about chicken that makes it a go-to for dinner, right? It’s simple, versatile, and oh-so-delicious! This easy chicken recipe has become a staple in my house, especially during family gatherings. I remember one evening, my cousin brought her kids over, and I whipped up this baked chicken dish in no time. The aroma filled the kitchen, and soon, we were all sitting around the table, savoring every juicy bite. Trust me, you’ll want to add this recipe to your collection because it’s not just quick to prepare, but the flavors are absolutely incredible! Plus, it pairs beautifully with just about any side—vegetables, rice, you name it! Let’s dive into making this delightful chicken dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients List
- 1 pound chicken breast (boneless and skinless)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin for great flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon pepper (freshly cracked if possible)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or more if you love garlic!)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds a nice depth)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
These ingredients are super straightforward, but they pack a punch when it comes to flavor! Feel free to get creative with the spices if you want to make it your own! Just remember, it’s all about balancing those flavors to make your chicken sing!
How to Prepare Chicken
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and gets that nice golden color. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Prepare the Seasoning Mixture
While the oven is warming up, grab a bowl and mix together the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and fresh lemon juice. I like to whisk everything together until it’s well combined—this helps the flavors blend beautifully. You’ll want to make sure there are no clumps of spices hanging out in there, so give it a good mix!
Coat the Chicken
Now it’s time for the fun part! Take your chicken breasts and place them in the bowl with the seasoning mixture. Make sure you coat each piece evenly—this is where the flavor really comes to life! I like to use my hands for this; it’s the best way to ensure every bit of chicken gets that delicious seasoning. Just be sure to wash your hands afterward!
Bake the Chicken
Place the coated chicken breasts in a baking dish, making sure they’re spaced out a bit. Slide that dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know your chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear. The smell will be absolutely mouthwatering!
Rest and Slice
Once your chicken is cooked to perfection, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period is crucial because it allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite juicy and tender. When you’re ready to serve, slice the chicken against the grain for the best texture and enjoy the incredible flavors you’ve created!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 40 minutes!
- Minimal cleanup; just one bowl and a baking dish!
- Flavor-packed with a perfect balance of spices and fresh lemon.
- Healthy option, low in fat and high in protein.
- Versatile—pairs well with a variety of sides like veggies, rice, or salads.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends and family.
This recipe truly makes it easy to bring delicious, wholesome chicken to your table without the fuss!
Tips for Success
To really elevate this chicken dish, consider marinating it overnight. This will infuse the flavors deeply and make your chicken even more delicious! If you’re short on time, a quick 30-minute marinade will still do wonders. Don’t hesitate to adjust the spices to your taste—if you love a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chili powder for an extra zing!
When it comes to serving, slice the chicken and arrange it beautifully on a platter. Drizzle a bit of extra lemon juice over the top for brightness and a pop of flavor. You can also sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for that lovely touch. Trust me, these little details will impress your family and friends, making your meal feel special!
Nutritional Information
This baked chicken recipe is not only delicious but also a healthy choice! Each serving is estimated to contain about 200 calories, with 10g of fat and a whopping 30g of protein. There are virtually no carbohydrates or sugars, making it a great option for low-carb diets. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, so it’s always a good idea to check your labels if you’re counting macros!
FAQ Section
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work just as well and they tend to be juicier. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may need a few more minutes in the oven.
How can I tell when the chicken is done?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer. Make sure it reads 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the chicken. If you don’t have one, check that the juices run clear when you cut into it.
What if I don’t have all the spices?
No worries! This recipe is quite adaptable. You can substitute with whatever spices you have on hand. Italian seasoning or even just salt and pepper can create a tasty dish!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just make sure to wrap it tightly!
Can I make this chicken recipe on the grill?
Definitely! Just coat the chicken as directed and grill over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches the proper internal temperature. Grilling adds a wonderful smoky flavor!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers properly is key to enjoying your delicious chicken later! Once your chicken has cooled, place it in an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months—just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or use a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn.
When it’s time to reheat, I recommend using the oven or a skillet to maintain that juicy texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken in a baking dish, covered with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. If you’re using a skillet, just heat it on medium-low until it’s hot. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to dry out the chicken. Enjoy those tasty leftovers!
Imprimer
Chicken: 7 Irresistible Secrets for Perfectly Juicy Meals
- Temps Total: 40 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Gras
Description
A simple and delicious chicken recipe.
Ingrédients
- 1 pound chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and lemon juice.
- Coat the chicken breasts in the mixture.
- Place the chicken in a baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Serve with vegetables or rice.
- Marinate overnight for more flavor.
- Adjust spices to your preference.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 piece
- Calories: 200
- Sucre: 0g
- De Sodium: 400mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 2g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 0g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 30g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 90mg
Mots-clés: chicken, easy chicken recipe, baked chicken
