chicken breast recipe
Alexandra
Who doesn’t love a juicy, flavorful chicken breast recipe that’s easy to make and versatile? Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 23 minutes mins
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American, Mediterranean
Servings 4 servings
Calories 280 kcal
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil or substitute with melted butter for a richer flavor
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika adds color and mild smokiness
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest optional, for a fresh, bright flavor
- Optional Additions for Extra Flavor:
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for deeper, smoky flavor
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce adds umami
- 1 teaspoon honey balances flavors, especially when pan-searing
For Serving (Optional):
- Fresh lemon wedges to squeeze over the chicken
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions:
- No olive oil? Swap olive oil for avocado oil or melted butter if you prefer a deeper taste.
- Want more spice? For extra heat sprinkle in a bit of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Herb lover? Fresh rosemary or thyme works beautifully for added aroma.
- Cooking for meal prep? Double the batch and store leftovers for easy lunches!
1: Prep the Chicken
Pat dry the chicken breasts with paper towels—this helps the seasoning stick better.
Place the chicken on a cutting board and, if needed, pound it to an even thickness (about ¾ inch) using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Flattening the chicken helps it cook evenly and avoids dry or overcooked spots.
2: Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and rub the seasoning blend evenly on both sides. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to enhance flavor absorption.
3: Choose Your Cooking Method
🔹 Stovetop (Pan-Seared):
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
Place the chicken in the pan and sear for 5–6 minutes without moving it. Flip and cook for another 5–6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Remove from heat, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
🔹 Oven-Baked:
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
Place the chicken on the tray and bake for 18–22 minutes, depending on thickness. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before cutting to lock in juices.
🔹 Air Fryer:
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Place the chicken in a single layer and cook for 8–10 minutes per side, flipping halfway through.
Rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 400mg