Description

This juicy baked chicken breast recipe delivers tender, moist chicken every time with a simple sear and bake method, enhanced by a splash of chicken broth to keep it juicy without complicated marinades.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170 g each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
¼ cup (60 ml) low sodium chicken broth or stock
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken breasts with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, fresh herbs, lemon zest, and smoked paprika if using. Ensure each breast is well-coated.
Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden crust forms. Avoid moving the chicken too much.
Pour ¼ cup (60 ml) chicken broth into the skillet, avoiding washing off the seasoning.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, depending on thickness.
Check doneness with a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, cut into the thickest part to ensure juices run clear.
Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing to redistribute juices.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before searing is crucial to avoid steaming and to get a good crust. Using a meat thermometer ensures perfect doneness. Adding chicken broth to the pan creates steam that keeps the chicken moist. Let the chicken rest before slicing to retain juices.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (ab
Calories: 280
Sodium: 450
Fat: 7
Carbohydrates: 1
Protein: 52

Keywords: juicy baked chicken breast, baked chicken recipe, moist chicken breast, easy chicken dinner, healthy chicken recipe, simple chicken breast