Description
Juicy, flavorful oven-baked chicken breast made with olive oil, brown sugar, paprika, and herbs. Simple, healthy, and ready in under 30 minutes — perfect for weeknights or meal prep!
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts (150–180g / 5–6 oz each)
- 2 tsp olive oil
Seasoning:
- 1 ½ tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme (or other herb of choice)
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp each salt and pepper
Optional Garnish:
- Finely chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or 200°C fan.
- Pound chicken to about 1.5 cm (0.6 inches) thick using a rolling pin or meat mallet for even cooking.
- Mix seasoning ingredients (brown sugar, paprika, oregano/thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper) in a small bowl.
- Prepare the baking tray: Line with foil and parchment paper. Place chicken upside down, drizzle with 1 tsp olive oil, rub to coat, and sprinkle half of the seasoning.
- Flip chicken, drizzle with remaining 1 tsp olive oil, rub again, and sprinkle the remaining seasoning evenly.
- Bake for 18 minutes, or until the surface is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest for 3–5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Pound chicken evenly for consistent cooking and tenderness.
- Don’t skip resting — it keeps the meat juicy.
- Add lemon juice or a dab of butter for extra flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer for perfect results every time.
- Double the recipe for meal prep; it stores well for up to 4 days in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes