To bake chicken breast, preheat the oven to around 400°F (200°C). Lightly coat the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika or other preferred seasonings. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). After baking, let the chicken rest covered loosely with foil for 5 to 10 minutes to keep it juicy before slicing. Here is a simple step-by-step method:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rub chicken breasts with olive oil and season both sides.
- Arrange on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, checking with a meat thermometer for 165°F inside.
- Remove and rest for 5–10 minutes covered with foil.
Additional tips include pounding the chicken to an even thickness for uniform cooking and starting to check for doneness at 20 minutes to avoid overcooking. Resting the chicken after baking helps retain moisture and tenderness.
