You can stop looking for the best baked chicken breasts recipe – this is it! It's impeccably seasoned with a slightly crispy crust outside, and a moist, juicy, citrusy inside that's perfect for any meal!
Prep Time: 10 minutesminutes
Cook Time: 20 minutesminutes
0 minutesminutes
Total Time: 30 minutesminutes
Servings:4servings
Ingredients
4boneless skinless chicken breasts
1tablespoonolive oil, + 2 teaspoons, divided
1tablespoonbutter
2-3tablespoonsfresh-squeezed citrus juice, any combination of lemon, lime, or orange (see note)
Spice Blend
2teaspoonsItalian seasoning, or Herbs de Provence
1teaspoongarlic powder
1teaspoonground cumin
1teaspoon salt
1teaspoonchili powder
1/2teaspoonsmoked paprika, see note
1/4teaspooncracked black pepper
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees and stir together all Spice Blend ingredients.
Pound chicken to even thickness (max 1 inch thickness at any given part).
Rub the 2 teaspoons olive oil all over the chicken breasts. Season all over with the spice blend.
In a large, oven-safe skillet (see note for alternate method) melt butter over medium heat and stir in 1 tablespoon oil.
Brown chicken in the butter and oil for about 2 minutes on each side.
Transfer skillet to preheated oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes until chicken is cooked through (165 degrees in the center).
Squeeze fresh citrus (lemon, lime, orange, or a combination of any of the three!) over baked chicken just before serving. Serve whole chicken breasts, or dice or slice chicken for use in your favorite dishes.
Notes
DIY Italian Seasoning: stir together 1/2 teaspoon each dried thyme, oregano, parsley, and oreganoSmoked paprika: Can be replaced with regular paprika in a pinch, or even left out altogether if you don't have any - but definitely put it on your grocery list for next time, you'll love the flavor it adds to this chicken!No oven-safe skillet? No problem!: Brown the chicken in any skillet, then transfer to a greased baking sheet and transfer to oven. Serving more than 4?: This spice blend is enough to stretch for up to 6 chicken breasts. If serving more than 6, double the spice blend.