How to Bake Chicken
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
257 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
How to Bake Chicken
Description
How to Bake Chicken guides you through seasoning chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic salt mixed with parsley flakes, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. The breasts are placed on a greased sheet pan and baked at a high temperature of 450°F until they reach an internal temperature that ensures doneness and safety. Resting the chicken after baking allows juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.
The high-heat baking method cooks the chicken relatively quickly and can be finished with a brief broil to add desirable browning on the surface. This method produces chicken breasts with a slightly crisped outside while maintaining a juicy interior. The seasoning blend offers savory herbaceous notes with a hint of garlic.
This baked chicken is versatile and can be served as a main protein alongside vegetables, salads, or incorporated into other dishes like pasta or soups. It’s suitable for meal prep as it stores well and reheats without significant loss of texture.
To maintain moistness, coat chicken with olive oil before baking and avoid overcooking. Chicken breasts can be pounded to even thickness to promote uniform cooking. Store leftovers in airtight containers for 3-4 days in the refrigerator or freeze tightly wrapped for 2-3 months.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breast
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt with parsley flakes
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Place chicken breasts in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil, season with garlic salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Place on a greased sheet pan (covered with foil for easy cleanup, if desired)
- Bake for 16-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked throughout. When the chicken is fully cooked, the juices will run clear, and the thickest part of the chicken should be at least 165°F using a meat thermometer. *Broil for 2-3 minutes more if you want the chicken a little more browned.
- Let the chicken cool for a few minutes before slicing or cubing to ensure it stays moist and tender.
Notes
- Coat chicken breasts with olive oil to help retain moisture during baking.
- Pound chicken to an even ½-¾ inch thickness for uniform cooking.
- Do not overbake; cook until juices run clear and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Allow chicken to rest 10-15 minutes before slicing to distribute juices evenly.
- Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for 3-4 days, or freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2-3 months.
- Use leftover baked chicken in various recipes such as pasta, soups, salads, or casseroles.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 257 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 257kcal | 13% |
| Protein | 47g | 94% |
| Fat | 5g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 144mg | 48% |
| Sodium | 262mg | 11% |
| Potassium | 836mg | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 70IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 2.7mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 11mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.8mg | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.