This simple yet flavorful roasted chicken breast recipe is perfect for a quick and healthy meal. Seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, the chicken is roasted to juicy perfection with a golden-brown crust. Ideal for pairing with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad, this dish is both versatile and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Roasted Chicken Breast Recipe
- Simple ingredients: You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
- Healthy and high-protein: Perfect for those on a balanced or low-carb diet.
- Customizable: Endless variations to suit your taste preferences.
- Meal prep friendly: Stays juicy for days with proper storage.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless (organic or free-range for best results).
- Olive oil: For moisture and a beautiful golden crust.
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Optional add-ons: Lemon slices, butter, or fresh herbs for garnish.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Roasted Chicken Breast
- Even thickness: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Don’t overcook: Overcooked chicken becomes dry. A meat thermometer is your best friend!
- Marinate ahead: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for 1-2 hours before roasting.
- Butter baste: Adding a pat of butter on top of each chicken breast before roasting enhances richness.
Variations of Roasted Chicken Breast
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or sriracha for a spicy version.
- Herb-Crusted: Coat the chicken with a mix of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs for a crispy crust.
- Citrus Infusion: Marinate the chicken with orange or lime zest and juice for a bright, tangy flavor.
- Garlic Lover’s Delight: Use minced garlic and roasted garlic cloves for an extra garlicky punch.
How to Serve Roasted Chicken Breast
This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with various sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or sautéed zucchini.
- Grains: Pair with quinoa, wild rice, or creamy mashed potatoes.
- Salads: Slice and toss over a Caesar salad, spinach salad, or Mediterranean bowl.
- Sauces: Drizzle with garlic butter, honey mustard, or chimichurri for added flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Roasted Chicken Breast
- Storing: Place leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To keep the chicken moist, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
Recipe FAQs
How do I keep roasted chicken breast from drying out?
Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Let the chicken rest after roasting to retain juices.
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts?
Yes! Adjust the cooking time to 30-35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
What seasonings work best for roasted chicken breast?
Classic seasonings include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Feel free to experiment with cumin, curry powder, or smoked paprika for unique flavors.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. Cook the chicken, store it properly, and reheat as needed. It’s excellent for meal prepping.
What is the best way to achieve a crispy crust?
Pat the chicken dry before seasoning, and roast at a high temperature (425°F/220°C). Adding a drizzle of olive oil helps as well.
Roasted Chicken Breast
This simple yet flavorful roasted chicken breast recipe is perfect for a quick and healthy meal. Seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, the chicken is roasted to juicy perfection with a golden-brown crust.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts (150–180g / 5–6 oz each)
- 2 tsp olive oil
Seasoning:
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme (or herb of choice)
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 1½ tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp paprika
- Finely chopped parsley, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1.5 cm) for consistent cooking. This step ensures juicy, tender chicken.
- Combine all the seasoning ingredients in a small bowl. Line a baking tray with foil and parchment paper.
- Place the chicken breasts upside down on the tray, drizzle with 1 tsp olive oil, and rub it in. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the surface.
- Turn the chicken over, drizzle with another 1 tsp of olive oil, rub in, and sprinkle the remaining seasoning. Cover as much surface area as possible for maximum flavor.
- Roast the chicken for 18 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). A meat thermometer is key for perfect doneness.
- Transfer the chicken to serving plates and let it rest for 3–5 minutes to lock in the juices. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 238Total Fat 7gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 102mgSodium 382mgCarbohydrates 5gFiber 1gSugar 4gProtein 37g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Roasted chicken breast is a must-have recipe for any home cook. It’s quick, healthy, and endlessly versatile, making it perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties. With the tips and variations shared in this guide, you’re well on your way to mastering the art of roasting chicken breast to perfection.
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