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Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Recipe

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4.2 from 2 reviews

This Juicy Oven Baked Chicken recipe combines a flavorful dry rub with simple oven baking to create tender, juicy chicken breasts bursting with smoky and savory spices. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, this dish can be easily customized with optional garlic butter topping and fresh herbs for an extra burst of aroma and flavor.

Ingredients

Dry Rub Seasoning

  • 3 teaspoons brown sugar (for keto – use a brown sugar substitute)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder or 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (for extra flavor use seasoned salt, Adobo, or chicken salt)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper (to taste)

Main

  • 4 large chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional Topping

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced or finely chopped)
  • 2 teaspoons parsley (fresh, chopped)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the seasoning stick better and promotes even cooking.
  2. Mix Seasoning Rub: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar (or brown sugar substitute), paprika, chili powder or cayenne pepper if using, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cracked black pepper. Mix well to create a uniform dry rub.
  3. Season Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts all over with olive oil, then evenly coat each piece with the seasoning mixture. Make sure each breast is thoroughly covered for maximum flavor.
  4. Bake Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
  5. Prepare Optional Garlic Butter (if using): While the chicken bakes, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in fresh chopped parsley and dried parsley, then remove from heat.
  6. Finish Chicken: Once baked, remove chicken from the oven and brush the optional garlic butter mixture over the breasts for extra moisture and flavorful richness. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
  7. Serve: Slice or serve the chicken whole with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. Enjoy the juicy, flavorful oven baked chicken!

Notes

  • Using a meat thermometer ensures perfectly cooked chicken without drying it out.
  • Keto-friendly substitutions for brown sugar include erythritol-based brown sugar alternatives.
  • Feel free to adjust the level of heat by modifying the chili powder or cayenne pepper quantity.
  • Resting the chicken after baking allows juices to redistribute for maximum juiciness.
  • The optional garlic butter topping adds richness but can be omitted for a lighter dish.