Welcome to my favorite easy chicken recipe! Seriously, if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, this is the perfect place to start. I remember the first time I made this—my kitchen smelled incredible, and I couldn’t believe I whipped up such a delicious meal with just a few simple ingredients. This chicken recipe is not just easy; it’s also super quick to prepare and packed with flavor! It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Ingredients for This Chicken Recipe Easy
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful chicken dish. Don’t worry; it’s super simple, and you might already have some of these ingredients at home!
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Make sure your chicken breasts are fresh and thawed if they were frozen. The olive oil is key for helping the spices stick, and that garlic powder? It’ll give an amazing flavor boost! The smoked paprika adds a lovely depth—trust me, you’ll love it. And don’t skip the fresh parsley; it makes everything look and taste so much better! Ready to get cooking? Let’s go!
How to Prepare This Chicken Recipe Easy
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making this super easy chicken dish! Follow these steps, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how simple it is.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you need to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your chicken cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden color. While the oven heats up, you can prep your chicken!
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Grab those chicken breasts and pat them dry with some paper towels. This might seem like a small step, but drying the chicken helps the oil and spices stick better. Plus, it helps achieve that nice, crispy exterior. You want to make sure your chicken is ready to soak up all that flavor!
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Now, it’s time to make your chicken sing with flavor! Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken breasts and rub it in gently. Then, sprinkle the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides. Don’t be shy here! Make sure to cover every nook and cranny so each bite is bursting with flavor. I like to give it a little massage—just think of it as giving your chicken a spa day!
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Place your seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish. It’s best to leave a bit of space between them for even cooking. Pop them in the preheated oven and let them bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). A meat thermometer is your best friend here, so make sure to check!
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked through, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but resting helps keep the juices inside, making each slice tender and juicy. Finally, slice the chicken, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve it up! Enjoy the fruits of your labor—you’ve earned it!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure you nail this chicken recipe like a pro! Here are my top tips to help you avoid any kitchen mishaps:
- Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to check if your chicken is cooked through. It should reach 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part. Trust me, no one wants to bite into undercooked chicken!
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to get creative! If you love a bit of heat, add some cayenne pepper or chili powder. For a fresh twist, try adding some lemon zest or herbs like thyme or oregano.
- Add Vegetables: Want to make it a one-pan meal? Toss in your favorite veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots alongside the chicken in the baking dish. They’ll soak up all those delicious flavors!
- Don’t Skip Resting: Letting the chicken rest after baking is crucial. It allows the juices to redistribute, making your chicken super juicy and tender.
- Store Leftovers Properly: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll be good for up to 3 days, and you can use them in salads, sandwiches, or wraps!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set for a delicious chicken dinner that’ll impress anyone at your table. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for this easy chicken recipe. It’s not only delicious but also a healthy option for dinner!
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 30g
This chicken dish is low in carbs and packed with protein, making it a great choice for a healthy meal. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite sides to create a balanced plate. Enjoy!
FAQ About This Chicken Recipe Easy
Got some questions? No worries! Here are some common ones I get about this chicken recipe, along with my answers to help you out!
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can! Just remember to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this overnight in the fridge or in a pinch, use the defrost setting on your microwave. Cooking from frozen will require a longer baking time, so keep an eye on that internal temperature!
What side dishes go well with this chicken?
This chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! I love serving it with roasted vegetables, a fresh garden salad, or creamy mashed potatoes. You could also go for a light quinoa or rice pilaf—anything that complements the flavors will do!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the chicken and season it a day in advance. Just cover it and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This makes dinner super easy on busy nights! Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before popping it in the oven for even cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Recipe Easy
This chicken recipe is truly a game-changer for anyone looking to whip up a quick and tasty meal. Here’s why I know you’ll fall in love with it:
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this flavorful dish ready to bake in no time!
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need a handful of simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- Flavorful and Delicious: The combination of garlic powder and smoked paprika creates a mouthwatering flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Perfect for Beginners: This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it ideal for anyone just starting out in the kitchen.
- Healthy Meal Option: Packed with protein and low in carbs, this dish is a nutritious choice that doesn’t skimp on taste.
- Versatile: You can easily customize it by adding your favorite veggies or experimenting with different spices!
- Impressive Results: Even though it’s super easy to make, the end result looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen!
Trust me, once you try this chicken recipe, it’ll become a regular in your meal rotation! Enjoy every bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to properly store your delicious chicken leftovers and how to reheat them without losing that juicy goodness! It’s super easy, so don’t worry!
First off, if you have any leftovers (which I bet you won’t, but just in case!), let the chicken cool down to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh and prevents it from drying out. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, go ahead and freeze it! Just make sure to wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen chicken can last up to 2 months.
Now, when it’s time to reheat, there are a couple of methods you can use. The best way is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to help retain moisture and heat it for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. This method keeps the chicken juicy and delicious!
If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave. Just place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel (this helps keep the moisture in), and microwave it in 30-second intervals until heated through. Just be careful not to overdo it, as the microwave can dry out the chicken if you’re not careful!
With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your flavorful chicken again without sacrificing taste or texture. Happy eating!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out this simple recipe or this cheesy delight. You can also learn about the importance of food safety when cooking chicken to ensure a safe and tasty meal.
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chicken recipe easy for a Juicy 30-Minute Delight
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple and delicious chicken recipe for beginners.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Rub olive oil over the chicken.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides.
- Place chicken in a baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the baking dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken recipe easy
