Baked Thin Chicken Breasts
Tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned thin chicken breasts baked in the oven. Ideal for busy weeknights, meal prepping, and a versatile range of dishes from salads to sandwiches.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Meat thermometer
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Sharp knife
Ingredients
Classic Seasoning
- 4 thin chicken breasts pounded to even thickness
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil on both sides.
- In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on the baking sheet in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, depending on thickness. Start checking doneness at 8-10 minutes for very thin pieces.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes for a golden, slightly crisp surface, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Feel free to experiment with seasonings like Lemon Herb, Spicy Cajun, or Honey Mustard Glaze. Always pound chicken to even thickness for best results. Perfect for salads, wraps, tacos, or meal prepping!