Description
Simple Ree Drummond’s baked chicken breast showcases juicy, herb-infused meat perfect for weeknight dinners. Flavorful seasonings and precise oven techniques ensure a delicious, tender protein that will satisfy hungry families.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken breasts (skinless, boneless, about 8 oz/226 g each)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil, plus more for pan
- kosher salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Preparation: Heat oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly oil a rimmed baking sheet to prevent chicken from adhering during cooking.
- Chicken Conditioning: Massage chicken breasts with olive oil, creating a protective layer that helps seal in moisture and promote even seasoning, then arrange on the prepared baking sheet with strategic spacing to ensure uniform heat circulation.
- Seasoning Enhancement: Liberally dust chicken with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, distributing seasonings evenly across the entire surface to elevate flavor profiles and create a delectable exterior.
- Oven Roasting: Position baking sheet in the center oven rack, rotating midway through cooking to guarantee consistent golden-brown coloration and eliminate potential temperature variations.
- Temperature Verification: Monitor chicken until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), which typically requires approximately 25 minutes of roasting, signaling complete and safe culinary preparation.
- Resting Phase: Transfer chicken to a clean platter and allow to rest for 5 minutes, permitting internal juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness, resulting in a succulent and flavorful protein centerpiece.
Notes
- Optimize Moisture: Drizzle chicken with olive oil to create a protective layer that locks in natural juices and prevents dryness during high-heat baking.
- Ensure Precise Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to verify internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked chicken without overcooking.
- Promote Even Cooking: Rotate baking sheet midway through cooking to eliminate potential oven hot spots and achieve uniform golden-brown exterior.
- Rest for Maximum Flavor: Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes after baking, letting juices redistribute and ensuring each bite remains incredibly tender and succulent.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg