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Crispy Baked Chicken Breast Recipe Easy Italian Seasoning Guide

crispy baked chicken breast - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crispy baked chicken breasts seasoned with Italian herbs, garlic, and paprika, delivering a juicy interior and golden crust without frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 450 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning (blend of dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt (kosher or sea salt)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and place a wire rack on top if available.
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add Parmesan cheese if using and stir until evenly mixed.
  4. Brush or toss the chicken breasts in the seasoning mixture until fully coated.
  5. Arrange the chicken breasts on the wire rack or directly on the baking sheet, spaced apart to avoid crowding.
  6. Bake for 18-22 minutes depending on thickness, checking with a meat thermometer for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  7. For extra crispiness, broil for the final 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  8. Remove chicken from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before seasoning is crucial for crispiness. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Rest chicken for 5 minutes after baking to keep it juicy. If no wire rack is available, flip chicken halfway through baking. For a cheesy crust, add Parmesan cheese. Can substitute olive oil with avocado oil for higher smoke point. For air fryer, cook at 400°F for 15 minutes flipping halfway.

Nutrition

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