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Are you ready to make juicy baked chicken breasts? This simple recipe seals in the juices and makes the meat tender and so easy to cut. No more dry chicken!
This chicken is perfect for layering in a salad or to serve on its own with a meal. Change up the seasoning to fit your tastes. Always check your seasonings to make sure they are gluten-free if needed.
Tips to keep chicken from drying out:
- We’re going to sear the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Then bake it in a 400° oven for 15-20 minutes.
- We’re going to use a meat thermometer to make sure it’s done.
- Let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Don’t cut into it until after it’s rested.
- Squeeze half of a lemon over the chicken.
- Then slice it and squeeze the rest of the lemon over the sliced chicken.
How to Make Juicy Oven Baked Chicken:
I made two chicken breasts for this recipe but you can double it if needed just be sure to use a large skillet and baking dish.
Preheat oven to 400°.
Pat dry each side of the chicken breasts. Season each side with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste, while adding a bit more paprika for amazing color. 
Heat an oven-proof skillet* over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon avocado oil. Once the oil is heated add the chicken and brown on each side for 2 minutes.
After searing on both sides place chicken in the preheated oven.
Test each piece of chicken with a meat thermometer in the thickest part to check for an internal temperature of 165°. If it’s not that temperature yet put it back in the oven for 2-5 more minutes. Check the temperature again. When it’s reached the correct temperature remove the chicken to a plate and let rest without cutting. If one piece is done before the other go ahead and remove it from the skillet and let it start resting.
Squeeze the juice of half of a lemon over the chicken.
Then slice and squeeze the remaining half of lemon juice over the slices.
Now you have some tender and juicy chicken to enjoy. This is perfect to serve in a salad or as the main dish in a meal.
Do You Need A Cast Iron Skillet For This Recipe?
Simple answer, no. You need a skillet for the first step and then a baking dish for the second. If you have an ovenproof skillet then you can use that. But if your skillet isn’t oven-safe at 400° then move the chicken to a baking dish after searing.
Seasoning Suggestions:
- Paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
- Chipotle seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
- Chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper
- Basil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
Change up the seasoning to suit your tastes. The red herbs like paprika, chipotle seasoning, and chili powder will give your chicken a nice rich color as it cooks.
More Gluten-Free Chicken Recipes You’ll Love:
Chicken Salad with Grapes
Creamy White Chicken Chili (Dairy-Free)
Air Fryer Taco Chicken
Korean Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Homemade Chicken Patties
Juicy Baked Chicken Breasts
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This simple recipe seals in the juices so you have tender & juicy chicken.
Ingredients
2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 lemon
paprika
garlic powder
salt
pepper
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°.
Pat dry each side of the chicken breasts. Season each side with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste, while adding a bit more paprika for amazing color.
Heat an oven-proof skillet* over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon avocado oil. Once the oil is heated add the chicken and brown on each side for 2 minutes.
Next, put the skillet in the oven and bake the chicken for 15 minutes.
Test each piece of chicken with a meat thermometer in the thickest part to check for an internal temperature of 165°. If it’s not that temperature yet put it back in the oven for 2-5 more minutes. Check the temperature again. When it’s reached the correct temperature remove the chicken to a plate and let rest without cutting. If one piece is done before the other go ahead and remove it from the skillet and let it start resting.
Squeeze the juice of one half of a lemon over the chicken.
Let the chicken rest without cutting for 5-10 minutes.
Then slice and squeeze the juice of the remaining half of lemon.
Equipment
Notes
If you don’t have an oven-proof skillet, put the chicken breasts in a baking dish after searing then continue as directed.
Keywords: baked chicken breasts, oven baked chicken, juicy baked chicken breasts, gluten-free dinners
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