Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (approx. 7–8 oz each)
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp light brown sugar

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Note: A hot oven is vital for creating a crust before the inside overcooks.
  2. Even the thickness. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a mallet or rolling pin to pound the thickest part until the entire piece is an even 3/4 inch thickness. Keep pounding until it looks uniform across the board.
  3. Dry the meat. Pat the chicken bone dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Wait until there is no visible shine on the surface.
  4. Apply the oil. Rub both sides of each breast with the olive oil. Note: This helps the spices stick and prevents the meat from drying out.
  5. Mix the spices. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and brown sugar.
  6. Season generously. Sprinkle the blend over both sides of the meat and press it in firmly with your hands. Ensure every inch is covered in red gold dust.
  7. Arrange and bake. Place the chicken on a parchment lined rimmed baking sheet. Bake on the center rack for 18-22 minutes.
  8. Check for doneness. Remove the chicken from the oven when an instant read thermometer reaches 165°F (74°C). Stop when the internal temp hits that magic number.
  9. The crucial rest. Allow the meat to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Note: This allows the juices to settle back into the fibers instead of spilling onto the cutting board. Oven Roasted Turkey Breast for 8 Servings: Herb Roasted Recipe — Master this Oven Roasted Turkey Breast with our step-by-step timing guide. Ge...Oven Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Brine for 4 Servings — Master Crispy Oven Fried Chicken with our simple guide. Features a tangy butt...Chicken Gravy Recipe in 10 Minutes with Silky Texture — Master this chicken gravy recipe with our step-by-step timing guide. Perfect ... $img_2$