How to bake a chicken breast

Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

Let's face it, chicken breasts are really bland. Especially when there's no skin (i.e. fat and flavor). And baked chicken has a reputation for being even worse! When you don't sear it at all over the stovetop, you're losing out on texture too. It doesn't have to be this way.






 There are ways to make this innately boring cut of meat into something really delicious that will have the whole family excited. And no, it doesn't always mean stuffing the chicken.
At what temperature should I bake chicken? 
We find that a 375° works perfectly. With the spice rub, you'll get some nice color and caramelization, and the chicken will cook through nice and evenly.
How can I make my baked chicken taste better? 
Make a spice rub! It's kind of amazing how much of a difference brown sugar, garlic powder, and paprika (all ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry) can do. Not only does it add a slightly smoky, sweet taste, but it makes your chicken look way prettier. (Naked salt-and-pepper chicken breasts are a very sad sight to behold.)
This is by no means the only seasoning rout you can go. Craving Mexican? Try 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder. Feeling Italian? Try 1 teaspoon dried oregano and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. The flavor combinations are endless. Just remember that in the world of spices, a little bit goes a long way. 
Placing chicken breasts over a bed of lemon slices is an easy and affordable way to infuse a ton of fresh flavor. Limes and oranges work well too!
Do I need to cover the chicken while it's cooking?  
It's not necessary. In a baking dish without a TON of extra room, and on top of a bunch of lemon slices, the chicken stays nice and juicy.
How long should I bake the chicken breasts?  
It depends on the size of your chicken breasts. If they're large, you're looking at 20 to 25 minutes. One of the most common mistakes with baked chicken breasts is leaving them in the oven for too long. For people without a ton of kitchen confidence, it can be tricky to tell if chicken is cooked through unless you slice into it, which can cause all those flavorful (lemony) juices to escape.
You'll get the hang of being able to tell just by feel (it should be firm but not rock solid) but until then, we recommend using a thermometer. 165° is your magic number for cooked-through chicken.
Do I need to let the chicken rest? 
Yes. Regardless of how hangry you are, let the baked chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. Cut too early, and you might end up a dry and bland chicken breast atop a messy pool of juices.
For more amazing chicken recipes, check out our cookbook Insanely Easy Chicken Dinners.

from Fruitty Blog https://ift.tt/2YEiqff
via IFTTT