Chicken breast is a versatile and healthy protein source that can be prepared in many different ways. Whether you’re short on time or looking for a simple yet flavorful dish, this easy chicken breast recipe is perfect. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional Ingredients
You can add some extra flavor to your chicken breast by including any of these optional ingredients: - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar - 1 lemon, sliced
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 2. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, thyme, paprika, and garlic powder. 3. Rub the spice mixture onto the chicken breasts, making sure to coat both sides evenly. 4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 5. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. 6. If using any of the optional ingredients, add them to the skillet now. 7. Transfer the chicken breasts and any optional ingredients to a baking dish. 8. Bake the chicken breasts in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). 9. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
This chicken breast recipe is both delicious and nutritious. Here are the approximate nutrition facts per serving: - Calories: 280 - Protein: 35 grams - Carbohydrates: 2 grams - Fat: 14 grams - Saturated Fat: 3 grams - Cholesterol: 105 milligrams - Sodium: 770 milligrams - Fiber: 0 grams - Sugar: 0 grams
Tips and variations
- To make this recipe even easier, you can skip the skillet step and simply bake the chicken breasts in the oven for 25-30 minutes. - If you’re short on time, you can marinate the chicken breasts in the spice mixture for 30 minutes before cooking. - For a lighter version of this recipe, you can use skinless, boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. - This chicken breast recipe pairs well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or salad.