If you’re looking for a nutritious, delicious, and straightforward meal, this High Protein Baked Chicken Breast Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s juicy, flavorful, and packed with lean protein to fuel your day without any fuss. Perfect for fitness enthusiasts or anyone craving a healthy, satisfying dish that’s easy to whip up any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples you likely already have, but each one plays an essential role in building the perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and aroma in this dish. Together, they create a mouthwatering experience that keeps you coming back for more.
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each): The lean protein powerhouse that forms the heart of the recipe.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the seasonings stick, while contributing a subtle richness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses savory depth and a hint of warmth without overpowering the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Delivers a mild smokiness and vibrant color to the chicken surface.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the dish perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a gentle kick and complexity to the seasoning blend.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds aromatic herbal notes typical of classic American-style baked chicken.
- Juice of half a lemon: Brightens the entire dish with zesty freshness and tenderizes the meat slightly.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Lends a pop of green color and a fresh herbal finish.
How to Make High Protein Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prepping the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), the perfect temperature to achieve that juicy texture with a nicely browned exterior. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels; this step ensures the seasoning sticks and helps create a better crust when baking.
Step 2: Mixing the Marinade
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, dried oregano, and lemon juice. This blend of ingredients acts as a flavor-packed marinade that infuses the chicken with layers of savory, smoky, and tangy goodness.
Step 3: Coating the Chicken
Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast. Be generous—this is where most of the taste lives. If you have time, letting the chicken sit with the marinade for 30 minutes can really elevate the flavor even more, though it’s not necessary.
Step 4: Baking to Perfection
Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased baking dish. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This is the key to juicy, perfectly cooked chicken; overcooking can dry it out, so a thermometer is your best friend here.
Step 5: Resting and Garnishing
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting helps redistribute the juices so every bite is tender and moist. Before serving, sprinkle with the fresh chopped parsley for an inviting, colorful touch.
How to Serve High Protein Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley adds a brilliant green pop and a burst of earthiness that contrasts beautifully with the warm spices. You can also try a few lemon wedges on the side to give an extra squeeze of citrus if you love that tangy zing.
Side Dishes
This baked chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, roasted sweet potatoes, or a refreshing quinoa salad. The high protein content makes it a great centerpiece to any balanced meal, and versatile enough to fit low-carb or gluten-free plans.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the chicken into strips and serve atop a vibrant salad bowl or use in a hearty grain bowl loaded with your favorite toppings. You can even shred it for wraps or protein-packed sandwiches. The possibilities are endless for this simple but flavorful High Protein Baked Chicken Breast Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for quick lunches or adding protein to your meals during a busy week.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, wrap the cooked chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place them in freezer-safe bags. Frozen chicken will stay good for up to 3 months without losing much flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a low oven or microwave to prevent it from drying out. Adding a splash of water or broth before reheating can help retain moisture and keep your chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just note that bone-in breasts will require a little extra baking time to ensure they cook through, so check with a meat thermometer for doneness.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicy?
Yes, you can easily add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the spice mix if you like a bit of heat. Adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.
Can I substitute lemon juice with something else?
If you don’t have fresh lemon juice, a splash of apple cider vinegar or a bit of white wine vinegar works well to provide that necessary acidity.
How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer; 165°F (74°C) is the safe internal temperature. If you don’t have one, make sure the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink inside.
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Definitely! Marinating overnight will intensify the flavors and make your chicken even more tender. Just be sure to keep it covered and refrigerated.
Final Thoughts
This High Protein Baked Chicken Breast Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes because it’s effortlessly healthy, packed with flavor, and so versatile. Once you try it, I’m sure you’ll find yourself making it again and again whenever you want a satisfying, protein-packed meal with minimal hassle. Don’t wait—give it a go and enjoy every juicy, tender bite!
Print
High Protein Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This High Protein Chicken recipe features tender, juicy baked chicken breasts seasoned with a flavorful blend of garlic, paprika, oregano, and lemon juice. It’s a simple, healthy main course perfect for a nutritious, high-protein meal that can be enjoyed with your favorite vegetables or grains.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
Seasoning & Marinade
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Juice of half a lemon
Garnish (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the seasoning adhere better.
- Make Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and lemon juice. Stir well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Apply Seasoning: Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Bake Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 22–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is cooked through but still juicy.
- Rest Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, making the meat tender.
- Serve and Garnish: Slice the chicken as desired and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Pair with your favorite vegetables or grains for a well-rounded meal.
Notes
- You can grill the chicken instead of baking it for a smoky flavor and crispy exterior.
- For extra flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken in the seasoning mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.
