Food safety: Chicken must reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), checked with a food thermometer in the thickest part of the breast -- per FoodSafety.gov's Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart (https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/safe-minimum-cooking-temperature). Color is not a reliable way to tell if chicken is done; always use a thermometer.

HEALTHY DINNERS ⚡ Easy $$

Simple Baked Chicken Breast

Name: Simple Baked Chicken Breast
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Searing chicken in olive oil first locks in moisture before transfer to a 400°F oven. This two-stage cooking method ensures juicy boneless chicken breast every time without drying out.

Prep Time 5 min

Cook Time 25 min

Total Time 30 min

Yield 4 servings

High-Protein Keto Gluten-Free Dinner Main Course

Ingredients

SERVINGS: 4

Poultry & Oil

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasoning

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Ingredient amounts are shown as originally written. Automatic scaling is unavailable for this recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
3

Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
4

Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a food thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C).
5

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep juices sealed inside.

Refrigerate cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven at 350°F with a splash of broth to retain moisture.

Nutrition partial: some ingredient sources or gram weights need editorial review. No complete per-serving estimate is available.

Instant-Read Digital Meat Thermometer

Essential for verifying the 165°F safe minimum internal temperature in seconds.

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