Baked thin chicken breasts are a healthy, great option for any meal. This quick and easy recipe ensures the chicken stays juicy and flavorful while cooking evenly in the oven. With a simple blend of spices, fresh lemon juice, and olive oil, it’s the perfect choice for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Whether served alongside baked vegetables, paired with a crisp salad, or used as a protein-packed addition to your favorite dishes, these baked chicken breasts are sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
This recipe can be perfectly paired with freekeh with vegetables and can be added to a variety of salads, like kale and pomegranate salad, arugula quinoa salad, or tabouleh with quinoa.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe?
- Perfect for busy days, this recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, from prep to plate.
- Using lean chicken breasts and simple seasoning, it’s a nutritious choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
- Pair it with salads, grains, or roasted veggies, or use it in sandwiches, wraps, or meal prep.
- Baking at the right temperature and seasoning well ensures the chicken stays moist and packed with flavor.
- Requires just pantry staples, making it convenient and budget-friendly.
Equipment
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- Bowl - For mixing and marinating chicken.
- Baking Sheet – To bake chicken.
Ingredients
Full ingredients, measurements, and instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Boneless Chicken Breasts - Boneless chicken breasts are the lean, meaty portions of chicken that come from the chest area of the bird. As the name suggests, these cuts are free of bones and typically skinless, making them a convenient and versatile protein choice for cooking.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Olive oil is an essential ingredient in this baked thin chicken breasts, it helps with making the chicken juicy and more tender
- Lemons - I love using lemons with the chicken it gives that lemony flavorful kick.
- Spices: Garlic Powder; allspice; cinnamon powder, cardamom powder; and black pepper - The spices are what give the chicken a delicious flavor.
- Salt
- Fresh Parsley for garnishing
Instructions
Step 1 | Using a sharp knife and a sturdy chopping board, slice the chicken breasts lengthwise.
Step 2 | Start from the thickest part and slice toward the thinnest part, working from the top down.
Step 3 | Place the sliced chicken breasts in a medium-sized bowl. Pour olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and spices over the chicken.
Step 4 | Using tongs, toss the chicken slices to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasoning.
Step 5 | Arrange the seasoned chicken slices on a large baking tray, ensuring the pieces do not overlap.
Step 6 | Bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 8–12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Optionally, top the cooked chicken with your favorite fresh herbs. Serve alongside a salad, roasted vegetables, or your preferred side dish.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicy twist.
- Use other fresh herbs like rosemary, or dried thyme.
- For Asian flavor use soy sauce and ginger.
- Swap chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Adjust baking time as needed.
- Sear in a skillet for a golden crust, then finish in the oven.
Pro Tips
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and avoid dry edges.
- To keep the chicken juicy, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature at 165°F (75°C).
- After removing the chicken from the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
- For extra tenderness, marinate the chicken for 15-30 minutes before baking, or even overnight for deeper flavor.
Storage
- Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and fogginess.
- Store in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes and avoid overcooking.
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F (75°C).
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain its juices.
Yes, but thaw them first for even cooking.
Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the defrost function on your microwave.
Yes, but the cooking time will increase to 25–30 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
Use a thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (75°C).
There is no need to flip the chicken over in the oven since the heat cooks from all sides.
I don’t recommend wrapping chicken in foil since this can trap the moisture around the chicken and cause the chicken to steam instead of bake.
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More Delicious Recipes with Chicken
Baked Thin Chicken Breasts
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 12
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 3 1x
- Category: Lunch/Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Baked thin chicken breasts are a healthy, great option for any meal. This quick and easy recipe ensures the chicken stays juicy and flavorful while cooking evenly in the oven. With a simple blend of spices, fresh lemon juice, and olive oil, it’s the perfect choice for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 3 Boneless Chicken Breasts - sliced in half
- A juice of 1-2 lemons
- 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder
- ½ Teaspoon Allspice
- ¼ Teaspoon Cinnamon
- ¼ Teaspoon Black Pepper
- ¼ Teaspoon Cardamom Powder (optional)
- Sea Salt
Instructions
-
Slice the Chicken:
- Using a sharp knife and a sturdy chopping board, slice the chicken breasts lengthwise.
- Start from the thickest part and slice toward the thinnest part, working from the top down.
-
Season the Chicken:
- Place the sliced chicken breasts in a medium-sized bowl.
- Pour olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and spices over the chicken.
- Using tongs, toss the chicken slices to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Marinate if possible for 1-2 hours or overnight.
-
Prepare for Baking:
- Arrange the seasoned chicken slices on a large baking tray, ensuring the pieces do not overlap.
-
Cook the Chicken:
- Bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 8–12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
-
Serve:
- Optionally, top the cooked chicken with your favorite fresh herbs.
- Serve alongside a salad, roasted vegetables, or your preferred side dish.
Notes
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and avoid dry edges.
- To keep the chicken juicy, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature at 165°F (75°C).
- After removing the chicken from the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
- For extra tenderness, marinate the chicken for 15-30 minutes before baking, or even overnight for deeper flavor.
Storage
- Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and fogginess.
- Store in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Lana says
I tried this recipe and it came out so delicious, so easy to make and can be done in just few minutes. Perfect for a quick easy dinner, next to a bowl of salad. Thanks for the recipe.
Wafa Shami says
Hi Lana, thank you for the review, I'm glad to hear that.
Sereena says
Love this simple recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Wafa Shami says
Thank you Sereena!