Ingredients
- chicken breast: 2 pieces - boneless, skinless
- olive oil: 2 tablespoons - extra virgin
- garlic: 3 cloves - minced
- lemon juice: 1 tablespoon - freshly squeezed
- paprika: 1 teaspoon - smoked or sweet
- salt: 1 teaspoon - kosher
- black pepper: 0.5 teaspoon - freshly ground
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, prepare the marinade by mixing olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Tip: Use fresh ingredients for the marinade to enhance the flavor and aroma.
- Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Turn the chicken to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Tip: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a touch of olive oil and sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Tip: Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a good sear.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Tip: Use an instant-read thermometer for accurate internal temperature measurement.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain juices and ensures tender meat.
Tip: Resting is crucial; it allows juices to redistribute within the meat.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor; bottled juice lacks brightness.
- For a smokier taste, use smoked paprika instead of sweet.
- Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a good sear.
- Resting the chicken after cooking is crucial for juicy results.
- Adjust cooking time for larger chicken breasts to avoid undercooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Beef
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 750mg
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