Prepare a lean, flavorful chicken breast using a simple baking method perfect for high protein diets and weight loss meal prep.
Author:julianmaxwell
Prep Time:5 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:30 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
4 (6 ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon olive oil (optional, for flavor)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Lightly spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to create the seasoning mix.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better.
Rub the seasoning mix evenly over all sides of each chicken breast.
If using, lightly brush the tops of the chicken breasts with the teaspoon of olive oil and then drizzle with lemon juice.
Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). Cooking time depends on the thickness of the breast.
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving.
Notes
For meal prep, allow the chicken to cool completely before storing it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To keep the chicken moist without adding fat, you can bake it on a rack over a shallow pan of water.
Pair this lean chicken breast recipe with steamed vegetables or a large salad to maintain a low calorie meal.