Healthy Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
- cook TIME 35 mins
- prep TIME 10 mins
- total TIME 45 mins
Ingredients (13)
- 24 oz skinless boneless chicken breasts 4 medium
- 18 oz russet potatoes peeled, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
- 16 oz fresh asparagus
- 1.5 oz grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter melted, divided
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 oz lemon 4 slices
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley optional
INSTRUCTIONS
Prep
In a bowl, combine 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp dried oregano. Mix to make a spice blend, divide it into 3 equal parts and put in 3 small bowls. Set aside.
Put a piece of chicken breast on a cutting board and cut three-quarters of the way into the chicken breast to create a pocket on the side. Repeat with the remaining pieces and put them on a lined baking pan. Arrange potatoes around the chicken.
Season 24 oz chicken breast with one-third of the spice blend and 2 tbsp olive oil. Rub the chicken to distribute the seasoning evenly. Then, season the 18 oz potatoes with another part of the spice blend and 1 1/2 tbsp of melted unsalted butter. Toss to coat evenly.
Meanwhile, put asparagus in a large plate. Drizzle the remaining 1 tbsp of melted unsalted butter and sprinkle the rest of the spice blend on 16 oz asparagus. Mix to coat the seasoning evenly.
Cook
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Put the baking pan in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Once the timer rings, take the pan out of the oven. Move the potatoes to one side of the pan and arrange the asparagus on the other side. Put lemon slices on the chicken. Put the pan back in the oven and bake for 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, take the pan out. Move the lemon slices to the asparagus. Sprinkle 1.5 oz grated parmesan cheese over the chicken and potatoes. Return the baking pan to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes.
Once the time is up, remove the chicken from the oven. Garnish with 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley. Transfer to a plate and serve.
Tips to make the juiciest, tastiest chicken breast:
- Cut into the chicken to create a pocket. You will later rub oil and seasonings into this pocket to marinate the chicken.
- Make a diagonal incision when you cut into the chicken. This will create a downward slope inside the chicken. When the chicken cooks and releases its juices, they will be drawn down the slope, helping to keep it moist.
- Brush or rub oil on the chicken to keep it juicy.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 5 minutes. If you’re busy, let it marinate ahead of time in the fridge for up to 2 hours.
- Cover the chicken. You can wrap the whole baking tray tightly in aluminum foil and put it in to bake. As mentioned, we also put lemon slices on top of the chicken breasts for an extra layer of covering.