Easy Baked Chicken Breast

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts (boneless skinless)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil ((or as needed))
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)

Instructions

1. 1

   Take the chicken breasts out of the fridge (it's good to let them warm up a bit first before baking). Preheat your oven to 450F and move the rack to the top third of the oven.

2. 2

   Combine the spice rub ingredients in a small bowl.

3. 3

   Add the chicken breasts to a baking dish or foil-lined baking sheet and coat all over with olive oil, followed by the rub (use your hands).

4. 4

   Bake, uncovered, for 18-20 minutes for medium-sized chicken breasts (try 15 minutes for small ones, and you may need longer for very large ones) or until an instant read thermometer registers 160F. Let rest for 5 minutes until juices redistribute and it comes to 165F (safe chicken temperature). Slice or serve as-is, and spoon the pan juices over top if desired.