🍗 Baked Bone-In Chicken Breast

🍽️ Dish Type: Main

🕰️ Total Time: ~45–55 minutes

🍴 Servings: 2–4

🔥 Method: Oven Baked

🌟 Flavor Profile: Savory, herby, juicy with crispy skin

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📝 Ingredients:

• 2 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
• Lemon wedges & fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

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🔥 Directions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   Set oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking dish or sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prep Chicken:
   Pat chicken dry with paper towels (for crispy skin!). Rub with oil or butter.
3. Season Generously:
   Mix seasonings in a bowl, then rub all over chicken — under the skin too if you want more flavor.
4. Bake:
   Place chicken breasts skin-side up. Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 165°F at the thickest part.
5. Rest Before Serving:
   Let rest for 5–10 minutes to keep the juices in. Slice and serve with your favorite sides!

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✅ Tips:

• For extra crisp skin: Broil for the last 2–3 minutes.
• Add veggies (like carrots, potatoes, or onions) around the chicken for a one-pan meal.
• Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness — don’t guess!

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❓ Should I Cover the Chicken Breasts When Baking in the Oven?

No, do not cover them if you want crispy skin.

• Leaving the chicken uncovered allows the skin to brown and crisp up.
• If you cover it, the skin will steam and stay soft, not golden.

🔍 Exception:
If you’re baking skinless or want extra-moist meat without browning, you can tent with foil for the first part of baking, then uncover to finish.

🧑‍🍳 Pro Tip:
If the skin isn’t crisping up in the last few minutes, turn on the broiler for 2–3 minutes (watch closely!).

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🍽️ What to Serve with Baked Chicken Breasts?

Here are some Southern-style and classic side ideas that pair beautifully:

🥔 Starches:

• Mashed potatoes or garlic red potatoes
• Mac and cheese (baked or stovetop)
• Rice pilaf or buttered white rice
• Cornbread or biscuit bread
• Roasted sweet potatoes

🥦 Veggies:

• Roasted green beans, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts
• Sautéed spinach or collard greens
• Southern-style green beans with bacon
• Steamed broccoli with lemon butter

🥗 Light Sides:

• Cucumber & tomato salad
• Coleslaw
• Garden salad with vinaigrette
• Fruit salad for something refreshing

🍋 And don’t forget a lemon wedge or fresh herbs on top of your chicken to brighten everything up!

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