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Close-up of juicy baked chicken with pantry spices, sliced and served with mashed potatoes.

Juicy Baked Chicken: 1 Pantry Spice Secret

This recipe teaches you how to bake juicy chicken breasts using only pantry spices. It's a simple, reliable method for a flavorful family dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 11 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 31 minutes
Servings: 4 chicken breasts
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts of similar size
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, unsalted butter, or combination of both

Equipment

  • Frying pan
  • Jar or glass
  • Small frying pan
  • Lid
  • Instant-read thermometer

Method
 

  1. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness with the bottom of a wide jar or glass. You can also use the bottom of a small frying pan.
  2. Lightly season the chicken with kosher salt and black pepper.
  3. Heat a frying pan large enough to fit the chicken in a single layer over medium-high heat. When it is quite hot, add the olive oil (or butter, if using). Swirl the pan so it is lightly covered with the olive oil.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chicken breasts. Cook undisturbed for about 1 minute to help them get a little golden on one side.
  5. Flip each chicken breast over. Reduce the heat to low.
  6. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid. Set a timer for 10 minutes, and do not lift the lid or peek.
  7. After 10 minutes, turn off the heat. If you have an electric stove, remove the pan from the heat. Reset the timer for 10 minutes and leave the chicken breasts in the pan. Do not lift the lid or peek.
  8. After the 10 minutes are up, uncover and use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken should be at least 165°F. Slice and eat.

Notes

This recipe is a base for many flavors. You can add your favorite pantry spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs, or a pinch of cayenne for heat.

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