Chicken breasts are a versatile and lean cut of meat from the chest of the chicken. They are popular in many cuisines due to their mild flavor and adaptability to various cooking methods. Here are some common ways to prepare chicken breasts:

1. Grilling: Marinate or season the breasts and cook them on a grill until they are cooked through and have nice grill marks.
2. Baking: Season the breasts and bake them in the oven. This method can include using a breadcrumb coating or stuffing them with herbs and cheese.
3. Pan-frying: Cook the breasts in a skillet with a bit of oil or butter until golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside.
4. Poaching: Gently simmer the breasts in water or broth until they are fully cooked, which keeps them moist and tender.
5. Stir-frying: Cut the breasts into strips or cubes and quickly cook them in a hot pan with vegetables and sauce for a fast and healthy meal.

Chicken breasts can be used in various recipes, such as salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, soups, and casseroles. They are also a staple in meal prep because they can be easily cooked in bulk and stored for later use.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 lemon (optional, for serving)
• Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl or on a plate.
3. Season the chicken: Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken breasts. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing it in gently.
4. Arrange in a baking dish: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish in a single layer.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken breasts reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are no longer pink in the center.
6. Rest: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken moist.
7. Serve: Slice the chicken breasts and serve with lemon wedges and fresh herbs if desired.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken breasts in the olive oil and seasoning mixture for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator before baking.
• You can also add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or broccoli to the baking dish for a one-pan meal.

Enjoy your baked chicken breasts with your favorite side dishes!