Tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, baked split chicken breasts are a perfect meal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The bone-in, skin-on chicken breast stays moist during baking while the skin crisps to golden perfection. This dish is incredibly versatile, pairing well with your favorite sides, from roasted vegetables to creamy mashed potatoes. With minimal prep and a simple seasoning blend, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 2 split chicken breasts (bone-in, skin-on)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up during baking.
- Place the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet.
- Season the chicken:
- Drizzle olive oil over each chicken breast and rub it in to coat evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, pepper, and salt.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken, ensuring even coverage. Gently rub it into the skin.
- Bake:
- Arrange lemon slices around and on top of the chicken for extra flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35–45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer at the thickest part of the breast.
- Rest and serve:
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes to retain its juices.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve with your favorite sides.
Enjoy this easy yet elegant dish that highlights the simplicity and flavor of perfectly baked split chicken breasts!
