Oven-Cooked Chicken Breast

Ingredients

• chicken breast

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 400°F with a rack in the middle position.
2. Pat the chicken dry. Rub with a little butter or olive oil, if desired.
3. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any other favorite seasonings.
4. Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish, spaced slightly apart. You can also tuck herbs or lemon wedges around the chicken for extra flavor.
5. Lay the parchment, butter-side down, over the chicken. Tuck the edges into the pan and press the parchment down so that it's snug around the chicken. The chicken breasts should be completely covered with the parchment.
6. Bake until the chicken registers 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. Start checking after 20 minutes; total cooking time is usually 30 to 40 minutes.