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The Very Best Baked Chicken

This delicious chicken recipe gets its flavor from a dry rub. A dry rub spice mixture is made of paprika, thyme, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, pepper, chili powder and brown sugar. The chicken is rubbed with the spices and marinated for 30 minutes. A pat of butter is placed on top of each chicken piece before baking.
Course Entree
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 3 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper optional
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • 4 whole chicken breasts boneless, skinless
  • ¼ cup butter

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper.
  2. Place the chicken in a large zip top bag and pour the seasoning over the chicken, shake the chicken to coat.
  3. Transfer the chicken to the refrigerator and marinate 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
  4. Preheat oven to 425 F.
  5. Remove chicken from bag and arrange on a baking sheet lined with foil. Place 1 tbsp of butter on top of each chicken breast.
  6. Bake chicken in the oven 20-30 minutes or until thermometer shows 165 F.
  7. Remove chicken from oven. Cover with foil. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Recipe Notes

If using 5 oz pieces bake 14-16 minutes, 8 oz pieces bake 16-20 minutes or 10-12 oz pieces bake 20-30 minutes.