Entrée: United States – Roast Chicken Breast

Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.

Serving Size: 2

Approximate Time

Prep 10 min

Cook 40 min

Additional 5 min

Total 55 min

Ingredients

2 bone-in chicken breasts, about 1.25 lb total (570 g total)
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 / 2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp paprika
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, sliced
Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)

Instructions

1. **Preheat Your Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Prepare the Chicken**: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp up. Place them on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan.
3. **Season the Chicken**: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, black pepper, thyme, paprika, and minced garlic. Rub this mixture evenly over the entire surface of the chicken breasts.
4. **Add Aromatics**: Place the lemon slices both under and over the chicken breasts. This will infuse the chicken with a bright citrus flavor. If using, place rosemary sprigs around the chicken.
5. **Roast in the Oven**: Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the meat is cooked through while remaining juicy.
6. **Let It Rest**: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
7. **Serve**: Slice the chicken breasts and serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or a green salad, to complete the meal. Enjoy the classic, herb-infused flavors of this traditional roast chicken.