Baking a chicken breast is a simple, healthy, and delicious way to cook this popular protein. Follow these 10 easy steps to bake the perfect chicken breast.

1. Preheat your oven: Before starting, preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) is essential. This will allow the chicken to cook evenly throughout.

2. Choose your chicken: Pick fresh, boneless, and skinless chicken breasts for best results. They should be roughly the same size so that they cook evenly.

3. Prepare your baking dish: Lightly grease a shallow baking dish with oil or nonstick spray. This will prevent the chicken breasts from sticking.

4. Clean and prep the chicken: Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water, then pat dry with paper towels. This helps remove any bacteria from the surface.

5. Season your chicken: Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs such as garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning.

6. Arrange the chicken breasts: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the greased baking dish, ensuring they are not touching or overcrowded for even cooking.

7. Add moisture: Pour a small amount of liquid (e.g., chicken broth, water, or lemon juice) into the dish—just enough to cover the bottom for added moisture during baking to prevent drying out.

8. Bake the chicken breasts: Put the baking dish in the preheated oven on the middle rack and bake for 25-30 minutes, depending on thickness and size of the breasts. If you have a meat thermometer, it should register at least 165°F (74°C) when done.

9. Check for doneness: Using a fork or knife, cut into one of the thickest parts of the largest chicken breast to check if it’s cooked through and juices run clear.

10. Rest and serve: Remove the baked chicken breasts from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making for a tender and flavorful dish.

And there you have it! Follow these 10 simple steps to bake the perfect chicken breast. Be creative with seasonings, sauces, and sides to create delightful and heartwarming meals your loved ones will enjoy!