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–+ servings

Easy Southwest Baked Chicken Breast

This Easy Southwest Baked Chicken Breast is packed with Tex-Mex flavor, solving the common kitchen dilemma of bland chicken with minimal effort. Seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and other southwest spices, this chicken bakes up juicy and perfect for bowls or tacos, transforming weeknight dinners from boring to brilliant in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Southwestern, Tex-Mex
Servings 4 servings
Calories 225 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Meat thermometer

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 2 pounds
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Southwest Seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika smoked paprika works beautifully
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat

For Finishing

  • 1 lime juiced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
  • Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If your chicken breasts are very thick, consider slicing them horizontally or pounding them to an even thickness of about ¾ inch for more consistent cooking.
  • Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil on both sides, then generously coat with the southwest seasoning mixture, pressing gently to adhere. For maximum flavor penetration, let the seasoned chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before baking.
  • Place the seasoned chicken on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
  • Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken and sprinkle with chopped cilantro just before serving.

Notes

Not patting chicken dry before seasoning reduces flavor adhesion significantly.
Avoid overcooking - chicken breasts dry out quickly past 165°F.
For meal prep, this chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
For a lower-fat version, omit the oil and use olive oil cooking spray instead.

Nutrition

Calories: 225kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 35gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 410mgPotassium: 450mgVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 8mg
Keyword Chicken, Southwest Chicken, Baked Chicken, Healthy Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe
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