easy baked boneless skinless chicken breast recipes for college students
Cooking in college can be a challenge, especially when you’re juggling classes, studying, and perhaps even a part-time job. When it comes to quick, healthy, and affordable meals, boneless skinless chicken breasts are a go-to choice. They’re versatile, easy to cook, and can be dressed up in countless ways. In this article, we’ll explore several easy baked boneless skinless chicken breast recipes that are perfect for college students. These recipes are not only simple but also budget-friendly, allowing you to create satisfying meals without breaking the bank.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, oregano, and lemon juice to create a marinade.
- Place the chicken breasts in the bowl and coat them evenly with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes. For even better flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Arrange the marinated chicken breasts on the baking sheet, ensuring they are spread apart for even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and has an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Once done, remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve with your favorite sides.
More Easy Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Recipes
1. Honey Mustard Baked Chicken
This sweet and tangy honey mustard baked chicken is another easy recipe that will become a staple in your college cooking repertoire. The marinade of honey, mustard, and soy sauce creates a mouthwatering glaze that perfectly complements the chicken.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well coated.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with rice or a fresh salad.
2. Italian Herb Baked Chicken
If you’re a fan of Italian flavors, this Italian herb baked chicken recipe is for you. The combination of Italian seasoning, garlic, and olive oil makes this dish savory and aromatic.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the mixture all over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.
- Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Serve with your favorite pasta or steamed vegetables.
3. BBQ Baked Chicken
This BBQ baked chicken recipe is perfect for those who love bold flavors. Slathered in your favorite barbecue sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and season with salt and pepper.
- Pour barbecue sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Leave to rest for a few minutes before serving with coleslaw or corn on the cob.
FAQs
1. How can I ensure my chicken is juicy?
To keep your chicken juicy, avoid overcooking it. Using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) will help you achieve perfectly cooked chicken every time.
2. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and baking for even cooking.
3. What sides go well with baked chicken?
Some great sides for baked chicken include steamed vegetables, rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with mashed potatoes or baked potatoes for a heartier meal.
4. How do I store leftover baked chicken?
Store leftover baked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave.
With these easy baked boneless skinless chicken breast recipes, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious meals without spending too much time or money. Experiment with different seasonings and sides to keep your meals exciting and satisfying. Happy cooking!
